Fast trains have claimed another aviation victim in China, with China Southern and Henan Airlines giving up the Wuhan-Nanjing route. Ominously for aviation, the carriers decided they were unable to compete over that stage length against trains that by Chinese standards are only moderately fast, with maximum speeds of 250 kph (160 mph). The two cities are 450 km (280 mi.) apart, and the trains take three hours for the trip. More decisive than their speed probably was their fares—just 180 yuan ($27) each way.

In two-class arrangements, the current versions of the Bombardier Canadair Regional Jet family seat 66-92 passengers. An incorrect top number was published in Aviation Daily March 30.

Australia’s transport forces will undergo an unexpected shakeup, with the government seeking two logistics ships and an extra Boeing C-17 that were not planned. The ships, probably a second-hand Bay-class assault vessel from Britain and a fast multi-hull ferry from an Australian builder, will be introduced because of the near collapse of the Royal Australian Navy’s amphibious fleet due to unserviceability.