[NickN]

JETSTAR has become the first Australian airline to be prosecuted and fined for breaching Sydney Airport's curfew.

The airline was fined $148,500 in Sydney's Downing Centre Local Court yesterday for breaching the curfew on December 3, 2007, federal Transport Minister Anthony Albanese said.

Jetstar pleaded guilty to the breach in January 2009.

Mr Albanese said a Jetstar flight breached the curfew when it departed Sydney airport about 30 minutes after the 11pm curfew, even though an application for dispensation was rejected.

The court decision sent a strong message to other airlines, Mr Albanese said.

"Compliance with curfew legislation must be observed," he said.

"The government remains committed to the retention of the existing curfew and cap on movements at Sydney Airport."

The maximum penalty for a curfew breach is $500,000

http://www.news.com.au/dailytelegrap...013605,00.html