From what I hear CAsA tried for a 28 day extension to the grounding and didn't get it. Instead were forced into mediation.
According to CAsA's tweets they are happy with this, but my mate has said Barrier have been asking for talks with CAsA for a while now with a stern NO being the reply to any such requests. Funny how they're happy to talk, now that they have to.
edit - from the horses mouth
MEDIA RELEASE
For immediate release - February 15th 2013 (Cairns)
“Judge orders mediation”
In a Federal Court hearing held in Sydney today the Judge has ordered that CASA and Barrier Aviation move to mediation early next week in a step to resolve a number of alleged issues. A second hearing will take place on Friday, 22nd of February in Sydney.
Mr David Kilin, Managing Director of Barrier Aviation explained “we feel that mediation is a major step in the right direction and it is certainly something we have been pushing for since being grounded in December.
The fact that mediation and the follow up Court hearing will take place within seven days is an indication that both parties want to resolve any alleged issues quickly. We applaud this response as the financial strain of being grounded for so long is certainly proving challenging.
That said, we have to look forward. We continue to stand by our 20 year history and safety record and we welcome the opportunity to defend our name and reputation. We remain extremely grateful for the overwhelming support we continue to receive from throughout Cairns, Cape York, Torres Strait and Darwin.”
END