Australian Aviation Podcast Network (Momentum Media)

What is the RAAF’s greatest ever aircraft? The Classic Hornet? F-111? Or perhaps, the Boomerang?

In this week’s episode, host Phil Tarrant and guest Adam Thorn discuss Australian Aviation’s poll to find out which should win out, timed to coincide with our Air Force’s 100th birthday.

Plus, the pair chat about the Network Wars between Qantas and Rex, which have been launching flights on each other’s patches.

Is either airline in the wrong? Or is this just the healthy competition the industry needs right now?

As Victoria and NSW’s long lockdowns linger on, the aviation industry is quietly readying itself for the quicker-than-thought return of international travel.

In this week’s episode of the Australian Aviation Podcast, Adam Thorn and Hannah Dowling ask if the industry is prepared to get planes flying again, with confusion over how COVID-safe protocols will work.

And with foreign airlines circling to snap up locked-down Aussie aviation workers, does the industry have a plan to keep hold of its best people?

Finally, the pair discuss the future of vaccine passports as Rex opts in as the UK opts out.

As the “big four” airports – Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth – bring in record revenues for their aeronautical operations, they’re starting to splash a lot of that cash on future-proofing their infrastructure.

Between third runways, terminal renovations, new safety technologies, and of course the ongoing construction of a second Sydney international gateway, airports on both sides of the Tasman are set to spend billions on upgrades over the next decade.

Adam and Jake look at some of the latest projects in the spotlight and what they mean for the sector as it continues to recover from the lingering effects of the pandemic.

Plus, does the government’s proposed aviation charter of customer rights go too far – or not far enough?

As restrictions ease, airlines are - slowly and with baby steps - starting to take to the skies for recreational travel. Air New Zealand became one of the first, as the country moved from 'Level 3' to 'Level 2' rules that meant Kiwis are now encouraged to leave their homes and see friends and family.

Host Phil Tarrant and Australian Aviation's Adam Thorn talk about exactly what the flying experience under the 'new normal' will be like - with social distancing on board, touchless kiosks and no tickets checked at the terminal entrance.

They'll also discuss an unprecedented war of words between the Federal Government and the state of Queensland, which threw its hat into the ring for control of a reborn Virgin Australia. Is there a motive beyond simply saving Brisbane jobs and is Richard Branson, one of the last big beasts of aviation, lurking in the background?

Domestic travel in Australia may have bounced back to pre-pandemic highs, but our international passenger traffic is still far down on 2019.

In this special episode, Adelaide Airport’s MD, Brenton Cox, talks through how his organisation coped during those tough COVID-19 days and what we got right and wrong.

He tells host Adam Thorn that we must learn the lessons of 2020 for the future and argues that state border closures should have been decided by the federal government rather than state governments.

Finally, the pair discuss what Australia needs to do as a nation to encourage tourists to return and how the industry can navigate its staff shortages. 

Captain Tom House is Babcock Australasia’s chief pilot and head of flying operations (onshore).

In this special episode of the Australian Aviation Podcast, Captain House tells host Adam Thorn how Babcock collaborates with customers to provide critical emergency medical services, search and rescue, and law enforcement within Australia’s aviation sector.

He also discusses the history of the company and how it fits into the larger international operation.

Finally, he provides insight into how the business navigated COVID, the lessons learnt and how he thinks the industry will transition into a post-pandemic world.

Weren’t things going so well? Domestic aviation had seen record low prices, record high planes in the air and almost all employees back to work.

However, Victoria’s latest lockdown has sent the industry back into crisis mode. This week, Adam and Phil discuss what it means – and how big the damage could be.

The team also discusses last week’s big interview with Rex deputy chairman John Sharp, who talked about the long-running disagreement between the regional airline and Qantas.

Finally, the podcast investigates whether coffee by drone is a good thing, or not. 

This week, debate continued to wage over the state of Australia’s domestic and international borders, as Queensland and Western Australia stand strong on their hard borders.

In this episode of the Australian Aviation Podcast, host Adam Thorn and reporter Hannah Dowling discuss where we stand in our journey towards the re-opening of state and international borders.

Plus, the team reveals NSW’s roadmap out of lockdown, and how this will impact the aviation sector.

Finally, the crew discusses Qantas’ major move away from Perth, as the state’s borders cause the airline to reconsider its flagship London-Perth route.

In amongst the border closures, groundings and rows, it can be easy to forget the impact of COVID-19 on airline pilots themselves, who have found their industry has effectively shut down.

In this episode of the Australian Aviation podcast, hosts Phil Tarrant and Christian “Boo” Boucousis speak to Mark Sedgwick, the executive director of Australian and International Pilots Association, about how pilots are adapting to the new normal.
He discusses why states should sign up to a national framework on border closures, how many of his members have found work elsewhere and why he has worked hard to build a good relationship with the Qantas Group.

He also tells long-time friend Boo what advice he would give to governments trying to protect the profession for the next generation.

This week, the RAAF’s attempts to evacuate thousands of Australians from Kabul Airport in Afghanistan became mainstream news.

In this episode, Phil and Adam talk about the latest updates and discuss whether the war in Afghanistan was always unwinnable.

Plus, COVID and aviation stories intertwine again as state premiers appear to diverge on when the country should open up.

Finally, the pair talk through the latest issue of the Australian Aviation print magazine. 

After a brief period of open borders, this week, airlines have again been forced to cancel hundreds of flights and slash their flight schedules as the Omicron surge continues to send staff into isolation.

In this episode of the Australian Aviation Podcast, host Adam Thorn and reporter Hannah Dowling discuss Virgin’s proactive decision to announce dramatic flight schedule changes amid ongoing staff shortages, that are sure to be similarly impacting the other airlines.

Plus, the team talks about Qantas’ major decision to pivot away from previously preferred planemaker Boeing, and head towards a nearly all-Airbus fleet over the next two decades.

Finally, Adam eagerly raises the topic of Labour’s new plan to make the lucrative Golden Triangle redundant, by means of high-speed rail.

As Rex has limped on in administration over the past half-year, with prospects for a sale dimming, the question has occasionally been asked: might the government step in more forcefully to keep its essential services in the air?

Now we have our answer: if the administrators can’t find a buyer, the government is looking at the option to buy Rex itself, which would make the carrier the first in Australia to be publicly owned since the privatisation of Qantas around 30 years ago. But what would await the government if it were to stump up the cash for the ailing airline – and is it a good idea in the first place?

Adam and Jake discuss what might be behind the decision, and whether it’s scuppered any chance for a commercial sale.

Plus, with the ACCC looking to wave the Qatar deal through, are Virgin Australia flights to Doha now all but inevitable?

Australia’s unique geography arguably makes it more reliant on parapublic aviation services than most countries in the world.

In this special episode of the Australian Aviation Podcast, host Adam Thorn talks to Bell Flight’s Dan McQuestin about how these services have evolved over the years.

A helicopter pilot himself, McQuestin talks through the modern uses and advances in both police and search and rescue aircraft.

Finally, he explains how the business is embracing and transitioning into the future, with remotely piloted and electric aircraft on the horizon.

New Qantas CEO Vanessa Hudson had been conspicuous by her absence since taking the top job in aviation.

However, last Friday, she recorded a video message to consumers, apologising for the Flying Kangaroo’s performance and pledging to improve the situation.

Adam, Chris and Jake discuss how well she came across and whether her intervention will help stop the endless waves of bad publicity.

Plus, with more sales figures in, has Bonza really proved its doubters wrong?   

COVID has caused untold damage to pilots currently working in the industry, but the plight of those taking their first steps into the profession is often forgotten.

In this special episode of the Australian Aviation Podcast, host Adam Thorn speaks to Mark Dixon and Lyn Gray, from training school Fly Oz, to get advice and reassurance for those thinking about climbing into the cockpit.

They highlight how an underlying pilot shortage is reason for optimism, why aviation will bounce back stronger than we think and what newcomers should look for in an instructor.

Finally, the passionate pair talk about what inspired them to pursue their dreams of a career in the skies.

Think your airfares are bad? Spare a thought for the people of Darwin, who according to a recent ABC Stateline report, are having to pay thousands of dollars – even months in advance – for an interstate flight.

Both Qantas Group and Virgin have denied any accusations of price gouging, with Qantas blaming various regional and seasonal factors while Virgin is pointing the finger squarely at Darwin Airport and its high fees – but are they right?

Adam and Jake take a look at the situation up north and whether a bit more competition could cool down prices in the tropical Top End.

Plus, who won this month’s coveted Huey Award for reliability – and is it better to delay a flight than cancel it?

In this episode of the Australian Aviation Podcast, host Phil Tarrant and guest Air Vice Marshall (Ret’d) John Quaife, AM, sit down to discuss John’s new book Viking Boys.

A former Air Commander Australia, John spent nearly three decades in the Royal Australian Air Force as a fighter pilot. After retiring from the force, he became a member of the Defence Honours and Awards Appeals Tribunal, where he learnt incredible stories of untold and remarkable bravery and honour from Australian forces.

Viking Boys tells the story of Beaufighter pilot James Hakewill and his navigator Fred Sides, who died on 5 December 1944 when their aircraft slammed into a German gunboat in a fjord in Norway.

While official records contain no mention of the aircraft hitting the ship, John reveals what truly happened on 5 December 1944.

In the last two weeks, headlines have been filled with concerning insights into the corporate culture of both Qantas and Virgin, as customers grow increasingly frustrated with the current state of affairs.

In this episode of the Australian Aviation Podcast, hosts Adam Thorn and Hannah Dowling discuss this week’s viral story of photos showing Qantas A330 crew sleeping across economy passenger seats onboard a flight from Brisbane-LA.

Plus, what do these photos have in common with ongoing EBA disputes between Qantas and its cabin crew, eight-hour long customer service hold-times, and chaotic scenes at airports?

Finally, the team discuss their thoughts on Virgin’s ongoing corporate culture problems, and whether they think there’s more to this story.

Australia and New Zealand’s aviation industries are nearly at the end of our COVID nightmare. But now what?

In this special episode of the Australian Aviation Podcast, Adam Thorn and Oceania Aviation’s Dwayne McCalman discuss the challenges of the last 12 months and how we can work together to conquer them.

They discuss difficulties over supply chains, freight shortages and border closures, and McCalman explains how Oceania has found ways to mitigate those issues to keep essential aircraft in the air.

Plus, insight into how the industry should work harder to encourage the next generation to take up careers in engineering, as we battle tough skill shortages.

Earlier this year, UNSW Aviation held a special panel at the university, examining how a just culture can be improved to facilitate advances in aviation safety.  

The session featured a panel of industry experts who gave a diverse range of views, including figures from CASA, Qantas and the Australian and International Air Pilots Association.

It was chaired by UNSW School of Aviation’s Head of School, Brett Molesworth – a man with a unique background as both a pilot and professor in human factors.

In this special podcast, we’re giving our audience the chance to listen to the full debate.

COVID has been the biggest shock traditional aviation has ever seen. Still, in the background, the UAV industry is booming, with drones taking on tasks from fighting bushfires to delivering medication and filming movies.

In this special episode of the Australian Aviation podcast, UAV Training Australia’s Wayne Condon reveals how savvy pilots of major airliners are now retraining to take advantage of this growing sector.

He tells host Adam Thorn what raw skills are needed to make the transition, how UAVs and aircraft flying differs and just what leaps in technology have facilitated its growth.  

Finally, the pair discuss what the future holds as new industries embrace change, young people enter the profession, and AI enters the mix.

Earlier this month, the Australian Aviation team welcomed Virgin chief executive Paul Scurrah on to this podcast to talk about his plans for the airline. And now, out of nowhere, he’s gone.

This week, a bemused Phil Tarrant and Adam Thorn discuss just what might or might not have happened? Did owners Bain do the dirty or do we need to give the new CEO the benefit of the doubt? Are the unions giving the new approach a fair go, or rightly standing their ground? And what does this mean for the industry?

Plus, the team talk more about the chaos and confusion caused by the one-way travel bubble with New Zealand. Who exactly is to blame, or is this just an unprecedented situation?

Finally, as Microsoft Flight Simulator gets its Harbour Bridge, Adam and Phil ask why it was omitted in the first place.

This week, Bonza unveiled its new ‘wear it your way’ uniforms, while the ACCC revealed that Australia’s domestic passenger capacity reached 89 per cent of pre-COVID levels in April.

In this episode of the Australian Aviation podcast, hosts Adam Thorn and Hannah Dowling discuss how aviation’s recovery continues to catch the industry off guard.

Plus, the team reveals Bonza’s plan for its crew to don shorts, blazers, and sneakers aboard its fleet of Boeing 737 MAX jets.

Finally, the crew discuss the newest developments in Rex and Qantas's ongoing feud over network decisions.

With Bonza gone and Rex fighting for its life in voluntary administration, the spotlight has once again turned to an old argument: that slot allocation at Sydney Airport unfairly advantages the major players.

As the federal government looks to put Sydney slot management out to tender, do Qantas and Virgin really have their thumbs on the scales, as former ACCC chair Rod Sims has suggested?

Adam and Jake look at the arguments on each side and the other factors that played into Bonza and Rex’s respective failures.

Plus, Boeing appoints an engineer as its new CEO – is this a positive sign for the planemaker’s culture, or will the same old failures continue?

Amanda Harrison attempted to recreate the first solo flight by a woman from England to Australia in 1930.

That original journey was undertaken by the pioneering Amy Johnson in a Gipsy Moth, so Harrison, attempting to be as true to the challenge as possible, undertook hers in a 1942 Tiger Moth.

Unfortunately, she had to abandon her mission due to airspace restrictions in 2019, but she did have some adventures on the way.

In this special podcast, Harrison talks to host Adam Thorn about her incredible flight – and what’s next. 

It’s results season, and Qantas, Air New Zealand and Alliance have all posted profits – though the narrative around them is very different.

Qantas is slightly down on last year, but still above pre-COVID profits, while Air New Zealand has seen its own profit slashed in half due to economic headwinds – and while Alliance posted the smallest profit in absolute terms, the record high has it celebrating a successful year.

Adam and Jake cut through the spin and discuss what the year’s results say about how the airlines are really doing.

Plus, there’s been a lot of buzz in recent weeks about “Koala Airlines” – but are we genuinely going to see a new domestic carrier any time soon?

It wasn’t the news more than 300 Bonza employees wanted to hear – but after a buyer for the grounded carrier failed to materialise, administrator Hall Chadwick has sacked all staff and cancelled every future flight.

With Bonza now seeming to be running on borrowed time, is there now any hope for a miracle rescue or a silver lining for hundreds of dedicated staff members now out of a job?

Adam and Jake examine the bad news and ask what’s next for Bonza, its erstwhile staff – and its administrator.

Plus, Rex embarks on a major leadership shake-up, putting a local CEO in charge for the first time – so who is the Aussie set to lead Australia’s third largest airline group?

The Australian Aviation Awards 2023 are on course to be the biggest in our history.

In this episode, Adam, Chris and Jake discuss why you need to take this last chance to enter and share their tips for becoming a nominee.

Plus, the team discusses the biggest news stories of the week, including the latest on noise for locals near Brisbane Airport, WSI’s first airlines and hydrogen planes in Queensland.

Finally, with Qantas overhauling its uniform policy, was it ever a good idea to make women working as cabin crew wear high heels on long-haul flights?

Pet-loving passengers rejoice – Virgin Australia is allowing literal ‘sky kittens’ on its planes, with small dogs and cats soon to be allowed in the cabin on select domestic flights.

Naturally, there are caveats, of course: pets will need to be confined to approved carriers stored under the seat in front, and will be limited to certain rows, so your beloved pooch or pussycat won’t be running around the cabin or nestling in your lap.

Adam and Jake discuss whether this is a good idea – or whether the airline will soon be dogged by catastrophe.

Plus, after a terrifying plunge for LATAM passengers over the Tasman Sea, will Boeing’s popular 787 Dreamliner join the beleaguered 737 MAX in the sin bin?

If the last year was stressful, then spare a thought for the one man directly involved in every twist and turn, TWU national secretary Michael Kaine.

In this episode of the Australian Aviation Podcast, Adam Thorn speaks to one of the industry’s most influential figures about the biggest stories of the last few months.

The pair discuss the union’s rocky relationship with Qantas and its chief executive, Alan Joyce, whether Virgin really is genuine about its promises to become a mid-market carrier, and Rex’s entry into the Golden Triangle.

Finally, the pair talk about JobKeeper and what will happen if it doesn’t continue for aviation at the end of next month.  

Aviation’s deep freeze shows no sign of thawing – but this week Alan Joyce broke cover to reassure staff stand-downs will be avoided. For now.

In this week’s episode, Phil and Adam discuss the latest situation with borders and lockdowns, and ask how quickly domestic aviation can recover.

Plus, Australian Aviation talks through its story aiming to track down all the Qantas 747s in boneyards. How did we do it… and what happens when an aircraft reaches the Pearly Gates?

Finally, Air New Zealand is now Australia’s biggest international airline. What does this mean for bragging rights across the Tasman? 

After missing out on our usual news-loaded podcasts for a few weeks, the team sure had plenty to catch up on this week.

In this episode of the Australian Aviation Podcast, hosts Adam Thorn and Hannah Dowling give you the run-down, spanning everything from flash floods, tensions in Europe and financial results.

Plus, Bonza has seen turbulent times this week with the shock departure of its chief operating officer just months ahead of its planned launch and increasing scepticism from across the industry.

Finally, learn more about how Australian Aviation is gearing up for its inaugural awards ceremony in what is going to be the industry’s post-pandemic “night of nights”.

Qantas this week announced a record-breaking order for aircraft, after firming up an order for 12 Airbus A350-1000s, alongside up to 134 A321XLR and A220s to replace its domestic fleet.

In this episode of the Australian Aviation Podcast, hosts Adam Thorn and Hannah Dowling discuss Qantas’ major Project Sunrise milestone and what this means for future passengers.

Plus, the crew talks through the current state of domestic aviation, Virgin’s new 737 MAX order, and Qantas’ Project Winton deliveries.

Finally, the team reveals new insights into the slow recovery of the international travel sector and shares their predictions for what to expect next.

It’s been a long, 18-month COVID pandemic, but it looks like commercial international flights to Australia could return sooner than we would have thought.

This week, a returning Phil Tarrant and guest Adam Thorn talk through what a restart could mean for our industry. Will the announcement of a firm date spark more carriers into joining Qantas from 14 November?

Plus, the pair talk about the other big topics, including NSW’s new Premier, the RAAF replacing its damaged Growler and a record 17-hour repatriation flight.

Finally, what are the ramifications from Google’s announcement that it is sending delivery drones from a shopping mall roof direct to people’s homes?

How do big Australian primes work with smaller businesses in the supply chain?

In this special podcast, host Adam Thorn interviews Chris Hess, Head of Industrial Development at Lockheed Martin Australia and Gavin New, the general manager of Ronson Gears.

The pair have been working together on a range of projects across defence and aerospace and reveal the secrets behind making the relationship work, as well as dispelling some myths behind supply chain collaboration.

Finally, Chris discusses the importance of Australia boosting its sovereign industry capability as industries emerge from the pandemic.

More than two years since our Black Summer, Australia is beginning to rethink how we fight bushfires in the air.

On this special episode of the Australian Aviation Podcast, host Adam Thorn speaks to Wayne Coulson, the CEO of one of the world’s leading aerial fighting companies.

He talks about why we should be fighting fires at night; why companies, not governments, should lead innovation; and how technology is already helping us predict how fires will spread.

Finally, the pair describes how seasons are becoming more intense and longer, and why we can’t count on other countries for help.  

It sounds mad, but it’s real: Virgin Orbit has perfected audacious technology to fire rockets from refurbished Boeing 747s.

Speaking exclusively from LA, the business’ CEO, Dan Hart, tells the Australian Aviation Podcast how the plan will open satellite launches up to more countries by turning airports into spaceports.

The pair also discuss how the technology works, the company’s ambition to launch imminently in the UK, and how Hart works with Virgin Group founder Richard Branson.

Among the chaos of COVID turning the industry on its head, it’s often easy to forget the effect this once-in-a-century event has had on the unsung heroes in air traffic control, and the tech that supports them.

In this special episode of the Australian Aviation Podcast, Adam Thorn speaks to Martin Rampl, the managing director of Frequentis Australasia, which supplies the communication and information systems to our air traffic control centres.

Martin reveals how his team rapidly changed the way they worked to support our critical infrastructure during those heady days in late March.

He also discusses the secrets behind the science of communicating with aircraft, how reliability can make the difference between life and death, and why our technology must keep evolving to ensure Australian aviation remains well connected and safe.

In this special episode of the Australian Aviation Podcast, host Adam Thorn talks to Bell Flight’s Terry Miyauchi, who previously headed up Arizona Police’s Aviation Unit.

The former pilot discusses how law enforcement agencies use helicopters in 2021 and how the technology onboard has evolved over the years.

Plus, he explains why both emergency services and defence still favour the Bell 429, which first flew more than a decade ago.

Finally, with drone uptake increasing and electric aircraft on the horizon, what is the future of parapublic aviation?

In a spectacular proof of concept, Virgin Atlantic has flown the world’s first commercial flight – from London to New York – powered entirely by sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) derived from waste fats and plant sugars.

At a time when standards dictate a maximum of 50 per cent SAF blend, will Virgin Atlantic’s argument of “if you make it, we’ll fly it” spur further action from industry and governments?

Jake and Adam discuss the implications of the flight and how it could be a major step on the road to net zero.

Plus, Mildura Airport repairs its runway almost as fast as the lightning that struck it, Virgin boosts its 737 MAX 8 order, Airservices reveals why there’s no “magic number” for ATC staffing, and do Australian air passengers need a “bill of rights”?

The COVID-19 crisis may have receded, but it’s been replaced by soaring inflation, rising interest rates, and worries about a possible recession.

It’s being caused by the continued impact of pandemic restrictions, the war in Ukraine, talent shortages, and supply chain issues.

In this special episode of the Australian Aviation Podcast, Adam Thorn speaks to MGD Wealth’s Richard Marsden and Jessica Harris to make sense of our new world and how to navigate it in order to make it through without experiencing financial strain or loss.

They discuss how you should prepare, why it’s important to take a long-term view, and why it’s vital to keep a close eye on your superannuation and any insurance you may have within it.

This week, start-up budget carrier Bonza lifted the lid on its initial route offerings, which includes 25 routes to 16 destinations, with base operations split between the Sunshine Coast and Melbourne.

In this special bonus episode of the Australian Aviation Podcast, host Hannah Dowling sits down with Bonza CEO Tim Jordan to talk through the airline’s initial network, and learn more about the processes behind those tough decisions.

Plus, Jordan shares insight into the negotiation process with airports, and where Bonza intends to go next.

Finally, the CEO eases fears that some Bonza destinations aren’t built for the 737 MAX, and reveals what he’s most excited to see come launch day.

Marek Bekier is a senior vice president at ACR Aviation Capacity Resources, which manages air traffic at 17 Swedish airports.

In this special episode in partnership with UNSW’s School of Aviation, Bekier talks to Australian Aviation’s Adam Thorn about what a career in air traffic control is really like, alongside its challenges.

The pair talk about why we need to move on from monopoly operations and how a free-market approach can work.

They also discuss how ATC needs to evolve in a world of drones, eVTOLs and more traditional aircraft traffic.  

Australian Aviation attended last week’s Land Forces military exhibition in Brisbane and interviewed two guests on the floor.

Jay Macklin had a storied military career that saw him fly Black Hawks before rising to become a colonel in the US Army. He’s now a director based in Alabama for Lockheed Martin, and discusses his flying days, as well as the aircraft’s future.

Finally, we’re joined by Australian Aviation’s rotary wing pilot of the year, Richard Butterworth. He chats about how Kestrel began fighting bushfires at night and the future of the industry as we approach another La Niña season.  

Virgin Australia has had a particularly turbulent couple of days, from initially demanding a federal government bail-out, to state government hostility over the location of their HQ, to collapsing into voluntary administration.

Tune in to this week's Australian Aviation to hear host Phil Tarrant and senior writer Adam Thorn discuss the overall sentiment around Virgin Australia right now, why the Morrison Government was so reluctant to bail it out, and what we know about the 10 suitors that are looking at recapitalising the airline.

Phil and Adam also reflect on the latest news around REX, Qantas and Air New Zealand's responses to the COVID-19 crisis.

The first COVID vaccination has been approved in the UK – but what does this mean for Australia and international travel?

In this week’s Inside Aviation catch-up, Phil and Adam discuss why the approval could pose questions in many countries, and what this means for life returning to normal.

Plus, European budget airline Ryanair has ordered an additional 75 MAX jets in a deal worth more than $9 billion.

Is this the breakthrough Boeing needs to end two years of hell, or has Ryanair just pounced on a bargain?

It’s been three-and-a-half months since Rex went into administration, and while the planes are still flying, so far the administrators have yet to find a buyer for its regional turboprop operations despite securing a deal to sell off the profitable aeromedical wing Pel-Air.

Enter the federal government, which has extended its support for the airline to the tune of $80 million in financing, which the administrator has indicated it wants to use to keep the lights on until at least mid-2025 while growing the operational fleet.

Adam and Jake discuss whether this latest effort from the government is likely to bear fruit, and what it might mean for Rex’s regional rivals.

Plus, Qantas objects to Virgin’s wet-leasing deal with Qatar – but does the Flying Kangaroo have a leg to hop on? 

In a matter of months, a second Australian airline has gone into voluntary administration: this time it’s Rex, whose ambitions of challenging Qantas and Virgin on capital city flights with 737-800s have dramatically hit the rocks.

But with its regional Saab 340B flights still running, and the federal government signalling it doesn’t want to see Rex fail, there’s still plenty of hope that the airline won’t completely go the way of Bonza – or, for that matter, its predecessor Ansett.

Adam and Jake discuss what went wrong at Rex, the possible paths forward, and whether something needs to be done about the dominance of the Qantas-Virgin duopoly.

Plus, Air New Zealand scraps its 2030 sustainability target – are dreams of a greener sky in danger?

This week, Alan Joyce stepped down as Qantas CEO early, bringing to an end his 15-year spell in aviation’s top job.

It came days after the ACCC revealed it was taking the airline to court over allegations it sold tickets to flights it already cancelled. 

But as the vultures circle, was he really that bad a leader? Adam, Jake and Chris reflect on the good, the bad and the ugly.

Plus, with the Australian Aviation Awards over for another year, the team discuss the nominees and winners.

Starting first as an aeronautical engineer, and then a flight test engineer for the Canadian Armed Forces, Kristen Raby has climbed the ranks of both the public and private sectors, to now be Nova Systems’ general manager of operations.

In this episode of Sky’s The Limit, hosts Anna Grbas and Hannah Dowling sit down with Kristen to discuss her early fascination with the aviation industry, and how it shaped her future career path.

Plus, Kristen reveals how she demonstrated her capabilities to kickstart her early career progression, how decisions she made early on affected her later down the road, and the way she climbed up the corporate ranks.

Finally, she shares the greatest advice she would give to a younger woman looking to take on a similar path.

Our aviation industry has been long grappling with a chronic lack of engineering talent — with COVID-19 exacerbating the problem.

On this week’s episode, Adam Thorn talks to the RAAA, which last week released a report identifying the causes behind our shortages and what we can do to fix them.

Report author Sheridan Austin and the RAAA’s CEO Steve Campbell discuss why businesses must invest in hiring more apprentices and why rules on transferring qualifications from abroad need to be modernised.

Finally, they examine what can be done to encourage more women into the profession and how long-term aviation stereotypes can be challenged. 

It’s the book that’s sent shockwaves through the aviation world: The Chairman’s Lounge: The Inside Story of How Qantas Sold Us Out, a deep dive into the Alan Joyce era and how Qantas went from one of the most trusted brands in the country to one of the least.

Covering the decisions made during COVID-19 – including the illegal outsourcing of ground handlers and the controversial “flight credits” scheme – as well as the perception of undue influence on politics, failures in customer service, and other topics, author Joe Aston lays out the case against Joyce in a book that has put a national spotlight on aviation.

In this Australian Aviation podcast, Jake Nelson speaks to Aston about the revelations in his book, his verdict on Joyce as a whole, and whether he believes new CEO Vanessa Hudson can right the ship.

After the year from hell comes the year of change. 2021 will see airlines scramble to regain market share and stake their claim in the post-COVID world.

In this special episode of the Australian Aviation Podcast, host Phil Tarrant and guest Adam Thorn run through what are likely to be the biggest stories of the new year.

Will Rex muscle their way into the Golden Triangle? Can Virgin win the mid-market war? And how will the industry cope when financial aid comes to an end?

Finally, the pair discuss the upcoming drone revolution that will surely take place. Does the technology have the potential to disrupt traditional aviation?

After more than 20 years, Tasmania is finally set to host flights to New Zealand, as the federal government gears up to make the most of the soon-to-be-expanding travel bubble.

It’s rare good news spurred on by the COVID crisis. In this week’s Inside Aviation, Phil and Adam discuss the latest developments in the industry, which is slowly coming back to life as borders reopen.

They also talk about one of the best stories of the year, as Rex finally takes delivery of the first of its 737s. But not before it was spotted by Australian Aviation’s photographer on the ground.

Finally, the team discuss the situation at Cathay, where contract negotiations have turned ugly.

It’s been another rough few weeks for Qantas, with the public unimpressed by the airline’s claim that it doesn’t sell tickets for specific flights but “bundles of contractual rights”.

With the Flying Kangaroo already on the nose for allegedly selling more than 8,000 tickets to already-cancelled flights, will the optics of that defence do more harm than good?

Jake and Chris discuss the ongoing headaches for Qantas, which have not been helped by shareholder backlash at an often rancorous 2023 AGM.

Plus, Australia’s first female airline pilot Deborah Lawrie notches another win over the ghost of Reg Ansett, and is Rex wrong to complain about bigger airlines “pillaging” its pilots?

This week, we reported how Qantas is set to launch two new flights from Canberra, just weeks after smaller airlines took the gamble to service the more unusual routes.

In this episode of the Australian Aviation podcast, host Phil Tarrant and guest Adam Thorn discuss if Qantas’ move is bad ethics given the pandemic, or just a larger competitor rightly taking advantage of a free market?

Plus, with an Australia-purchased vaccine looking close to completion, what does the future hold for international border closures? Will the country open up early, or later, next year?

Finally, the team discuss Rex’s purchase of an ex-Virgin 737. Is the fight for the Golden Triangle now on?

This week marked the 100-year anniversary of the RAAF, which culminated in one of the most ambitious flypasts attempted in years.

And a special occasion demands a special podcast. This week, host Phil Tarrant brings together Australian Aviation’s Adam Thorn and Defence Connect’s Liam Garman to discuss the past, present and future of our Air Force.

The team analyses how well equipped the RAAF is to deal with an uncertain period in the Indo-Pacific region, the government’s huge investment in the larger ADF and whether we’re likely to have a Royal Australian Space and Cyber Force in years to come.

Finally, the three discuss a very significant tribute from the Queen, who made a rare COVID appearance to celebrate the centenary.

Qantas has unveiled a massive shake-up to its frequent flyer program, adding 20 million new seats per year.

The “Classic Plus” seats will cost more than the existing 5 million annual “Classic Rewards” seats, but will be more reliably available to passengers looking to spend their hard-earned frequent flyer points.

Adam and Jake discuss the pros and cons of the new scheme, and whether it will endear the Flying Kangaroo to its loyalty customers.

Plus, just when you thought it was safe to go back to Whyalla, the “Rexit” saga takes a dramatic new twist…

This week, both Qantas and Virgin weighed in on Qatar being blocked from adding more flights to Australia’s major airports.

But Virgin CEO Jayne Hrdlicka has skin in the game because her airline is a codeshare partner of Qatar, and, of course, a fellow rival of Qantas.

So what’s going on? And does anyone really have Aussie travellers’ best interests at heart? Adam, Chris and Jake discuss the latest.

Plus, the team talk about the latest initiative to reduce the dulcet purring of aircraft ‘noise’.

As the news cycle begins to slowly but surely pivot away from constant COVID-19 reporting, the ideas of sustainability, electric aircraft and urban air mobility solutions have once again emerged as key themes in 2021.

In this special episode of the Australian Aviation Podcast, host Hannah Dowling sits down with David Rottblatt, the vice-president of business development at Eve Urban Air Mobility – an Embraer subsidiary focused on bringing electric air taxis to the mainstream.

David and Hannah discuss the current state of play in the global air taxi market, how far we are from seeing eVTOL taxis flying overhead, where we can expect the rollout of such technologies to be focused on and the opportunities of flying taxi technologies in growing cities.

The two also discuss Eve’s major focus on the Australian market, its growing myriad of partnerships with local Aussie SMEs – more of which have been announced since this episode was recorded – and what this means for the future of eVTOLs in Australia.

Angela Garvey has more than 30 years of aviation industry experience as a commercial pilot, general aviation business owner, aviation safety professional and airport manager. 

But a fatal plane crash in her skydiving business in 2006 served as a 'stop moment' in her life. 

Years later, she's used her experience to set up 'Navigating Aviation', a confidential counselling and support service tailored for the aviation community and their families. 

In this episode, Garvey talks about how the accident changed her life, how she responded to support others, and what the industry can better do to help people in future. To find out more, visit www.navigatingaviation.com

Qantas has confirmed it will order 12 new 787 Dreamliners and 12 Airbus A350s to replace the bulk of its ageing A330 fleet.

The news means outgoing CEO Alan Joyce will leave the company having overseen what is likely the last significant aircraft order for a decade.

But should Joyce have left that announcement to his successor rather than take the plaudits himself? Adam, Chris and Jake discuss.

Plus, what’s going on with the messy love triangle between Qantas, Virgin and Qatar?

This week has seen Qantas in the headlines again over poor service, flight disruptions, and a new program that would see its corporate executives moving passenger baggage.

In this episode of the Australian Aviation Podcast, hosts Adam Thorn and Hannah Dowling discuss the latest of Qantas’ woes as staff shortages take their toll.

Plus, the team discusses Bonza’s first 737 MAX, which officially touched down on Australian shores ahead of its grand launch in the coming weeks.

Finally, get your dresses and tuxes ready for the Australian Aviation Awards, and Adam reveals an upcoming change to the cast of the show.

In a bid to boost Air Force recruitment, Defence has launched a cinematic new advertising campaign spruiking all the different roles available in the RAAF.

Featuring footage of (and shot in) actual RAAF aircraft, the ad blitz aims to get more young people interested in an Air Force career – but will it work?

Adam and Jake discuss whether the “Up There” campaign could help turn around the RAAF’s ongoing talent shortage.

Plus, Boeing’s ongoing travails give a nasty knock to Virgin’s fleet renewal schedule – and should Bonza consider investing in smaller planes?

Joel Neeb is a former F-15 pilot who flew thousands of missions for the US Air Force, including escorting Air Force One and patrolling the skies in the days after 9/11.

Rising to become lieutenant colonel, he trained hundreds of others to do the same as chief instructor pilot.

More impressively, after he left the military, he became a hugely successful business leader.

In this special episode, Neeb, visiting Sydney from the US, talks through his amazing career and the secret sauce that makes the best fighter pilots.  

This week, the ACCC claimed airlines “can exploit” the rules around airport slots – effectively hoarding the best take-off times to indefinitely block out rivals.

But what on earth are the rules, and why have they proved so controversial?

In this episode, Adam, Chris and Jake discuss whether the system is helping maintain the duopoly of Qantas and Virgin.

Does the industry have room for more major players? 

At the start of July, the federal government announced a $270 billion commitment to defence spending for the coming decade, and a new holistic strategy for dealing with an increasingly uncertain world in the Indo-Pacific.

In this exclusive interview, the Chief of Air Force, Air Marshal Mel Hupfeld, AO, DSC, gives host Phil Tarrant the inside story on how his team is rethinking what a modern air force should look like - and how it can better collaborate with other elements of the ADF and government to drive change.

AIRMSHL Hupfeld lifts the lid on working with artificial intelligence on the Loyal Wingman platform, "robust" conversations with his counterparts in the Navy and Army on an integrated military, the drive towards a fifth-gen fighting force and how the lesson from COVID-19 must be to shore up global supply chains.

He also talks candidly about his love of flying, his journey into the top job in the RAAF, and how he can't wait to get out in his Airtourer and P-51 Mustang in the near future.

Over the Christmas holidays, two major international aviation stories got Australians talking, with radically different impacts for planemakers.

Airbus was hailed for its innovative aircraft design after everybody onboard an exploding A350 miraculously escaped unharmed.

However, Boeing faced another backlash after a door on an Alaska Airlines 737 MAX 9 blew out mid-flight. It came after the same aircraft type was involved in two fatal crashes and Boeing was fined billions.

In this episode, Adam and Jake talk about the latest developments and discuss what impact it will have on the local sector. 

Gary Criddle's remarkable career has seen him work as a pilot for the Royal Australian Navy, RAAF as well as commercially, where he has flown 767s and A380s. He's also practised as an examiner, specialising in both air show display flying and warbirds.

In this episode of the Australian Aviation Podcast, Gary joins hosts Phil Tarrant and Christian "Boo" Boucousis to talk about his earliest aviation memory, his transition from seaman officer to aviator with the Navy, and the difference between military and commercial pilot training.

He gives an insight into what the flight examination process is actually like, outlines his preparation routine for getting into the zone on flying days, and reveals his hairiest flying experience to date.

As Bonza’s administrator looks set to finally close the curtain on the stricken airline, a new YouGov survey has revealed 50 per cent of Australians believe the government should step in and back low-cost airlines in the name of affordability and consumer choice.

With more than 300 airlines reportedly having gone under in Australia over the last century, is it time for Canberra to intervene and get more tails in the skies?

Adam, Jake and Ben look at the case for more government support and how it might manifest.

Plus, as on-time performance and cancellations continue to improve, who came out on top in the May domestic reliability stakes?

Whisper it, but with borders opening and vaccines arriving shortly, are we witnessing the beginning of the end of aviation’s worst year in a century?

This week, host Phil Tarrant and guest Adam Thorn discuss whether this is the moment we’ve all been waiting for or just a false alarm before another state lockdown?

Plus, the team talks about the latest developments in the Hamad Airport invasive search scandal. Is Qatar genuine in its actions, or is this just a bungled PR job to save its reputation?

Finally, it almost went unnoticed that Qantas turned 100 last week. Find out how the flag carrier pulled off a dramatic stunt over the Harbour Bridge. 

So much for New Year’s resolutions. As we enter 2024, Virgin and Qantas are attacking each other in a bid to operate lucrative flights to Bali.

Virgin says Qantas relies too heavily on overseas aircrew, while Qantas says Virgin charges too much. Who are we to believe?

In this episode, Adam and Jake discuss the latest.

Plus, with flights at record numbers, is the COVID-19 crisis finally over? 

Stephen Loosley served in Parliament during the Hawke and Keating Governments, where he chaired the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade and the Senate Regulations Committee.

On this special episode of the Australian Aviation Podcast, hosts Phil Tarrant and Steven Kuper talk to guest Stephen Loosley about the fallout from the election of Joe Biden as the next US president.

What will it mean for Australia? How will it affect relations with China? And will it restore traditional international alliances abandoned by Donald Trump?

Finally, the team discuss the regional response to the election result and what nations throughout the Indo-Pacific are saying, as well as the economic impact for Australia and its regional partners over the coming decade.

It’s the biggest event in Australian aviation: the biennial Avalon Airshow, which this year ran over six days at the end of March.

Featuring static and aerial displays, as well as trade exhibitors and networking events, the 2025 show attracted more than 200,000 people in total across the six days, including 60,000 industry visitors.

Around 350 aircraft were on show, either in the air and on the ground, with 902 participating exhibitor organisations from 28 countries contributing to the event.

On the ground at the airshow, Adam and Jake get an up-close look at some military hardware as they discuss the news of the previous week.

Little Wings is a brilliant charity that flies sick children from regional areas into the city for treatment.

The service can be life-changing for families who would previously face arduous and stressful journeys.

On this week’s show, the organisation’s CEO, Clare Pearson, talks to host Adam Thorn about how it works.

For more information and to donate, please visit littlewings.org.au.

In July, Australia limited the number of people who could arrive back into the country to manage the flow into hotel quarantine. The problem is, the decision has pushed up prices to eye-popping levels and reduced availability.

In this episode of the Australian Aviation podcast, host Phil Tarrant and regular guest Adam Thorn discuss how this slow-burn story has exploded in the last seven days. They examine what the options are, the industry’s collective position and whether the government will restart its repatriation program to assist.

They also discuss Friday’s now not-so-crunch meeting to decide the future of Virgin, where creditors will get to vote on quite how new owners Bain should take over.

Finally – while our industry might be shrinking on the surface, it’s also going through a period of exciting change. Just how long then, until we switch our Fords for flying cars?

In this episode of the Australian Aviation Podcast, Defence Connect news editor Charbel Kadib joins Adam and Phil to discuss the latest developments in military aviation.

The team begins by addressing the latest COVID-19 outbreak in NSW and its potential consequences, before reflecting on the evolution in air power, including the recent integration of the fifth-generation F-35A fleet.

The trio also touch upon the recent testing of RAAF capability across a number of major military exercises, including Exercise Arnhem Thunder and Exercise Rogue Ambush.

Finally, they chat about the impact of suspending the MRH-90 Taipan fleet and the greenlighting of Defence’s purchase of 29 Boeing-built Apache aircraft.