Australian Aviation Podcast Network

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?

In one of the most dramatic tech outages in history, a botched update by cyber security company CrowdStrike last Friday crippled computers around the world – and Australia's aviation sector did not escape unscathed. Airlines were left unable to check in customers and their baggage, airports were swamped with passengers on delayed and cancelled flights, and planes were grounded across the country, with Jetstar in particular not back to normal until early Saturday morning. Adam and Jake look at what went wrong and whether aviation has put too many of its eggs into one cyber security basket. Plus, as major east coast gateways still lag behind pre-pandemic passenger levels, what's still holding Australia's domestic aviation recovery back?

With the ashes yet cooling on Bonza's funeral pyre, Qantas CEO Vanessa Hudson made an eyebrow-raising suggestion at the Flying Kangaroo's Perth–Paris launch last week: that Australia can't sustain more than, say, three major domestic airline groups (coincidentally, the number it has now). As the country reacquaints itself with the old familiar Qantas–Virgin equilibrium – and as Rex continues its push to disrupt the duopoly – will Hudson be vindicated, or will another challenger eventually prove her wrong? Adam and Jake examine the state of play and whether Bonza is truly just another data point against airline competition in Australia. Plus, Rex's new leadership faces a boardroom coup from the old boss, Melbourne Airport waves the white flag on the long-overdue rail link, and Emirates thumbs its nose at "too clever by half" safety videos.

Australian Aviation is gearing up to host our third annual awards next month in association with UNSW and its School of Aviation. The university recently hosted a panel examining sustainability in the sector, featuring some of the most influential figures in the industry. The panel included Rex's Ron Bartsch, Qantas' Harry Jobberns and Jet Zero's Ed Mason. In this episode, we let you listen in to the debate.

In the end, it was all but inevitable – after losing its planes, cancelling its flights, sacking its staff and failing to find a buyer, Bonza is no more, with creditors making the decision to wind up the airline and put an end to what were once lofty dreams of bringing low-cost airfares to destinations that had never seen them before. As its purple tails join those of Ansett, Tigerair, Compass and hundreds of others on the Australian aviation ash heap, what will become of Bonza's former routes? Should we expect to see more rivals like Jetstar step in to pick up where it left off? Adam and Jake discuss the fallout from, and reasons for, Bonza's demise. Plus, who will be the next CEO of Virgin Australia? Could a controversial codeshare partner step in to take a stake in our second biggest airline group?

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?

Despite Virgin attracting some major allies in its fight for more capacity to Bali, ultimately Jetstar looks to have prevailed, with the IASC awarding Qantas Group the coveted seats. So what tipped the scales in Jetstar's favour – and why did Virgin fall short? Adam and Jake look at the decision and what it means for Bali-bound travellers. Plus, what caused a terrifying ride for Virgin passengers out of Queenstown this week?

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?

It was meant to be the crowning achievement of the budding British airship industry: R101, a majestic "ocean liner of the skies" that would ferry passengers all across the world in style and comfort. Yet on its maiden international flight in October 1930, the dreams of an empire went up in flames as R101 crashed and exploded in a field in the north of France. On board was one Australian VIP: William Palstra, a key figure in the early days of the RAAF. The tragic demise of R101 with all but six hands led to the UK pulling out of the airship arena – and left an indelible mark on Palstra's family for generations afterwards. On this episode of the Australian Aviation Podcast, Cecilia Thornton, author of Airship of Dreams: The Man Who Rode the Titanic of the Skies, talks to Jake Nelson about the disaster that claimed her grandfather's life and spelled the end of the British airship age.

Will Bonza fly again? That's the question that has been on the mind of the aviation sector ever since the low-cost carrier went into voluntary administration at the end of April, with its planes seized and its employees stood down without notice. Administrator Hall Chadwick certainly believes it can get Bonza back in the skies, winning another two months to find a buyer for the airline with the argument that doing so would be better for creditors than winding it up – though that's cold comfort for employees who will now be left without pay until at least the end of July. On location at the 2024 Australian Space Summit, Adam and Jake examine the facts as they stand and discuss whether the administrators' optimism is well-placed. Plus, Rex heads for the Golden West – and takes NJE's E190s along for the ride. Could Australia see more E-Jets fly between capital cities?

For 19 months, Qantas reigned as Australia's most reliable airline group – but no more, with Virgin Australia last month knocking the Flying Kangaroo off its perch in a clean sweep of on-time arrivals, on-time departures and cancellations. With both major domestic airline groups now at or approaching long-term averages for reliability, will the trend hold, or could the "bad old days" of 2022 make a comeback? Adam, Jake and Ben crunch the numbers and cross their fingers that the era of domestic airline havoc is finally behind us. Plus, frustration abounds for Bonza staff still stuck in a holding pattern as administrators fight to save the airline – will stood-down employees get what they're owed?

Richard (Rick) Garner is a non-executive director on the board of Qantas Superannuation and an A330 pilot. He's also, incredibly, an award-winning mortgage broker who worked in financial services and now runs his own firm, Crew Financial. In this crossover podcast with Australian Aviation's sister podcast brand The Adviser, Rick discusses his love of flying – and how he juggles so many different jobs.

A week after Bonza's fleet was abruptly seized in a move that sent shockwaves through the Australian aviation sector, the airline is still yet to get back in the air as its administrator fights to save it. With a big question mark over the future of its planes, and all eyes turning to its parent company 777 Partners, who is to blame for Bonza's predicament, and what's next for the airline that promised to be "Here for Allstralia"? Adam and Jake discuss whether there's any hope for the purple tails to return to the skies, and examine the conventional wisdom around Bonza's collapse. Plus, Qantas cuts a deal with the ACCC on the "ghost flights" case – is this a savvy move from new CEO Vanessa Hudson to jettison old baggage?

It was as sudden as it was brutal: grounded planes, stranded passengers, and chaos across the east coast as Bonza suspended its services without warning. With reports that its entire fleet had been repossessed in the dead of night, emergency talks about the ongoing viability of the business ended in Bonza entering voluntary administration – so what went wrong? In this week's Australian Aviation Podcast, recorded before the voluntary administration was announced, Adam and Jake discuss the shock collapse of Bonza and what might be next for the stricken low-cost carrier. Plus, Australia's wet-leasing market gets bigger as the new owner of Skytrans lays out its plans to bring a fleet of A319s and other A320-family aircraft into Australia.

Bonza has come out swinging after reports in The Australian Financial Review that consultant KordaMentha had been called in to advise the airline. In one of the more blunt denials we've seen, the low-cost carrier's CEO, Tim Jordan, has insisted KordaMentha "has not been appointed as financial advisors to Bonza, or in any other capacity" – so what's the real story? Adam, Jake and Ben discuss the article and Bonza's forceful response, as well as the upcoming route changes from its Gold Coast base. Plus, Qantas' new chairman steps into the job earlier than expected – and are the major airlines finally getting back to pre-COVID reliability?

With tensions flaring between Israel and Iran, Qantas has paused its non-stop Perth–London services, adding a new stop in Singapore on the northbound journey. Given the difficulties of avoiding Iranian airspace between Perth and London while staying within the safe range of a 787-9 Dreamliner, is the Flying Kangaroo hurting for the lack of its new A350-1000 fleet? Adam and Jake look at the implications for Qantas, including its future services from Perth to Rome and Paris. Plus, a big week for airport infrastructure aficionados, with builds at Western Sydney, Melbourne and Newcastle all getting a turn in the spotlight.

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…

No sooner have the Network Aviation strikes in WA ended than Airservices Australia becomes the next big name in the sector to face industrial action, as aviation rescue firefighters plan a work stoppage for 15 April and air traffic controllers apply for a strike vote. Amid arguments over "leaked documents", pay rises, and passenger safety, what impact will the industrial action have on the Easter school holidays? Adam and Jake take a look at both sides of the stoush and what might happen next. Plus, dodgy used plane dealers, paid armrest reservations, luxury towers with their own airports, and on-board dating apps – did you get tricked this April Fool's Day?

Heads are continuing to roll at Boeing, with the CEO and chairman both announcing their retirement by the end of the year. It's the latest fallout in the ongoing turmoil stemming from the mid-air blowout on board an Alaska Airlines 737 MAX 9 in January – but will even these senior figures falling on their swords prove to be too little, too late? Adam, Jake and Ben talk about how the crisis at Boeing came about and how the venerable planemaker might pull out of its dive. Plus, an engine failure leads to a nervous descent for passengers on Qantas' oldest A330, the UK's defence minister takes a joyride courtesy of the RAAF, and will Jetstar's 20th-anniversary ad campaign win hearts or scorn?

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?

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?

This week, Bonza quietly revealed its Canadian aircraft would be gaining their Australian passports, switching from a wet to dry lease agreement. Adam and Jake discuss what this means for the airline's future, and whether it could eventually fly from Sydney to Melbourne. Plus, Jetstar staff have got a fashion makeover in time for the new season. But is the orange blazer tasteful or tactless?

Last week, Qantas released another set of impressive financial results that showed the airline is continuing its historic performance post-pandemic. But buried deep down was the news that the first A350 set to fly Project Sunrise direct flights from New York to Sydney was set to be delayed by six months. This episode, Jake and Adam discuss what it means for the Flying Kangaroo and whether this is just the start of more delays to badly needed new aircraft. Plus, are new reports that Jayne Hrdlicka was forced out of Virgin true? And if so, did owner Bain Capital make the right call?

This week, Virgin Australia's CEO, Jayne Hrdlicka, shocked the industry by stepping down as the airline's CEO. But has she left on a high, or is there more to the departure than meets the eye? This week, Adam and Jake discuss the latest and speculate on who could take the top job. Plus, the pair discuss never-ending strikes at Qantas and the return of the ACCC's quarterly reports on aviation.

Babcock Australasia and Ambulance Victoria perform vital work in the state, serving 5.5 million people and retrieving or treating 6,000 patients a year – many of them in critical condition. This week, we speak to two of Babcock's aviation personnel working on the front line, senior base pilot Heath Mastin and senior aircrew officer Ryan Hurrell. The pair discuss how the team in the air works together in pressurised situations, the types of missions they respond to and where their passion for aviation came from.

Former fighter pilot Christian "Boo" Boucousis was one of the original hosts of the Australian Aviation Podcast when it launched in 2020. Now he's back from his new home of Miami, Florida, to talk about how the industry has changed from the dark days of the pandemic. He tells host Adam Thorn why the enhanced opportunities to fly in the US don't compare to the perfect Aussie lifestyle and what air forces worldwide need to do to retain their pilots. Plus, the pair discuss Boeing's unending nightmare with its MAX – and what they can do to fix it.

This week, Qantas unveiled a flash new safety video that took in destinations as varied as Litchfield National Park and Lapland. The problem is not one bit of it was filmed in an aircraft. This week, the team discuss whether it's too smart for its own good, endangering safety, or whether the Flying Kangaroo's critics are more interested in holding a grudge. Plus, will Western Sydney Airport finally break the monopoly of monopoly airports and bring competition to the country's domestic aviation sector?

The release of the December BITRE data for on-time domestic performance has seen carriers such as Rex and Qantas rush to claim victory over their rivals. But with on-time performance across the board still well below the long-term average – plus airfares still too high – should major airlines really be celebrating? Adam and Jake crunch the numbers, including a horror month for Bonza in the wake of its Gold Coast nightmare. Plus, Sydney Airport draws a line under COVID-19, Virgin receives an unexpected ally in the battle for Bali, and Australian Aviation branches out into buses.

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?

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.

It's been an unpleasant couple for weeks for Bonza, the new kid on the Australian aviation block, with mass cancellations of its new Gold Coast routes while it waits for CASA to clear its wet-lease operations with Flair. With customers fuming and damage control efforts underway, whose fault is the Gold Coast debacle, and what could have been done differently? In the last Australian Aviation podcast for the year, Adam and Jake discuss the fallout and the optics for Bonza, and how its rivals are capitalising on its misfortune. Plus, Richard Branson graces Australia with his august presence once again, Qantas gears up for a massive holiday peak, Australia's international recovery continues to race towards 100 per cent, and we thank the people who made our podcasts possible this year.

In November, UNSW Aviation held a panel to discuss the government's aviation white paper, which will create a long-term strategy for the industry for the next three decades. The session featured a collection of senior figures who gave a diverse range of views, including those who are pilots, lawyers, executives and policy experts. It was chaired by Australian Aviation's Adam Thorn. In this special podcast, we're giving our audience the chance to listen to the full debate.

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"?

In the wake of Alan Joyce's exit from the Flying Kangaroo, aviation luminary Peter Harbison has released Alan Joyce and Qantas: The Trials and Transformation of an Australian Icon. The book charts the former CEO's life and career, from his youth in Ireland through to his defection from Ansett to Qantas, his role in the launch of Jetstar, and his turbulent 15 years as CEO of Australia's biggest airline group. In this exclusive interview, Jake Nelson talks with Harbison about his book, as well as his impressions of Alan Joyce's successes, failures and legacy. Plus, Harbison offers his insights on the lessons new Qantas CEO Vanessa Hudson should take from the Joyce era, and what the rise of Rex and Bonza might mean for the Qantas-Virgin duopoly.

First Alan Joyce, now this – Australian Aviation's Chris Fenton is leaving us. In his (sort of) final episode, the team farewells the man who has held almost every job in aviation. But before he goes, Adam, Jake and Chris discuss the week's biggest stories, including Virgin's deteriorating relationship with the unions and the ongoing row over single-pilot flights. Plus, how will Canadian crew working for Bonza cope with the Goldie's scorching summer?

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?

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.

This week, new CEO Vanessa Hudson made her first big call as she unwound Qantas' agreement to buy Alliance. That deal, of course, was led by her predecessor, Alan Joyce. Chris, Jake and Adam discuss whether this is the start of a new, more diplomatic era for the Flying Kangaroo. Plus, Bonza CEO Tim Jordan swaps the airport for the train station as he rages against high airfares.

A pair of high-profile departures at the Flying Kangaroo is seeing chairman Richard Goyder and Qantas Loyalty CEO Olivia Wirth head for the exits. But with no firm departure date, is Goyder taking too long to allow for a true renewal at the top of Qantas? Jake and Chris discuss Goyder's 'long goodbye' and whether it will hamper new CEO Vanessa Hudson's efforts for a fresh start. Plus, the Transport Minister emphatically says no to reviewing her Qatar Airways decision, and is there a possible breakthrough in the battle over Brisbane's sky kittens?

Andrew Charlton is the managing director of Aviation Advocacy, a consultancy firm based in Switzerland. His CV includes stints as chief legal officer at Qantas before heading government affairs for the IATA and working as a lecturer in airport economics, management and policy. In this special episode in partnership with UNSW Aviation, Charlton discusses creating a new course for the School of Aviation to tackle how aviation policy is adapting to a rapidly changing industry. Plus, he talks about the most significant policy challenges currently, including airport slot rules and the Qatar flights controversy.

Last week, Qantas's new CEO and chairman were summoned to attend a Senate inquiry into the airline's recent performance. But how did the Flying Kangaroo do in the face of brutal barbs from the posturing inquisitors? Adam and Chris discuss the fallout and who they believe came out on top. Plus, how good is Rex's new frequent flyer scheme? Australian Aviation signs up to find out.

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?

Last week, Qantas lost its High Court appeal over the outsourcing of around 1,700 ground workers during the pandemic. The decision means the airline is facing a hefty compensation bill – and yet more bad publicity. Adam, Chris and Jake discuss the latest and ask how Qantas can say sorry to ex-employees when it fought so hard in court to defend its decision. Plus, what's going on with Google Wing delivery drones in Canberra?

It's one week PJ (that's post-Joyce), but Qantas's critics don't seem to be letting up. Whether it's the row over Qatar, frequent flyer points, slots, delays or the Chairman's Lounge, the bad news keeps coming for the Flying Kangaroo. This week, Jake, Chris and Adam discuss the latest revelations and ask how the airline can stem the tide of bad news. Plus, they ask, just where has Vanessa Hudson been?

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.

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, 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'.

Qantas has officially thrown its weight behind the Yes campaign for the Indigenous Voice to Parliament. The Flying Kangaroo has unveiled a new livery for three of its aircraft – a Qantas 737-800, a Jetstar A320, and a QantasLink Dash 8 – featuring the Yes campaign's logo, saying it has long supported reconciliation and a "fair go". But is the national carrier right to take a side in a political discussion with the public split down the middle? Adam and Chris discuss the latest. Plus, the pair discuss the life and legacy of the fantastic Max Hazelton – the last of aviation's mavericks.

Air traffic control provider Airservices Australia finally admitted it's not delivering the service people expect – on a Friday afternoon. The statement, significantly, didn't contain an apology and came after repeated assurances that the organisation did actually have enough staff. This week, Adam, Chris and Jake discuss and latest and ask whether the apparent mea culpa will calm anger across the industry. Finally, the podcast welcomes a special guest to review QF1 – and discuss how it compares to British Airways' equivalent business-class service.

Weeks ago, Bonza announced a surprising cut to its network despite only launching in January. But on Monday, the point-to-point carrier revealed it is setting up a third base in the Gold Coast, from where it will fly to 11 destinations. Adam, Jake and Chris discuss what this means for Bonza's strategy and what might be going on with its wet lease agreement. Plus, the team talk slots (again), Brisbane sky kittens and the Australian Aviation Awards.