Australian Aviation Podcast Network

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.

This week, Sydney Airport's CEO told major airlines to use their take-off slots or let other carriers have them as domestic traffic continues to languish. It comes after the ACCC in June argued that larger airlines "can exploit" slot rules to stifle competition from smaller carriers, with both Bonza and Rex claiming the system is putting them at a severe disadvantage. Adam, Jake and Chris discuss the latest as take-off technicalities become national news. Plus, after another month of delays, is air traffic control really understaffed? Who's to blame?

Last week, Bonza said it would axe five of its 27 routes just months after their launch in a move the airline said would reduce cancellations across its network. Chief customer officer Carly Povey admitted to Australian Aviation the decision to cut back services had been made earlier than Bonza would have liked and added the company was compelled to take out routes where there wasn't "sustainable demand at present". Does this mean the end of Bonza's dream to fly point-to-point routes, cutting out capital cities? Or is this just a sensible restructuring of its network? Adam, Chris and Jake discuss. Plus, the team put the boot into a bizarre union negotiation, discuss the latest chapter in the row over slot rules and ask what's the solution to the staffing issues at air traffic control.

Australia's biggest pilots' union last week claimed air traffic control staffing issues are making skies less safe for pilots and passengers. The Australian Federation of Air Pilots (AFAP) has told Australian Aviation that its members have encountered "chronic" and "systemic" staffing problems at Airservices dating back to before the COVID-19 pandemic. It comes after reports emerged earlier this year that there were 340 instances of "uncontrolled airspace" from June to April 2023, with Airservices admitting to "staff availability issues". What's going on? And who's to blame, if anyone? Adam, Chris and Jake navigate the PR spin to explain.

This week, Bonza has blamed the industry's ongoing talent shortage for a rash of cancellations that have left passengers stranded. They weren't the only ones, with controversy surrounding whether or not Australia has enough air traffic controllers following delays and cancellations affecting NSW's school holiday getaway. This week, Adam, Chris and Jake ask what's going wrong and what can be done to fix it. Plus, Air New Zealand jumps in to help spurned Taylor Swift fans reach the singer's concert in Australia.

To its detractors, the noise from overhead aircraft will hugely affect the lives of hundreds of thousands of residents, but for avgeeks, living under the flight path is a privilege. In this episode, Adam, Chris and Jake discuss whether we should care about the 'purring' of an aircraft overhead. The team also chat about whether airlines handled COVID-19 credits ethically, a massive investment in sustainable fuel and how exactly you pronounce Virgin's new MAX, 'Monkey Mia'.

Qantas has unveiled the first photos of the unique stretching area located on its Project Sunrise A350-1000s that will fly for up to 20 hours. The 'Wellbeing Zone', accessible to all passengers, will feature "sculpted wall panels" and "integrated stretch handles" as well as a guided on-screen exercise program. But is it a smart solution to surviving an ultra-long-haul flight or a gimmick that will make little difference? Adam, Chris and Jake discuss. Also on the episode, Qantas takes on Air New Zealand flying to New York, Perth to Rome gets renewed, and Australian Aviation embraces video.

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?

Aeromedical charity CareFlight, which delivers aeromedical services in urban, regional, and remote areas around Australia, has partnered with AMSL Aero on a new electric VTOL air ambulance – the Vertiia. CEO Mick Frewen talks with Australian Aviation's Jake Nelson on how the Vertiia will be added to CareFlight's fleet and what it means for aeromedical services in the future.

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?

Four months after its launch, low-cost carrier Bonza has wrapped up its initial 27-route network rollout and is now eyeing future growth. CEO Tim Jordan joins us again on the Australian Aviation podcast to discuss Bonza's early successes, the challenges of launching a new domestic airline in today's environment and what might be in store for Bonza as it looks beyond the eastern seaboard – potentially including new bases, new routes, and new aircraft.

With aviation continuing to emerge from the COVID-19 slump, YouTubers like Jeb Brooks of GreenerGrass.com are making a living bringing the flying experience – especially business and first-class travel – to people who may never sit in the pointy end of the plane themselves. Jeb tells Jake Nelson how he's made a thriving career out of sharing "the miracle of flight" with almost 600,000 subscribers around the world – and why he almost enjoys flying economy even more than the expensive seats.

As drone technology advances by leaps and bounds, Sydney-based drone training company Aviassist has brought another new innovation to Australian shores, with the country's first AI-operated drone flight recently taking place on Goat Island in Sydney Harbour. In this episode, Aviassist's Ross Anderson talks to Jake Nelson about the Skydio Dock technology that made it possible, as well as the potential applications for AI drones as they become more widespread.

Air New Zealand has finally released more details around its much-hyped Skynest. This week, Adam, Chris and Jake discuss whether the bunk bed design is a revolution or PR stunt. Plus, the team discusses reports we'll soon be flying between London and Sydney in two hours. Can it possibly be worse than 18 hours in economy?

This week, it emerged Alan Joyce's successor at Qantas, Vanessa Hudson, will be paid significantly less than the airline's long-serving CEO. In this episode, Adam, Jake and Chris ask whether that's a blow for industry equality – or still a handsomely-paid chief executive. Plus, the team discusses the latest instalment in the bizarre and confusing battle over FIFO flights.

This week, Qantas CEO Alan Joyce shocked the industry by announcing he was set to step down from his role – in November. While it was well known he would be leaving, the announcement came far earlier than expected, alongside the news of new chief and current CFO Vanessa Hudson. This week, Adam, Chris and Jake ask whether the succession plan will work and analyse Joyce's legacy. Was he the man who saved, or broke, the Flying Kangaroo?

This week it emerged Melbourne Airport's decades-talked-about rail link is set to miss its competition date. It looks like the project will now to open until the next decade, with the state blaming the airport, and the airport pushing back on the government. In this episode, hosts Adam Thorn, Chris Fenton and Jake Nelson discusses how much longer the city can rely on the SkyBus. The team also discuss the 'death' of the last Qantas A380 in the desert, international capacity returning, and more good news for Bonza.

Dario Valenza is the co-founder of Australian drone company Carbonix. His extraordinary career saw him create world championship-winning sail boats before taking his know-how into the world of drones. In this episode, Valenza talks about how the sector has evolved over the last decade, and how flying drones beyond the line of sight could revolutionary for how we lead our lives.

Wing delivery drones are quietly creating a revolution in a select few Australian cities, flying hundreds of thousands of parcels each year. In this episode, the business' general manager, Simon Rossi, reveals how they are upgrading their processes in a way that could increase that figure to potentially millions of deliveries. Rossi tells host Adam Thorn how the business is closing in on the holy grail of drone delivery – picking up parcels from any individual shop and taking it directly to shoppers. Plus, the pair discuss the creation of an air traffic management solution for a world where traditional and uncrewed aircraft can share the skies together at scale.

Bonza has begun its first services from Melbourne as the airline announces it has already sold 100,000 tickets. On this week's episode, Adam and Chris discuss Bonza's chances as the legacy carriers still doubt the airline. Plus, the pair talk more about our stagnating recovery. And will Qantas' increase in capacity finally bring prices down?

Sydney Airport's CEO has claimed domestic aviation recovery has been "stagnant" since April last year, with passenger numbers still 17 per cent down compared to pre-pandemic. In this week's episode, host Adam Thorn is joined by new team member Chris Fenton to discuss exactly what's going wrong. Airlines are claiming the situation is out of their hands, but couldn't they use their record profits to bring airfares down? And what do frontline staff think of the slowdown that's left many working more for less? Finally, Chris discusses our upcoming Australian Aviation Awards, and why you should nominate a friend or colleague to enter.

Air Vice-Marshal Paul Godfrey is a British RAF fighter pilot who rose up the ranks to head the country's first military Space Command. In this special interview from the Avalon Airshow, AVM Godfrey tells Adam Thorn how he made the transition from the skies to the stars. The pair discuss the challenges and opportunities of creating a military space division, why it's important for the UK and Australia to collaborate, and how satellites will continue to change life on Earth.

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.

Brett Pierson is the president and CEO of Textron Aviation Defense and previously served in the US Navy for 30 years, including being a wing commander and combat pilot. Textron Aviation is a major player in defence globally and has delivered more than 14,500 aircraft to countries around the world. In this special episode for AVALON 2023, Pierson talks through Textron Aviation's recent work across both defence and special missions, as well as how the process works to develop a new aircraft and the company's presence at the upcoming AVALON Airshow. He also discusses his extraordinary career that saw him fly more than 80 types of aircraft and train the next generation of US fighter pilots.

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

Perhaps no single aircraft has changed Australia more than the 747, which opened up cheap international travel to millions of people. In this week's show, acclaimed aviation writer Jim Eames talks about his latest book, The Mighty 747, which examines how Boeing's Jumbo Jet did it. Eames tells host Adam Thorn why the aircraft is held in such affection by the industry, why Aussies are so fascinated with Qantas and whether double-decker aircraft have a future in the post-pandemic world.

After a months-long wait, Bonza this month finally received its crucial licence to fly from CASA. Now, the airline's CEO, Tim Jordan, tells host Adam Thorn how the business navigated the last six months and what the future looks like. The pair discuss keeping prices low despite surging airfares in Australia, competing in the brutal domestic market and the advantage of flying with the MAX. Finally, Jordan reveals why Bonza's unique branding gives it an edge against Qantas, Rex and Virgin.

In this special Christmas episode, returning host Phil Tarrant and Adam Thorn discuss what went right and wrong for international aviation in 2022. The pair discuss the sluggish return of tourists, lack of capacity and sky-high prices in commercial travel, alongside the gobsmacking unveiling of the B-21 Raider. Finally, they also stare into the future to predict what 2023 will bring.

In this special episode of Australian Aviation podcast, shadow minister for cyber security and shadow minister for countering foreign interference, Senator James Paterson joins Phil Tarrant (director - Momentum Media) and MAJGEN (retired) Dr Marcus Thompson to discuss the regulatory impediments preventing Australia from becoming a leader in cyber security. The group begins the podcast discussing the cyber security threats facing Australia and the role of the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO). Senator Paterson then details how foreign interference and espionage have overtaken terrorism as the primary security concern for Australia. The team wraps up the podcast in outlining the importance of attracting the right talent with the right skills to power Australian cyber security businesses.

Former Australian Aviation Podcast host Phil Tarrant returns in this special episode to review the year in domestic travel with regular Adam Thorn. And what a year it's been, as the pair discuss crazy delays at airports, record profits and spiralling airfares. Plus, the pair get stuck into what the future holds as we move into 2023 and travel edges closer to a pre-COVID normal.

In this special episode, Defence Connect's Liam Garman and Australian Aviation's Adam Thorn discuss the biggest military stories this year. The pair talk about the success of the F-35 program as it nears completion, reports of ex-RAAF pilots training Chinese military personnel and the axing of the SkyGuardian project. Finally, the hosts debate the most contentious talking point of 2022: was Australia really correct to change the name of Loyal Wingman to Ghost Bat?

Peter Newington is the newly appointed managing director of aviation and critical services at Babcock Australasia. In this special episode, Newington discusses the importance of leadership and why it matters in the kind of high-pressure situations Babcock personnel find themselves in. He also talks to host Adam Thorn about his career as a British Army pilot and how the lessons learned helped shape his management approach. Finally, the pair examine the long-term goals of the organisation and how Babcock will evolve.

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.

In this special episode, the editors of Defence Connect and Australian Aviation, Liam Garman and Adam Thorn, talk through the biggest industry topics. First up, they discuss the need for long-range strike capability, with tensions in the region rising and Australia short of options. Next, they ask how this should happen. Should the country invest in the 'sequel' to the B-2, the B-21, or plump for conventional long-range missiles? Finally, they discuss the importance of US B-52s being semi-regularly based at RAAF Base Tindal and whether they could carry nuclear weapons.