Australian Aviation Podcast Network

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.

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.

Like a phoenix rising from the flames, Hannah Dowling returns in her new role as US correspondent to talk about her latest story. She tells host Adam Thorn how and why US airlines are taking Australian pilots in such numbers. The pair discuss what Australia can do to stem the tide, the balance between developing young talent and importing them, and the perks of going abroad. Finally, they chat about how COVID-19 and its restrictions exacerbated the problem for Australia.

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.

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.

Greg Hay is the General Manager of Operations at Sydney Airport. Over the last few years, he's seen first-hand how our industry has changed before, during and after COVID-19 at Australia's busiest and most important international airport. In this special episode in partnership with UNSW's School of Aviation, Hay talks through navigating aviation's toughest period but also how the industry is building back better and is on the cusp of an exciting new world of electric technologies and sustainability. He also discusses the airport's unique partnership with UNSW and how its annual scholarship scheme is boosting diversity and inclusion in the sector.

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.

Andrew Charlton is the managing director of Aviation Advocacy, a consultancy firm based in Switzerland. His exhaustive CV includes stints as chief legal officer of Qantas before heading government affairs for the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and working as a university lecturer in airport economics, management and policy. In this special episode in partnership with UNSW's School of Aviation, Charlton discusses how the industry should best navigate its tricky post-COVID-19 recovery. He talks talent shortages, whether airport slot rules are too much of a constraint and the industry's move towards sustainability.

Hypersonic research has become one of the biggest topics in global aviation, as countries compete to develop the next generation of missiles so manoeuvrable, they can't be intercepted. The advances are also being used to create scramjet-powered, hypersonic spaceplanes, which could one day provide an alternative to rockets for taking satellites into space. In this special episode, host Adam Thorn interviews Dr Fabian Zander, a key player in the University of Southern Queensland's world-leading hypersonic wind tunnel, to find out how the tech will change the industry. He also discusses his work using aircraft in Australia to study fragmented comets.

Dogged reporter, podcast host, and writer with total disrespect for word counts: Hannah Dowling made quite the impression during her two years at Australian Aviation. As she leaves for a new life in the US, she sits down with co-host Adam Thorn to talk through her favourite moments. The pair also find time to discuss the latest stories, including the ongoing talent shortage in the industry and the arrival of B-2s at Base Amberley. Finally, Hannah discusses her investigation into whether sustainability is really sustainable, set to appear in the next print magazine.

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.

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.

The struggles of the global aviation industry hit a little closer to home this week. In this episode of the Australian Aviation Podcast, hosts Adam Thorn and recently-returned Hannah Dowling discuss Hannah's experiences touring overseas in the post-pandemic world. Plus, the team reveal the latest statistics on aviation's recovery and question how anyone is supposed to travel amid inflated fares, growing uncertainty, and passport office hold-ups. Finally, when will Qantas' woes end after a Qantas 717 got stuck in the mud and its domestic and international CEO Andrew David spoke out against the airline's critics?

Defence Space Command is the new space division of the ADF and currently resides within the RAAF. On this week's episode, Bella Richards sits down with its new head, Air Vice-Marshal Catherine Roberts. The two discuss what the new division will do and why it is so significant as space becomes more congested and contested. Plus, the Air Vice-Marshal also explains her experiences in the early years of her career and how she will build a new culture in Defence Space Command from scratch.

Doug Morris has been an Air Canada pilot for 26 years, and currently flies 787s. If his name sounds familiar, it's because we ran extracts from his fantastic new book — called This is Your Captain Speaking — in our last issue of Australian Aviation's print magazine. In it, he spills the trade secrets of flying long haul — everything you wanted to know, but were too afraid to ask. In this episode, Morris talks to host Adam Thorn about his passion for flying, navigating COVID, and what's in store for the industry in a post-pandemic world.

Merren McArthur has certainly made her mark on Australia's aviation sector as the former CEO of Virgin Australia Regional Airlines and Tigerair who was dedicated to improving female engagement in aviation. In this episode of Sky's The Limit, hosts Hannah Dowling and Anna Grbas sit down with Merren to discuss how she navigated her own career progression out of in-house counsel to the C-suite level in the competitive, male-dominated aviation space. Merren also shares how she was able to improve female participation not only in her pilot cohort, but also in her senior management teams at Tiger — a plan she intends to use again in her new role. Finally, Merren reveals the details of her new venture with Canadian startup budget carrier LynxAir, and the number one piece of advice she would offer to her younger self.

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.

On Thursday, 26 May, a Chinese-built J-16 fighter jet "cut across the nose" of a RAAF P-8 Poseidon, getting so close that the fighter's chaff was "ingested" into the aircraft's engine. In this episode of the Australian Aviation Podcast, hosts Adam Thorn and Hannah Dowling reveal what they know so far about the incident, the aircraft, and the message being sent by China. Plus, the team discusses Virgin's latest move to show support and recognition towards its workforce after two years of hardship. Finally, Adam shares the very exciting story of Qantas' last Boeing 747 being finally moved out of the California desert and a possible future return to Australian shores.