Australian Aviation Podcast Network

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.

This week, Rex and Qantas are back to their old tricks, resorting to name-calling and finger-pointing over key network decisions. In this episode of the Australian Aviation Podcast, hosts Adam Thorn and Hannah Dowling give you the run-down of what's going on, and why two of the country's major airlines continue to battle it out in the media. Plus, the team discusses where we stand in our domestic and international travel recovery, and what to expect over the coming months. Finally, the crew discusses Bonza's latest update and what to expect from Australian Aviation's newest digital magazine.

In April, aerospace composite business and MRO provider Quickstep signed a pioneering $30 million long-term maintenance contract with Jetstar. It was hugely significant for our industry because it was the first time a deal of this nature had been awarded to a local, independent MRO provider after an extensive global tendering process. In this special episode of the Australian Aviation Podcast, the business' executive general manager of aftermarket services, Tim Gent, talks about the deal's importance. He also chats with host Adam Thorn about how the country competes to secure global deals, how to fix engineering skill shortages and Quickstep's investment in unmanned aircraft.

As aviation awakens from its COVID hibernation, it's facing a huge shortage of skilled workers across multiple professions. In this special podcast episode, host Adam Thorn speaks to William Horrocks and Leif Mawson from training organisation Aviation Australia. Their business knows all about the industry's issues first-hand, as they work nurturing up-and-coming pilots, cabin crew, drone operators and aircraft maintenance engineers. The pair discuss why enthusiasm for the industry has never been higher among new recruits, why aviation companies need to invest more in developing talent and how Aviation Australia has evolved over its 20-year history.

After sitting in storage for over two years, a Virgin-branded Boeing 777 has taken to the skies again, being ferried from Wellcamp to Brisbane. In this episode of the Australian Aviation podcast, hosts Adam Thorn and Hannah Dowling are back in the studio to discuss the possible explanations behind this curious move. Plus, the crew reveals the details of a new lawsuit taken against Virgin's pre-administration management team by angry, "gypped" bondholders. Finally, the team dives into international aviation's recovery trajectory, and what to expect in the next edition of the Australian Aviation magazine.

The Flying Kangaroo dominated the headlines again this week in the aftermath of its Project Sunrise A350 order, as well as a major bid to take over Alliance Aviation, and a loss in court. In this episode of the Australian Aviation Podcast, hosts Adam Thorn and Hannah Dowling discuss Qantas' moves this week, and the possibility of a more sinister story bubbling underneath. Plus, the team fleshes out the details of Qantas' lost bid to overturn a Federal Court ruling that states its decision to outsource 2,000 workers was illegal, Finally, the crew discusses the next edition of the Australian Aviation magazine, including a mammoth feature into the upcoming launch of budget start-up Bonza.

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.

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.

The COVID crisis may have receded, but with soaring inflation and war in Eastern Europe, aviation professionals are gearing up for more challenging years to come. In this special episode of the Australian Aviation podcast, MGD Wealth's Alec Berry and Richard Marsden discuss what they're hearing from their clients working in frontline aviation roles. They talk through how it's easier than you think to plan for unplanned events and why it's important to set short and long term goals for your finances. Finally, the pair consider how young professionals entering the industry and even older hands can be prepared for future events that inevitably lead to disruption in the aviation industry. The information in this podcast is current as at the date of the recording. Please note that past performance is not an indication of future performance. Any advice included in this podcast is general and has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. As such, you should consider its appropriateness having regard to these factors before acting on it. Any tax information refers to current laws, is not based on your unique circumstances and should not be relied on as tax advice. Before you make any decision about whether to acquire a certain financial product, you should obtain and read the relevant product disclosure statement.

Australians are finally getting back in the air, as seen during scenes of chaos at Australia's airports this week. In this episode of the Australian Aviation Podcast, hosts Adam Thorn and Hannah Dowling discuss the ins and outs of travelling overseas in a post-COVID world, in light of Hannah's recent trip to Bali. Plus, the team discusses the outrageous hours-long lines seen at Australia's major airports ahead of the Easter holiday season, and questions if the industry should accept any blame following two years of stand downs and redundancies. Finally, New Zealand's borders are set to open this week to Australians and visa holders, in what should be another major win for Oceania's airlines.

Upset Prevention and Recovery Training (UPRT) is finally being recognised by Australia's aviation regulators in recent days. On this week's episode of the Australian Aviation Podcast, host Bella Richards chats with UPRT Australia's founders Shane Tobin and Jeremy Miller. The company began last year and provides specialist training for pilots on how to avoid and recover from an aircraft upset. The trio discusses what UPRT is, why it's important to teach pilots how to emotionally deal with an upset, the recent mandate and what more could be done. Finally, the group chats about the future of UPRT, and how it is even more needed coming out of 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.

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.

In this bonus episode of the Australian Aviation podcast, hosts Phil Tarrant and MAJGEN (Ret'd) Marcus Thompson discuss the importance of Australian business, including the aviation sector, preparing for possible cyber threats. The pair begin by discussing MAJGEN (Ret'd) Thompson's recent opinion piece in The Australian Financial Review, which dives into Russia's history of cyber and information warfare, and the threat of Russian cyber-attacks being weaponised in reprisal against Australia for supporting Ukraine during the recent conflict. Both hosts continue by discussing the impact of cyber warfare on Australian businesses, and how many malicious actors work in concert with state-sponsored groups to exploit the cyber domain. The pair wraps up the podcast by analysing how cyber remains an integral part in both hybrid and greyzone warfare, and that foreign actors will continue to use cyber as an essential attack vector in future conflicts.

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".

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.

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.

This week, the industry responded to the massive news that Australia will reopen its borders to tourists from 21 February, with airlines ramping up Australian schedules, and Tourism Australia dropping $40 million on a new campaign to drum up tourism interest. In this episode of the Australian Aviation Podcast, hosts Adam Thorn and Hannah Dowling discuss where we stand in terms of the mass return of international airlines to Australian shores, and which carriers are acting with caution. Plus, the "David versus Goliath"-esque network battle between Rex and Qantas is back in the headlines over the Flying Kangaroo's new Sydney-Broken Hill route. Finally, learn a little more about the newest job opening right here at Australian Aviation, and a feel-good story about a man who saved Victoria Police's first helicopter.

This week, Prime Minister Scott Morrison finally revealed that Australia's last international borders restrictions would be eased, allowing double-jabbed tourists and other visa holders back into the country. In this episode of the Australian Aviation Podcast, hosts Adam Thorn and Hannah Dowling excitedly discuss the move, and what this means for travellers and airlines alike. Plus, the crew talks about the latest blow-up between Qantas boss Alan Joyce and WA Premier Mark McGowan, over the western state's indefinite hard border. Finally, the team reveals Google Wing's latest development, dropping KFC directly to front doors via drone.

This week, the Prime Minister hinted that tourism is soon to be back on the cards for Australia, while Qantas faced the Fair Work Commission again over its ongoing pay dispute with its international cabin crew. In this episode of the Australian Aviation Podcast, hosts Adam Thorn and Hannah Dowling discuss the Prime Minister's announcement, and what this could mean for local and foreign airlines. Plus, the crew debate Qantas' desire to lock in the return of Perth-London flights, or risk losing their direct London route altogether. Finally, the team reveals the details of a robbery gone wrong at Mackay Airport, after a man abandoned his plans to steal a helicopter, for a high-speed getaway on a tractor.

This week, the Western Australia government backflipped on its promise to reopen its borders on 5 February, while Queensland opened its international border for the first time since March 2020. In this episode of the Australian Aviation Podcast, hosts Adam Thorn and Hannah Dowling discuss the current border situation, as well as changing entry requirements for international travellers coming to Australia. Plus, the team reveals the details of an ongoing feud between Qantas and its international cabin crew over post-pandemic pay and working conditions. Finally, the crew talks about the historic Victors Vimy making its way to its new home inside Adelaide Airport.

This week, Qantas swiftly followed in Virgin Australia's footsteps to announce it has been forced to slash capacity by up to 30 per cent from January through to March due to the current COVID outbreak. In this episode of the Australian Aviation Podcast, host Adam Thorn and reporter Hannah Dowling discuss the decision and the struggle for airlines in navigating the current operating environment. Plus, the crew reveals the latest updates in Australia's journey towards electric air taxi travel, with new and exciting deals taking place across the country, as well as Queensland's dwindling vaccination rollout and Western Australia's plans to reopen. Finally, the crew reveals the details of a new Australian start-up hoping to change up the LEO satellite game with their supersonic space plane.

After being elected as president of the Australian Federation of Air Pilots in 2018, Louise Pole became the first woman in Australia to lead a pilots' union, and the second female pilot union boss in the entire world. In this episode of Sky's The Limit, hosts Anna Grbas and Hannah Dowling speak with Louise in one of our most frank and honest conversations of this series to date – about the real challenges that she and her female colleagues have experienced since she began flying in the 1980s. Louise tells us about her career path and the solidarity she built with other female aviators, as well as all the forums and programs she has been involved in to support women in aviation, including the AFAP Women's Network. Plus, the crew discusses how the female experience in aviation has changed over the past three decades, and talks about practical solutions for moving ahead.

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 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.

What's it like to be a senior executive in a major international airline when a once-in-a-century pandemic grounds the industry In this special episode of the Australian Aviation Podcast, Singapore's regional manager for public affairs, Karl Schubert, talks host Adam Thorn through the dramatic moments the team made the crunch decisions. He reveals why the airline kept flying despite low demand and stringent arrival caps, whether COVID was worse than they thought and whether he thinks the industry will bounce back to 2019 levels. Finally, the pair discuss the future of the A380. Can it really survive in a world of smaller long-haul aircraft?

Jodie Bevan is a woman of many talents. After training as an aerobatic pilot early in her career, she jumped ship into business aviation and made her way up the ladder at Textron. In this episode of Sky's The Limit, hosts Anna Grbas and Hannah Dowling sit down with Jodie to hear about the opportunities and challenges of her varied career after learning to fly and starting her own business in her 20s. Plus, Jodie shares her insights as Textron's regional sales director for turboprops in South-East Asia, into what we can expect to see out of the region as we emerge from the pandemic. Finally, Jodie and the team discuss the significant contributions of women "behind the scenes" in aviation – leading the charge in aviation business consulting, communications, media and senior executive positions.

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?

Queensland has opened its borders and Australia is planning to further lift international restrictions. But with Omicron lurking around the corner, could our progress be held back? In this episode of the Australian Aviation Podcast, host Phil Tarrant and guest Adam Thorn talk about what all this means for our aviation industry. Plus, new airline Bonza sprung a major surprise last week when it announced it was to quadruple its fleet of 737 MAXs. Should Qantas, Virgin and Rex be worried? Finally, the team discusses the surprising return of the Albatross, which will be built in the NT.

Australia has recently accepted its latest delivery of F-35s – the fifth-generation fighter that represents the biggest upgrade in RAAF's capability in a generation. In this special episode of the Australian Aviation Podcast, Lockheed Martin Australia's Andy Doyle tells host Adam Thorn how they onboarded the platform to the country. The pair discuss what makes the aircraft so special, the scale of the program globally and how pilots, engineers and support staff were selected and trained to help with the transition. Finally, they also chat about keeping the F-35 program going during two challenging years of COVID.

This weekend's Wings Over Illawarra was probably the biggest gathering of fans of flight in two years, as attendees bid goodbye to the retiring Classic Hornet and welcomed its replacement, the F-35. Australian Aviation's Adam Thorn was there to interview some of the key industry figures in attendance. In this special episode, Adam records our podcast onboard a C-130 Hercules with one of its pilots, Flight Lieutenant Brendan Smith, who talks us through how this evergreen aircraft has adapted to the times.

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.

The last fortnight has seen Qantas return the first of 10 Airbus A380s due to return to service for the airline by 2023, while Rex threw ice water on Bonza's fiery launch plans. In this episode of the Australian Aviation Podcast, hosts Adam Thorn and Hannah Dowling discuss the triumphant return of Qantas A380 VH-OQB, a move predicted by Hannah long before the news was made public. Plus, the team talks about comments made by Rex's John Sharp about upcoming budget competitor Bonza, and debates whether or not Bonza will take off. Finally, the crew reveals where we now stand on borders reopening, and what to expect from the latest edition of the Australian Aviation magazine.

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.