Australian Aviation Podcast Network

As the domestic aviation industry entered Christmas, it looked like COVID was beat with almost all borders open. Australia was united again. But the celebration quickly became a nightmare as an outbreak in Sydney's Northern Beaches sent the area into lockdown and spooked state leaders into reimposing restrictions. In this episode of the Australian Aviation Podcast, host Phil Tarrant and Adam Thorn discuss how the next few months will pan out, and how big a setback this is. Plus, the team ask why Qantas started selling international flights for winter, and whether Deputy PM Michael McCormack was right to launch an angry rebuke.

Australia, relatively speaking, seemed to have won COVID and performed well. But how and when the country opens poses a huge challenge. In this special episode of the Australian Aviation Podcast, host Phil Tarrant and guest Adam Thorn talk about how politics, science and aviation will collide in 2021. Will hotel quarantine remain? Will we need to be vaccinated to travel? Are airlines sticking or twisting in bringing planes and staff back? Finally, the pair predict the date the New Zealand travel bubble will open.

After the year from hell comes the year of change. 2021 will see airlines scramble to regain market share and stake their claim in the post-COVID world. In this special episode of the Australian Aviation Podcast, host Phil Tarrant and guest Adam Thorn run through what are likely to be the biggest stories of the new year. Will Rex muscle their way into the Golden Triangle? Can Virgin win the mid-market war? And how will the industry cope when financial aid comes to an end? Finally, the pair discuss the upcoming drone revolution that will surely take place. Does the technology have the potential to disrupt traditional aviation?

Where were we again? Oh, yes. Border closures, stand-downs, union rows, arrival caps, parked planes, hotel isolation and lockdowns. In this special episode of the Australian Aviation Podcast, host Phil Tarrant and guest Adam Thorn run through the biggest-rated stories of the year. They talk about the moments that made the headlines, as well as the context behind it. Plus, the team reflects on the amazing achievement that is Qantas reaching its centenary.

COVID has been the biggest shock traditional aviation has ever seen. Still, in the background, the UAV industry is booming, with drones taking on tasks from fighting bushfires to delivering medication and filming movies. In this special episode of the Australian Aviation podcast, UAV Training Australia's Wayne Condon reveals how savvy pilots of major airliners are now retraining to take advantage of this growing sector. He tells host Adam Thorn what raw skills are needed to make the transition, how UAVs and aircraft flying differs and just what leaps in technology have facilitated its growth. Finally, the pair discuss what the future holds as new industries embrace change, young people enter the profession, and AI enters the mix.

If 2020 was a year to forget for aviation, there's reason to hope 2021 could be much better for both enthusiasts and the industry. In this week's Inside Aviation catch-up, Phil and Adam discuss the return of Australia's Outback Air Race: the 3,800-kilometre time trial across the country set to come back in 2021. Plus, after Ryanair threw its weight behind the MAX last week with more orders, are other airlines following suit? Finally, the team discuss the latest burst of optimism for the 747. Does the iconic aircraft have a future now it's in semi-retirement?

Captain Tom House is Babcock Australasia's chief pilot and head of flying operations (onshore). In this special episode of the Australian Aviation Podcast, Captain House tells host Adam Thorn how Babcock collaborates with customers to provide critical emergency medical services, search and rescue, and law enforcement within Australia's aviation sector. He also discusses the history of the company and how it fits into the larger international operation. Finally, he provides insight into how the business navigated COVID, the lessons learnt and how he thinks the industry will transition into a post-pandemic world.

The first COVID vaccination has been approved in the UK – but what does this mean for Australia and international travel? In this week's Inside Aviation catch-up, Phil and Adam discuss why the approval could pose questions in many countries, and what this means for life returning to normal. Plus, European budget airline Ryanair has ordered an additional 75 MAX jets in a deal worth more than $9 billion. Is this the breakthrough Boeing needs to end two years of hell, or has Ryanair just pounced on a bargain?

This week, Australia's so-called Golden Triangle has been reassembled, with passengers now allowed to travel freely between Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane without isolation. On this week's episode of the Australian Aviation Podcast, Phil, Adam and Boo chat about the scramble to reclaim market share as Virgin and Qantas wake from hibernation. The team also discusses the role of unions in 2020, Qantas' plans to outsource 2,000 roles and the last of the government-supplemented repatriations. Finally, Phil and Boo wonder if Adam has finally turned into an aviation nerd? Is he now a Flightradar guru who will never find love?

This week, Qantas confirmed it was to outsource around 2,000 ground-handling jobs, despite an alternative proposal drawn up by the TWU and consulting firm EY. What now for those facing redundancy? On this week's Inside Aviation catch-up, Phil and Adam discuss the fallout and ask whether Qantas got it right or wrong considering its huge JobKeeper subsidies. Plus, with a vaccine weeks – or maybe days – from being rolled out, international airlines have dispensed with the pleasantries and are preparing to try to reclaim market share. Should big airlines, though, be able to keep their spots at airports if budget carriers want to get planes in the air?

Whisper it, but with borders opening and vaccines arriving shortly, are we witnessing the beginning of the end of aviation's worst year in a century? This week, host Phil Tarrant and guest Adam Thorn discuss whether this is the moment we've all been waiting for or just a false alarm before another state lockdown? Plus, the team talks about the latest developments in the Hamad Airport invasive search scandal. Is Qatar genuine in its actions, or is this just a bungled PR job to save its reputation? Finally, it almost went unnoticed that Qantas turned 100 last week. Find out how the flag carrier pulled off a dramatic stunt over the Harbour Bridge.

It should have been the biggest story of the year. But after a 20-month flight ban – the longest in aviation history – the US Federal Aviation Administration has finally cleared the 737 MAX to fly again. Now what? In this week's Inside Aviation, Phil and Adam discuss this and other stories breaking around the world. Will the industry be welcoming the Max back now it's got bigger problems to deal with? Plus, the team also discuss how the COVID vaccine will open up borders and the industry. Will a jab answer our prayers, or be the start of a tricky route out of international lockdown?

Stephen Loosley served in Parliament during the Hawke and Keating Governments, where he chaired the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade and the Senate Regulations Committee. On this special episode of the Australian Aviation Podcast, hosts Phil Tarrant and Steven Kuper talk to guest Stephen Loosley about the fallout from the election of Joe Biden as the next US president. What will it mean for Australia? How will it affect relations with China? And will it restore traditional international alliances abandoned by Donald Trump? Finally, the team discuss the regional response to the election result and what nations throughout the Indo-Pacific are saying, as well as the economic impact for Australia and its regional partners over the coming decade.

Last week, the world celebrated as we edged closer to having a coronavirus vaccine. But the good news also raises questions for international border openings. In our Inside Aviation catch-up, Phil Tarrant, Adam Thorn and a returning Boo chat about what this means for removing restrictions. Is it as simple as a 'shot in the arm' solving our problems, and how will it affect Australia? Finally, The team also discuss Emirates posting huge losses, the endless sad demise of the unloved A380 and yet another 'vertiport'.

This week, we reported how Qantas is set to launch two new flights from Canberra, just weeks after smaller airlines took the gamble to service the more unusual routes. In this episode of the Australian Aviation podcast, host Phil Tarrant and guest Adam Thorn discuss if Qantas' move is bad ethics given the pandemic, or just a larger competitor rightly taking advantage of a free market? Plus, with an Australia-purchased vaccine looking close to completion, what does the future hold for international border closures? Will the country open up early, or later, next year? Finally, the team discuss Rex's purchase of an ex-Virgin 737. Is the fight for the Golden Triangle now on?

After more than 20 years, Tasmania is finally set to host flights to New Zealand, as the federal government gears up to make the most of the soon-to-be-expanding travel bubble. It's rare good news spurred on by the COVID crisis. In this week's Inside Aviation, Phil and Adam discuss the latest developments in the industry, which is slowly coming back to life as borders reopen. They also talk about one of the best stories of the year, as Rex finally takes delivery of the first of its 737s. But not before it was spotted by Australian Aviation's photographer on the ground. Finally, the team discuss the situation at Cathay, where contract negotiations have turned ugly.

With borders opening and COVID cases falling, there's a sense of optimism in the industry that has been missing for months. But that good news means airlines are gearing up to battle for market share in the post-pandemic world. This week, host Phil Tarrant and guests Adam Thorn and Christian "Boo" Boucousis discuss who is going to win out as Rex gears up to flying capital cities, and Virgin plans cooperation with Alliance. Finally, the team chat about the latest developments in the Qatar invasive search scandal. Will the story run and run, or have authorities drawn a line under it?

The story that 13 Australian women were invasively searched by Qatari authorities at Hamad Airport this month has refused to go away. In the last few days, the Qatar government has finally issued an apology – but it seems to be more concerned with shifting the emphasis onto the missing baby. On this week's Inside Aviation, Phil and Adam discuss the impact on the industry, and whether Qatar will ever be able to regain passengers' trust. They also discuss the continual struggle to get passengers back home as border closures continue to bite, and why critics should be more understanding of under-fire airlines.

The story that 13 Australian women were invasively searched by Qatari authorities at Hamad Airport has become international news. On this week's episode, host Phil Tarrant and guest Adam Thorn discuss what the industry repercussions are and who is to blame? Should the Australian government have done more to keep Qantas repatriating citizens? Is it right that Qatar Airways now dominates our skies? And was it correct that those victims then had to spend two weeks in hotel quarantine? Finally, the team also discuss Virgin's hot-and-cold relationship with the unions, the progress of Loyal Wingman and honouring the history of the Australian Aviation print magazine.

Earlier this month, the Australian Aviation team welcomed Virgin chief executive Paul Scurrah on to this podcast to talk about his plans for the airline. And now, out of nowhere, he's gone. This week, a bemused Phil Tarrant and Adam Thorn discuss just what might or might not have happened? Did owners Bain do the dirty or do we need to give the new CEO the benefit of the doubt? Are the unions giving the new approach a fair go, or rightly standing their ground? And what does this mean for the industry? Plus, the team talk more about the chaos and confusion caused by the one-way travel bubble with New Zealand. Who exactly is to blame, or is this just an unprecedented situation? Finally, as Microsoft Flight Simulator gets its Harbour Bridge, Adam and Phil ask why it was omitted in the first place.

Among the chaos of COVID turning the industry on its head, it's often easy to forget the effect this once-in-a-century event has had on the unsung heroes in air traffic control, and the tech that supports them. In this special episode of the Australian Aviation Podcast, Adam Thorn speaks to Martin Rampl, the managing director of Frequentis Australasia, which supplies the communication and information systems to our air traffic control centres. Martin reveals how his team rapidly changed the way they worked to support our critical infrastructure during those heady days in late March. He also discusses the secrets behind the science of communicating with aircraft, how reliability can make the difference between life and death, and why our technology must keep evolving to ensure Australian aviation remains well connected and safe.

On the previous episode of the Australian Aviation podcast, Virgin Australia chief executive Paul Scurrah appeared on the show to talk through the business' bold comeback plan that will see it slot in between being a low-cost carrier and large international airline. Or as he calls it, the company will morph into a "high-quality, value airline". This week, host Phil Tarrant and guests Adam Thorn and a returning Christian "Boo" Boucousis ask: will it work? And can the plan fend off heavy champion Qantas and plucky upstart Rex? Plus, they discuss whether the federal government has done enough to help the industry, with little help for third party providers and airports. When the sector recovers, will there be enough skilled professionals left to get us moving again? Finally, the team chat about the progress of Loyal Wingman, and ponder whether it could open the door to a wave of investment in UAVs over the next decade.

As Australia's aviation industry tinkered on the brink in March, Virgin chief executive Paul Scurrah had to contend with not just COVID, but trying to save the company from liquidation. Now, after an exhausting six months, he appears on the Australian Aviation Podcast to discuss just how he managed to keep Virgin alive – and its comeback strategy. In particular, he reveals what he thinks went wrong in the past, why it's right for the airline not to become a low-cost carrier, and how both the administrator and new owner bought into the existing team's plan. Plus, in a world where we're all comfortable doing deals on Zoom, he argues domestic travel, and the industry, can bounce back to where it was before the pandemic.

Crisis? What crisis! As COVID-19 paralyses the industry, regional carrier Rex has announced it's on the brink of receiving $150 million in investment to launch flights between Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane as soon as next March. In this episode of the Australian Aviation podcast, host Phil Tarrant and regular guest Adam Thorn discuss whether the carrier is shrewd or stupid to strike Qantas at a time of such instability? Plus, this week Air New Zealand boss Greg Foran declared that we need to learn to live with COVID-19, and not just hope a vaccine comes riding to our rescue. It marks the latest in a long line of big-name players in the industry who are advocating a more long-term strategy. But will governments listen and finally start opening borders? Finally, with APAC becoming a more unstable place politically, how are the military and RAAF responding? Could the pandemic inadvertently bring about a revolution in how we see our fighter jets?

Hawker Pacific is one of the leading aircraft sales and support companies in APAC, and one of the largest independent companies of its type in the region with 800 employees. In this special episode of the Australian Aviation podcast, host Phil Tarrant talks to the business' Vice President, Middle East and APAC, Ian D'Arcy, about RBI Hawker, a collaboration between Hawker and Bell that specialises in rotor blade repair. D'Arcy talks about the plan to bring a true home base to Australia after 15 years' experience in Dubai while looking at launching satellite operations in countries such as Papua New Guinea. He talks through the challenges and opportunities, and how the market is changing.

Last week, the sale of Virgin was finally complete after a months-long administration process that had enough twists and turns to script a whodunnit. But now Bain's deal has been rubber-stamped, what exactly is going to happen moving forward? In this episode of the Australian Aviation podcast, host Phil Tarrant and regular guest Adam Thorn talk through the story behind the final week of the sale. Why did Branson break his silence? Are the TWU really supportive? And how on earth has chief executive Paul Scurrah managed to not only keep his job but get everyone to buy into his revival plan? They also discuss strong comments from the CEO of Melbourne Airport, who has said the country shouldn't wait for a vaccine to open international borders. Finally, amid the gloom, Sydney's new international airport now has some firm dates for construction work to start. The team discuss why the long-term outlook for aviation, post-COVID-19, is still strong.

In July, Australia limited the number of people who could arrive back into the country to manage the flow into hotel quarantine. The problem is, the decision has pushed up prices to eye-popping levels and reduced availability. In this episode of the Australian Aviation podcast, host Phil Tarrant and regular guest Adam Thorn discuss how this slow-burn story has exploded in the last seven days. They examine what the options are, the industry's collective position and whether the government will restart its repatriation program to assist. They also discuss Friday's now not-so-crunch meeting to decide the future of Virgin, where creditors will get to vote on quite how new owners Bain should take over. Finally – while our industry might be shrinking on the surface, it's also going through a period of exciting change. Just how long then, until we switch our Fords for flying cars?

In amongst the border closures, groundings and rows, it can be easy to forget the impact of COVID-19 on airline pilots themselves, who have found their industry has effectively shut down. In this episode of the Australian Aviation podcast, hosts Phil Tarrant and Christian "Boo" Boucousis speak to Mark Sedgwick, the executive director of Australian and International Pilots Association, about how pilots are adapting to the new normal. He discusses why states should sign up to a national framework on border closures, how many of his members have found work elsewhere and why he has worked hard to build a good relationship with the Qantas Group. He also tells long-time friend Boo what advice he would give to governments trying to protect the profession for the next generation.

Despite many Aussie citizens struggling to get home from overseas under the tightly capped limits of new arrivals in each state, the government has announced a pilot program to resume international student flights to Adelaide in September. In this week's episode of the Australian Aviation Podcast, host Phil Tarrant and Adam Thorn discuss the impetus for this controversial move, as well as the latest developments in the tumultuous Virgin Australia saga, with tensions bubbling over between Bain, bondholders and the TWU. Tune in to hear about noise complaints stemming from the new Brisbane runway and a Gold Coast joy flight business respectively, a step back for Air New Zealand as it cuts Auckland flights, Alliance launching new routes, and a Queensland rescue mission gone wrong.

Despite initially indicating it wouldn't have to go to shareholders for money, Sydney Airport has now asked shareholders to pitch in $2 billion to help it through the challenges brought on by the pandemic. With Qantas only raising a fraction of its $500 million goal and border restrictions hitting both organisations quite hard, will the airport see the kind of enthusiasm it needs from shareholders to reduce debt and increase liquidity? In this episode of the Australian Aviation Podcast, Phil Tarrant and Adam Thorn discuss Qatar Airways' growing influence in the wake of gushing praise from senior politicians, the Prime Minister's changed stance on state border closures, and the upsurge in intrastate travel to regional holiday hubs. They also talk about Virgin's surprisingly modest staff cut, Exercise Pitch Black going virtual, the government's investment into a new drone development program, and Dnata donating hundreds of thousands of uneaten meals to charity.

Gary Criddle's remarkable career has seen him work as a pilot for the Royal Australian Navy, RAAF as well as commercially, where he has flown 767s and A380s. He's also practised as an examiner, specialising in both air show display flying and warbirds. In this episode of the Australian Aviation Podcast, Gary joins hosts Phil Tarrant and Christian "Boo" Boucousis to talk about his earliest aviation memory, his transition from seaman officer to aviator with the Navy, and the difference between military and commercial pilot training. He gives an insight into what the flight examination process is actually like, outlines his preparation routine for getting into the zone on flying days, and reveals his hairiest flying experience to date.

At the start of July, the federal government announced a $270 billion commitment to defence spending for the coming decade, and a new holistic strategy for dealing with an increasingly uncertain world in the Indo-Pacific. In this exclusive interview, the Chief of Air Force, Air Marshal Mel Hupfeld, AO, DSC, gives host Phil Tarrant the inside story on how his team is rethinking what a modern air force should look like - and how it can better collaborate with other elements of the ADF and government to drive change. AIRMSHL Hupfeld lifts the lid on working with artificial intelligence on the Loyal Wingman platform, "robust" conversations with his counterparts in the Navy and Army on an integrated military, the drive towards a fifth-gen fighting force and how the lesson from COVID-19 must be to shore up global supply chains. He also talks candidly about his love of flying, his journey into the top job in the RAAF, and how he can't wait to get out in his Airtourer and P-51 Mustang in the near future.

Tension between two industry groups has come to a head as airports accuse airlines of neglecting to pass on their government bailouts by not paying various fees. In this episode of the Australian Aviation Podcast, hosts Phil Tarrant and Adam Thorn speculate over whether airports will eventually get paid and discuss Brisbane Airport's CEO's gloomy forecast for recovery. Tune in to hear all about a report against REX for an uncompetitive new route, an exact breakdown of how much is owed to Virgin creditors, and the last ever take-off of a Qantas 747 from Australian soil.

The latest development in the Virgin Australia saga has unhappy bondholders confirming they will put their offer to creditors next month, despite Bain having already pumped millions into the airline to keep it afloat over the last few months. Join hosts Phil Tarrant, Christian "Boo" Boucousis and Adam Thorn as they recap this week's headlines on the Australian Aviation Podcast, including Brisbane's brand new billion-dollar runway, saying goodbye to the Qantas 747, and a changing of the guard at CASA. In this episode they'll also touch on a new Microsoft flight simulator program, the cause of the recent R44 rash in WA, and NSW's investment into an electric flying car testing facility.

Just as interstate flights were set to begin ramping up, Victoria has been hit by a second spike of COVID-19, borders are locked down, and a badly handled quarantine policy appears to be at the root of it. In this episode of Australian Aviation, hosts Phil Tarrant and Adam Thorn delve into the implications of the lockdown on domestic travel, new developments in the Virgin saga, and Qantas' early retirement of its 'Queen of the Skies' 747. They also talk about the likelihood of an extension to JobKeeper, a tragic R44 helicopter crash, Air New Zealand halting inbound international bookings, and the establishment of a new domestic route from Canberra to Ballina.

Qantas has been slammed by the TWU for not waiting for more clarity around the future of JobKeeper before announcing it will axe about 20% of its staff. Is the controversial decision in the best interest of the airline and its employees? In this episode of the Australian Aviation Podcast, hosts Phil Tarrant, Boo Boucousis and Adam Thorn discuss Alan Joyce's response to the criticism as well as the changes to the airline's business lounges as domestic travel is set to ramp back up. They touch on the latest around Virgin's preferred bidder, the chair's criticism of the company's former CEO, and REX's talk about getting into the domestic game after begging for a bail-out just a few months ago.

After weeks of good news, mixed messaging between state and federal governments is spooking consumers. In this episode of the Australian Aviation Podcast, hosts Phil Tarrant, Christian "Boo" Boucousis and Adam Thorn delve into a minister's hint around keeping international borders closed, Australia's acquirement of its third Triton, and an "unsettling" development in the Virgin saga. They discuss the ACCC's crack down on dissatisfied Qantas customers, Avalon Airport's security upgrade investment, and a Melbourne-based medical drone company that have capitalised on the current crisis.

With talk of flights resuming over the next couple of weeks, the final two bidders for Virgin Australia are proposing a "hybrid" model for the airline, placing it somewhere between Qantas' premium offerings and Jetstar's budget fares. Tune in to this episode of the Australian Aviation Podcast to hear feedback from the regional airport sector in response to $40 million of upgrades, and uncertainty around JobKeeper among airline administration and unions. Hosts Phil Tarrant, Christian "Boo" Boucousis and Adam Thorn also discuss a story about a miraculous teen pilot crash, Qatar's dramatic market share increase, and new RAAF drone innovation.

As Australia waited for the National Cabinet to announce the return of flying, Alan Joyce seized the initiative early and revealed he'll hugely increase capacity in July. But will his plan be profitable? Host Phil Tarrant, Christian "Boo" Boucousis and Adam Thorn share their insights as to whether or not demand will be there. They'll also discuss events across the ditch, where New Zealand has declared victory against coronavirus and dropped social distancing. What does this mean for the future of international travel and border reopenings? Finally, the team also chat about whether The Buffet bailed too early by selling his airline shares; the demise of Delta's McDonnell Douglas Mad Dogs; and the world's largest electric plane.

The fight for Virgin is wrapping up, with the two shortlisted bidders left in the running preparing to make their case to both the administrator and to the union. Hosts Phil Tarrant, Christian "Boo" Boucousis and Adam Thorn share their insights as to who will try to forge alliances with the final two, how the Queensland government fits into the picture, and what this means for the location of Virgin HQ. They delve into how Alliance is looking to create local jobs in Queensland, Qantas' contentious acquisition move without clearance from the ACCC, and the re-opening of Canberra Airport. Tune into this episode of the Australian Aviation podcast to hear about the sentiment among the airport sector around COVID-19 impacts, the international export of a Noosa-built fire tank, and the maiden flight of the first ever US-made Airbus plane.

Despite the ongoing state feud about the appropriate time to open borders back up, sentiment among the industry is positive, with Qantas raring to go as soon as they're given the green light and bidding for Virgin to be finalised by this Friday. On this episode of the Australian Aviation Podcast, Phil Tarrant, Christian "Boo" Boucousis and Adam Thorn recap the not-so-confidential front runners in the fight for Virgin, the latest on JobKeeper and JobMaker eligibility in the aviation sector, and Air New Zealand's strong footing in the current crisis. They reflect on research revealing a 20-year high for aerial firefighting safety incidents, a new low-cost carrier launching in Japan next week, and fresh attempts to build a helipad on Sydney's Sofitel.

The shortlist of bidders on Virgin Australia appears to have been whittled down to four, but with the state border closure debate heating up and uncertainty still clouding the future of the airline, how will this saga unfold? On this episode of the Australian Aviation Podcast, hosts Phil Tarrant, Christian 'Boo' Boucousis and Adam Thorn reflect on the latest news in the fight for Virgin, Qantas' optimistic outlook and wellbeing plan for the impending relaxation of regulations, and confusion around Rex's positioning in the current crisis. They also discuss Alliance Airlines' increased financial year profits, recent stats on Sydney's April passenger numbers, and some tragic news for the aviation sector this week.

As restrictions ease, airlines are - slowly and with baby steps - starting to take to the skies for recreational travel. Air New Zealand became one of the first, as the country moved from 'Level 3' to 'Level 2' rules that meant Kiwis are now encouraged to leave their homes and see friends and family. Host Phil Tarrant and Australian Aviation's Adam Thorn talk about exactly what the flying experience under the 'new normal' will be like - with social distancing on board, touchless kiosks and no tickets checked at the terminal entrance. They'll also discuss an unprecedented war of words between the Federal Government and the state of Queensland, which threw its hat into the ring for control of a reborn Virgin Australia. Is there a motive beyond simply saving Brisbane jobs and is Richard Branson, one of the last big beasts of aviation, lurking in the background?

The competition is fierce amongst potential buyers for Virgin Australia, but how is the current uncertainty around flights as well as threats from Alan Joyce going to affect the sale getting over the line? Hosts Phil Tarrant, Christian "Boo" Boucousis and Adam Thorn unpack the latest news around Virgin's bidding war on this episode of the Australian Aviation Podcast. Tune in to hear about the Royal Australian Air Force's new fifth-gen aircraft, the opportunities it presents for the local defence industry, and the general attitude of military aviation towards this kind of technology. They reflect on whether China's new stealth bomber is merely a propaganda exercise, concerns around aviation business' eligibility for government relief, and a remarkable story about an aviation legend who celebrated New Years Eve on two continents.

Dubbed "Australia's most sacred place" by Prime Minister Scott Morrison in his recent Anzac Day address, the Australian War Memorial is the nation's tribute to the courage and sacrifice of generations of men and women who served in war. On this special episode of Australian Aviation, host Phil Tarrant is joined by Matthew Anderson to discuss his pathway to being appointed the War Memorial's director just a few weeks ago, how the institution fared on facilitating a remote commemoration of Anzac Day, and his priorities over the coming months in his new role. Matthew explains how his team are navigating the disruptive environment of COVID-19, why the $498 million slated for the landmark's development is critical for the local economy, and how the Australian defence industry can be more involved in supporting the War Memorial's objectives.

Virgin Australia has had a particularly turbulent couple of days, from initially demanding a federal government bail-out, to state government hostility over the location of their HQ, to collapsing into voluntary administration. Tune in to this week's Australian Aviation to hear host Phil Tarrant and senior writer Adam Thorn discuss the overall sentiment around Virgin Australia right now, why the Morrison Government was so reluctant to bail it out, and what we know about the 10 suitors that are looking at recapitalising the airline. Phil and Adam also reflect on the latest news around REX, Qantas and Air New Zealand's responses to the COVID-19 crisis.

While the coronavirus crisis has effectively crippled the aviation sector for the time being, the long-term effects on the industry once the regulations begin to ease still remains relatively unclear. On this episode of Australian Aviation, your hosts Phil Tarrant, Christian "Boo" Boucousis and senior writer Adam Thorn delve into Virgin's public fight for survival and stories of industry resilience and initiative in working around current restrictions. They also get philosophical about the implications of the rapid shift to a remote workforce on domestic and international travel in the wake of COVID-19.

While the federal government has responded to the airline sector with billions of dollars' worth of support, the struggle of small aviation businesses through the devastating COVID-19 crisis remain largely unrecognised. Businesses that were already financially strained due to the cost of keeping up with existing regulation are now in even direr straights. CEO of Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association Benjamin Morgan joins host Phil Tarrant and Christian "Boo" Boucousis to delve into the crippling effect of coronavirus on the Australian aviation industry as a whole and outline the action that needs to be taken by the government and these smaller businesses to gear them up for recovery when the current situation dissipates. On this episode, Benjamin also unpacks the somewhat unsavory motivation behind the recent closure of a Canberra Airport cross runway and how it is reflective of a wider issue that is pervading the Australian airport sector.

COVID-19 is undeniably the biggest upset the aviation sector has ever seen and the Australian government is providing some hefty bail-outs to our airlines, but is it enough to keep the industry afloat? Host Phil Tarrant and senior writer Adam Thorn unpack everything you need to know about the pandemic's effect on Australian aviation, including attitudes around the timely go ahead given to Project Sunrise, the rollercoaster REX journey over the past week, and criticism from the ground-handling industry claiming neglect from the government. Tune in to hear the latest news around Qantas' fluctuating share price, the rising tension between two of our major carriers, and some positive milestones for our aviation sector.

In the last week, a dramatic ramping up of social distancing, travel bans and state lockdowns have forced airlines to stand down the majority of their staff. But amid the chaos, what's next for Australia's aviation industry? On this episode of the podcast, hosts Phil Tarrant, Christian "Boo" Boucousis and senior writer Adam Thorn reflect on the latest airline announcements, including Virgin Australia standing down 80% of its staff, Qantas' soaring share price, and REX's unique approach to demanding a bail-out. They discuss the long road to recovery predicted for international flights, the ongoing collaboration between unions and airlines, and the now booming maintenance and storage sector of the industry.