Australian Aviation Podcast Network
The official podcast network of Australian Aviation – where we unpack all the latest insights and developments plus the big issues impacting Australia’s aviation sector.
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Winning the ‘war on talent’
01/07/2026
Winning the ‘war on talent’
With just 5.1 per cent of roles in air traffic controllers, pilots and licensed aircraft maintenance held by women – and only 4 per cent globally for pilots – the pace of change towards gender parity in aviation is still glacial. Though Australia’s figures are a little higher, even here we still have a long way to go, and with the aviation industry crying out for talent, it’s clear that we need to make a big push for a more diverse workforce. Leidos Australia has recently hit its goal of 20 per cent female pilots, with the aerospace firm driving hard towards a more inclusive corporate culture at the same time. On this week’s Australian Aviation Podcast, Jake Nelson talks to Jesse Young from Leidos and Kristen Raby of Aviation/Aerospace Australia on how the industry can learn from Leidos’ example, and how to break down the barriers to a more diverse workforce.
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Making your manuals automatic
12/30/2025
Making your manuals automatic
Keeping operational manuals up-to-date is a vital part of ensuring that any aviation company is maintaining regulatory compliance and that staff are aware of the latest policies and procedures. Many businesses, however, are still using outdated and clunky methods such as Word documents and PDFs to distribute their manuals – a time-consuming and error-prone process that presents significant operational risks. Web Manuals, an all-in-one document management system, has recently arrived in Australia and is offering flexible, adaptable, AI-enabled editing, review, distribution and monitoring of operational manuals and other important documents. On this week’s Australian Aviation Podcast, Jake Nelson speaks to Web Manuals CEO Martin Lidgard on the company’s Australian expansion and the importance of streamlining compliance management of operational manuals.
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How QF32 beat the ‘black swan’
12/23/2025
How QF32 beat the ‘black swan’
It could have been Australia’s worst-ever airline disaster – but it wasn’t. When an engine exploded aboard Qantas flight 32 in 2010, its crew were faced with a “black swan” event, one so unthinkable they could not possibly prepare for it. With critical systems in chaos and hundreds of lives at stake, the A380’s crew, led by Captain Richard de Crespigny, had to figure out how to get the plane safely back on the ground … and over the course of several harrowing hours, they succeeded. Not only did the team save the aircraft with the odds stacked against them, but they got every single soul off the aircraft without even one injury, cementing QF32’s place in the aviation history books for all the right reasons. In this week’s Australian Aviation Podcast, Captain de Crespigny tells Jake Nelson the story of QF32, 15 years on – and what it taught him about the value of resilience.
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The highs and lows of 2025
12/17/2025
The highs and lows of 2025
A year is a long time in aviation, and 2025 has seemed a longer year than most – what with the long-running Rex administration; Qantas’ ongoing travails; Virgin Australia’s tie-up with Qatar Airways and subsequent IPO; fleet renewals aplenty; and a deluge of other news. Looking ahead, 2026 looms as what will doubtless be another huge year for the sector, including the opening of Western Sydney International Airport, the delivery of Qantas’ first Project Sunrise jets, and the potential entry of new airlines to Australia’s skies. On the final regular Australian Aviation Podcast for this year, Jake and David reflect on what 2025 brought and what 2026 is set to bring – and wish you all the best for the holiday season. Plus, a truly astonishing escape for a Queensland skydiver, and Qantas’ newly-returned A380 is grounded again.
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Sky-high demand sends airfares soaring
12/10/2025
Sky-high demand sends airfares soaring
If there’s one issue that never really goes away for Australia’s aviation sector, it’s airfares. Massive demand has pushed prices up, according to the ACCC, with October airfares at their highest since 2022, despite both Qantas Group and Virgin Australia adding extra capacity. To make matters worse for those out west, the WA government is set to increase caps for regional airfares during “high-demand” periods, while the spectre of rising airfares also appears to have spooked Canberra into nixing plans for an EU-style “pay-on-delay” scheme. On this week’s Australian Aviation Podcast, Jake and David look at the factors putting the squeeze on Australian travellers’ wallets, and whether newer, larger, and more efficient aircraft might bring some relief. Plus, the last Qantas A380 comes home, skydiving instructors jump off the job, and is Australia playing catch-up on border processing technology?
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A320s eighty-sixed – what’s the 411?
12/03/2025
A320s eighty-sixed – what’s the 411?
If you were looking to fly anywhere in Australia this past weekend: we’re so sorry to hear it. Between a fire at Melbourne Airport, the grounding of half of Jetstar’s A320 fleet, and a nationwide passport processing outage, delays and cancellations plagued travellers for three days straight. Now that everything has (thankfully) returned to normal, what exactly was the deal with that Airbus software update – and what does it mean for the workhorse A320, one of the most popular passenger aircraft types in the world? On this week’s podcast, Jake, David and Bethany sift through the ashes of a chaotic weekend in the skies, and analyse the aftermath of the A320 grounding. Plus, Virgin’s flirtation with ChatGPT, international traffic continues to surge, and how safe is it to step on board a hot-air balloon?
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Smashing the aviation data silos
11/27/2025
Smashing the aviation data silos
With outdated and confusing systems and processes common across the aviation industry, safety and compliance can be a thorny problem for many businesses, with “data silos” holding up procedures. OneReg, a New Zealand-based company, aims to change all that, moving businesses away from cluttered folders of Word documents, Excel spreadsheets, and PDFs to centralise compliance on one easy-to-use platform. With customers across Australia, New Zealand, the UK and EU, and the Middle East, OneReg is looking to enable industry-wide data sharing to help the aviation sector move away from tick-box compliance and into a new “gold standard”. On this podcast, Jake Nelson talks to Clint Cardozo and Carly Waddleton from OneReg on the perils of data silos in aviation, and how to streamline the regulatory compliance process.
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Major airlines charged with assault on batteries
11/26/2025
Major airlines charged with assault on batteries
After months in the works, it’s official – from December, you’ll be banned from using or charging your portable power bank on flights with any major airline in Australia. Qantas, Jetstar and Virgin, which already require power banks to be carried in cabin baggage and kept within easy reach, will now prohibit passengers from using them entirely – instead, you’ll need to use in-seat power if available, or simply go without. On this week’s podcast, as the start dates loom, Jake and David revisit the airlines’ power bank ban and examine the safety issues that have driven it. Plus, does Western Sydney Airport need more support to get its lofty ambitions off the ground?
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What makes a good air incident investigator, with UNSW
11/25/2025
What makes a good air incident investigator, with UNSW
It’s said that every accident makes aviation safer – but that doesn’t happen on its own. Across the globe, air incident investigators are on the scene whenever something goes wrong with an aircraft, finding out the root of the problem and making sure it doesn’t happen again. But what skills are most important to investigators: aviation experience, or scientific training and critical thinking? What does an investigation team need to be certain they’ve got it right? In this podcast, Professor Brett Molesworth, head of UNSW School of Aviation, hosts a wide-ranging conversation on the fundamental tension between traditional aviation expertise and scientific methodology in incident investigation. Join him in this fascinating panel discussion with Wing Commander Clare Fry, Defence Flight Safety Bureau; Dr Curtis Calabrese, United Airlines captain, director of operations for Skyways Charter, former FAA Inspector and U.S. Navy Reconnaissance pilot; Dr David Wilson, senior transport safety investigator, ATSB; and James Barnett, manager group investigations, Qantas.
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Jetstar’s Singapore fling
11/19/2025
Jetstar’s Singapore fling
It’s only been a few months since the end of Jetstar Asia, but now Jetstar is looking to make a bigger push back into the Singapore market. Starting next March, the low-cost carrier will fly between the Lion City and Bali … but that won’t be the end of the journey. In an interesting twist, the Singapore–Bali services will only be one leg on direct routes connecting through to the Sunshine Coast and Newcastle, a pair of smaller airports in regional cities that wouldn’t normally expect to see Singapore services – so, what’s the plan for Jetstar? On this week’s Australian Aviation Podcast, Jake, David and Bethany take a look at Jetstar’s new Singapore routes, what they might do for the cities they serve, and what might be next. Plus, the plan to link Western Sydney Airport to high-speed rail – will it ever happen, and what will come of it if it does?
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A big step towards Project Sunrise
11/12/2025
A big step towards Project Sunrise
A few short years ago, Project Sunrise – Qantas’ plan to fly non-stop from the east coast to London and New York – was a mere gleam in Alan Joyce’s eye. Now, however, as the first A350-1000ULR gets ready to have its engines fitted, those marathon flights are looking closer than ever. While there’s still a lot of work to be done, including extensive test flights, before the plane can be delivered in 2026 ahead of Project Sunrise’s planned 2027 launch, there’s now something undeniably concrete about the Flying Kangaroo’s ultra-long-haul ambitions – but will they succeed? On this week’s Australian Aviation Podcast, Jake and Bethany discuss the milestone and what it might be like to spend upwards of 22 straight hours in the sky. Plus, Avalon Airport is set to return to international flights – is Melbourne’s second gateway finally seeing some love?
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How a ‘Teen Pilot Down Under’ conquered the world
11/05/2025
How a ‘Teen Pilot Down Under’ conquered the world
Last month, a remarkable journey came to an end when 16-year-old Byron Waller touched down at Brisbane Airport following 67 days circumnavigating the globe in a light aircraft. Covering 41,700km in his Sling TSi, Byron’s odyssey through the skies took him over oceans, deserts, ice fields, and everything in between, including a landing at the Grand Canyon and guest appearances at big airshows. It was a monumental effort from a young aviator who just a few years ago was bedridden with chronic illnesses, and turned to flying – including becoming the youngest pilot to circumnavigate Australia, at age 14 – to make his dreams a reality. On this week’s Australian Aviation Podcast, Jake talks to Byron and his mum Jeni about his incredible achievement – and his future aviation ambitions.
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Air T-Rex deal met with raptor-ous applause
10/29/2025
Air T-Rex deal met with raptor-ous applause
After more than a year fossilised in amber, Australia’s third largest airline looks to have avoided extinction – American firm Air T has agreed to buy Rex, prompting roars of approval from government and industry as well as the best name for any corporate buyout in history. But while Air T brings with it plenty of Saab 340 parts to resurrect Rex’s dinosaur planes, will fleet renewal still be on the menu – and will creditors get their money back? Jake, David, and graduate journalist Bethany Alvaro make approximately too many Jurassic Park references as they dissect Air T’s Rex purchase and what it might mean for the regional airline’s future. Plus, the first jet lands at Western Sydney Airport; ex-Virgin boss Paul Scurrah returns to aviation; and what, scientifically, is an “RBH”?
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Book thrown at Bonza backers
10/22/2025
Book thrown at Bonza backers
A year and a half after the abrupt collapse of Bonza, its erstwhile financier, Miami-based investment firm 777 Partners, is under the microscope again – and for all the wrong reasons. Its co-founder and former CFO have both been charged by the FBI over allegations of a jaw-dropping US$500 million fraud scheme, with accusations levelled of a complex web of lies and financial chicanery that left lenders and investors holding the bag. Jake and David dig into the charges and reflect again on how much 777 Partners’ alleged dodgy dealings may have brought Bonza down. Plus, which carrier was Australia’s most on-time airline in 2024–25 – and what do you do with a radioactive cat?
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Is Sydney ready to be a 2-airport city?
10/20/2025
Is Sydney ready to be a 2-airport city?
Sydney is on the verge of a major aviation transformation. With Western Sydney International (Nancy Bird-Walton) Airport set to open in 2026, the city will soon operate as a two-airport metropolis. How will the two-airport city work? Western Sydney is now Australia’s third-largest economy, with its population set to grow to around 3 million by the 2030s. With air travel demand set to double over the next 20 years, Western Sydney Airport promises to unlock new opportunities in transport, business, and tourism. But delivering on that vision requires careful planning and collaboration. In this podcast, a panel hosted by UNSW School of Aviation dives into what the opening of Western Sydney Airport will mean for passengers, businesses, and the broader economy. Join Paul Willis, group executive, planning & delivery, Sydney Airport; Karen Jones, CEO, Destination NSW; and Stevan Sipka, senior manager, network and fleet, Qantas Freight, in a thought-provoking discussion moderated by Dr Ian Douglas, honorary senior lecturer, UNSW Aviation and former chair, International Air Services Commission, on Sydney’s two-airport future.
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Qantas data hits the dark web
10/15/2025
Qantas data hits the dark web
Just when Qantas thought the saga of its frequent flyer hack might be over, a fresh headache has hit the Flying Kangaroo as online miscreants published the stolen data on the dark web. The airline is warning customers to beware of scammers, and says it is working with “specialist cyber security experts” to investigate exactly what data was leaked – but what does all this mean for the 5 million people caught up in the breach? Jake turns to David’s cyber expertise to find out what might be next for Qantas, and what you can do to protect yourself if you’re affected. Plus, a treat for all you military aviation aficionados out there as our defence and aerospace lead Steve Kuper joins us to talk new Army Apaches, Anduril’s answer to the Ghost Bat, and more.
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Making airports autism-friendly
10/08/2025
Making airports autism-friendly
While most of us can navigate airports without a second thought, those with disabilities can find it much more difficult – and people who have hidden disabilities like autism face their own unique challenges. As airports and airlines implement more accessibility measures for those with obvious needs like wheelchair users and the visually impaired, less is known on what to do for autistic travellers who can face severe sensory issues in the noisy, chaotic environment of an airport. Fortunately, the tide is starting to turn, with sunflower lanyards making hidden disabilities more visible, and policy changes allowing autistic people to use aids like noise-cancelling headphones to make their airport journeys easier. On this week’s Australian Aviation Podcast, Jake talks to Emma Beardsley and Dr Tom Tutton from Aspect Autism Friendly on what autistic people have to deal with at airports, and how not just staff but other travellers can support fellow passengers with a sunflower lanyard.
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Qantas’ fleet future takes flight
10/01/2025
Qantas’ fleet future takes flight
It’s finally here – the biggest change to Qantas’ domestic fleet in decades. The new A321XLR has joined the national carrier with its first commercial flight, and with 48 on order to replace the ageing 737-800s, it’s the most ambitious phase yet in the airline’s massive fleet renewal program. With a wider body, more fuel-efficient engines, and a slew of other changes, the A321XLR is a massive leap for the Flying Kangaroo – but does it live up to the hype, and what’s being done about the delicate issue of the toilets? On this week’s podcast, Jake has a full trip report of the inaugural flight of the Qantas A321XLR, and he and David discuss what it will do for the airline both domestically and internationally. Plus, Qantas looks to improve its battered reputation by making it a condition of CEO Vanessa Hudson’s bonuses: will it work, or is it just a PR stunt?
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Cyber chaos at Europe’s big airports
09/24/2025
Cyber chaos at Europe’s big airports
Spare a thought for anyone who’s tried to get to or from Europe this week – not only is a “super typhoon” wreaking havoc in Hong Kong, but a massive ransomware attack over the weekend crippled several major airports in Europe, including London’s Heathrow. Passengers were stranded, flights thrown into chaos, and scenes of long lines and pandemonium dominated the headlines – but never fear, for the Australian Aviation Podcast has just the expertise to break down what happened and who might be responsible. On this week’s podcast, Jake and David take a look back at the hack attack, how it unfolded, and what it might mean for Australian airports. Plus, three QantasLink bases could get the chop following a review – how might it impact both staff and regional travellers?
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E2, flown home
09/17/2025
E2, flown home
After almost 30 years in service, Virgin Australia Regional Airlines is finally allowing its old Fokkers to retire with the arrival of the Embraer E190-E2, the first of which touched down from Brazil this month. With an improved range, a new cabin, and more efficient engines, the E2 might just be what Virgin’s regional arm needs to expand its operations across WA – and potentially even further east. On this week’s Australian Aviation Podcast, Jake is back to deliver his full trip report on the ferry flight from Canberra to Perth, and to look at where the new E-Jets could fit in to Virgin’s larger network… as well as to reveal his new co-host at the thrilling conclusion of the “Game of Thorns”! Plus, Sydney Airport unveils plans to link its two domestic terminals – could the T2/T3 “Franken-terminal” set it up to compete with its new western rival?
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‘Keep going until you can’t’
09/10/2025
‘Keep going until you can’t’
From joy-rides in a Mirage III fighter jet at age seven, to selling her home to help pay for flight lessons, to flying for Rex and eventually becoming one of the faces of Virgin Australia, Captain Michelle Huntington has had a truly astonishing journey. She’s flown solo in a Beechcraft Bonanza from Arizona to Bankstown, been struck by lightning in mid-air, battled unruly passengers, and stared down industry sexism – but through it all, never lost her sense of adventure. After leaving the industry during the height of COVID-19, Michelle has taken to the speaking circuit to share the lessons she’s learned, many of which also feature in her new book Lady MacGyver: Unbelievable stories with altitude. On this special episode of the Australian Aviation Podcast, Jake sits down with Michelle to talk about her career, her book, whether there’s life after the sky – and how to keep your internal organs in their proper place at 30,000 feet.
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The most wonderful time of the (financial) year
09/03/2025
The most wonderful time of the (financial) year
The sound of investor presentations and ASX releases can only mean one thing: results season has come again, bringing joy and cheer to all the good shareholders of the land – especially those who’ve invested in airlines. Qantas has posted another bumper profit as it looks to snap up even more A321XLRs, Virgin Australia has celebrated its 25th anniversary with a healthy result, Alliance is flying more hours than ever, and across the Tasman, even Air New Zealand is still in the black despite its many headaches. Jake and guest host Benjamin Foster unpack all the major airlines’ results and take a look ahead to the prospects for 2026. Plus, it’s the end of the line for Gold Coast Airport’s light rail – what might replace the controversial project as the Olympics draw ever closer?
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Should Qantas trim back its beard ban?
08/27/2025
Should Qantas trim back its beard ban?
As it recovers from massive fines and reputational headaches, Qantas has a new hairy problem to deal with over its move to make QantasLink flight crews adopt the same grooming standards as mainline Qantas and Jetstar pilots: namely, no beards allowed. Qantas insists this is for safety reasons, with a report saying facial hair can interfere with oxygen masks – but hirsute Qantas pilots are crying “not by the hair on our chinny-chin-chins,” and pointing to studies showing beards shave hardly anything off the safety margin. So, who’s right? Jake is joined by special guest host and fellow facial hair enthusiast Keith Ford of the ifa and SMSF Adviser podcasts to look at the arguments for and against the beard ban, and to take a brave stand against pogonophobia. Plus, a bunfight erupts over government frequent-flyer perks, and Koala Airlines responds to our challenge – were we wrong about the scrappy start-up?
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Has Qantas learned its lesson?
08/20/2025
Has Qantas learned its lesson?
It’s the largest corporate fine for industrial relations breaches in Australian history: a mammoth $90 million, handed down to Qantas for the illegal outsourcing of around 1,800 ground workers during the pandemic – on top of $120 million already imposed in compensation. At 75 per cent of the maximum penalty, it will doubtless put the fear of God (and the unions) into other large companies who might be considering similar moves, and the national carrier has offered an apology – but is it really sorry, or, as Justice Michael Lee speculated, only sorry it got caught? Jake and special guest host Emilie Lauer of Smart Property Investment unpack the ramifications of the fine and ask whether a leopard ... or a Flying Kangaroo ... really can change its spots. Plus, between ageing planes, razor-thin margins and soaring airfares, what can be done about the ongoing travails of regional aviation?
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Shaping the future of air traffic management with Daniel Wang and Rodney Sciortino, Rohde & Schwarz
08/19/2025
Shaping the future of air traffic management with Daniel Wang and Rodney Sciortino, Rohde & Schwarz
The latest episode of the Australian Aviation Podcast spotlights two finalists in the 2025 Australian Aviation Awards, with host Steve Kuper joined by Daniel Wang, head of programs for ATC and air defence at Rohde & Schwarz, and Rodney Sciortino, head of civil air traffic control. Together, they explore how the global technology company is delivering cutting-edge solutions across both the defence and civil aviation sectors, from deployable ATC towers to AI-driven technologies, cyber security safeguards, and the growing role of drones in airspace management. One of the standout capabilities they discuss is the transportable air operations tower (TAOT), a mobile system supporting both the Australian Defence Force and civilian organisations. The TAOT provides critical flexibility for operations in austere environments, disaster relief zones, and even during major events like the Avalon Airshow. As Wang says, the system allows the ADF to project air power and sustain operations from remote airfields, while Sciortino highlights its civil applications, from ensuring continuity after natural disasters to supporting firefighting aircraft and temporary tower upgrades. The trio also discuss Wang and Sciortino's journey to Rohde & Schwarz, and how the company's blend of global innovation, local experience, and cross-sector expertise is helping shape the future of air traffic management in Australia and the wider Indo-Pacific. Enjoy the Podcast, The Australian Aviation Team
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Confronting the Tiger in the room
08/13/2025
Confronting the Tiger in the room
It’s been five years since a Tigerair plane last graced Australia’s skies – and the aviation ecosystem is still coping with Tigerair’s extinction. That’s according to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, which has found that domestic capacity has still not recovered to June 2019 levels though demand is now back where it was before the pandemic, as the loss of Tigerair created a hole of around 400,000 monthly seats made worse by later reductions from Rex. Jake Nelson and guest host Daniel Croft of Cyber Daily take a look at the ACCC’s report and ask who – if anyone – could fill the gap Tigerair left behind. Plus, how can we solve the growing mental health crisis in general aviation?
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A new coat of paint for Skytrans
08/06/2025
A new coat of paint for Skytrans
After 30 years criss-crossing regional Queensland, it’s the end of the road for Skytrans – not for the airline itself, which will keep flying, but for the name. New owner Avia Solutions Group is rebranding the carrier as SmartLynx Australia, echoing some of its other brands overseas. Along with the name change will come a new paint job for the airline’s existing aircraft, with the Skytrans livery to be covered in neutral white, allowing the planes to be more easily used for wet leasing and charter flights when needed – but for Queenslanders who know and love the Skytrans brand, will the change prove a turn-off? Jake and guest host David Hollingworth examine the pros and cons of the change, and whether all-white planes are an appealing prospect for passengers. Plus, scrappy upstart Koala Airlines is back in the news – but does its ambition of launching domestic services by the end of next year hold much water?
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Farewell, Adam Thorn
07/30/2025
Farewell, Adam Thorn
It’s the bombshell the aviation industry never saw coming, one that has shaken the sector to its core: after five and a half years at Australian Aviation, renowned luminary and thought leader Adam Thorn is leaving Momentum Media. Over the course of his tenure, Adam has seen COVID-19 shutdowns, travel chaos, and the collapse of multiple Australian airlines – and while he’ll still be leading the print magazine, in many ways it’s the end of an era, a seismic shift rivalling even the exit of Alan Joyce from Qantas in 2023. Co-hosts Jake Nelson and Benjamin Foster join Adam to reflect on half a decade at the helm of Australian Aviation and what comes next. Plus, the Ansett brand has been resurrected – but is an “AI-powered” travel booking site really the best use for it?
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Are power banks a flight risk?
07/23/2025
Are power banks a flight risk?
They’ve become an indispensable part of our modern digital lives, but airlines are increasingly wary of portable lithium batteries and power banks, which can have an alarming tendency to catch fire if damaged or short-circuited. Though power banks are already required to be carried in cabin luggage to ensure easy access if something goes wrong, some carriers have gone further, banning their use and charging entirely during flights – and Virgin Australia may be next, after a bag burst into flames in an overhead locker on a flight to Hobart. As in-seat charging ports become more common, Adam and Jake plug in to the issue and ask: is banning in-flight power bank use a reasonable safety step or an overreaction? Plus, regional airports are becoming international gateways as travellers and airlines look to bypass the big city hubs, and how can we bring the “glamour” back to aviation careers?
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Qantas hits the jackpot on Sydney slots
07/16/2025
Qantas hits the jackpot on Sydney slots
Sydney Airport has a new slot manager, one with no ties to the big domestic airlines … and yet, Qantas Group has still nabbed the majority of available take-off and landing slots over the end-of-year peak, with Virgin a distant second. With 52 per cent of the slots allocated to Qantas and Jetstar, the Flying Kangaroo’s dominance at Sydney continues – but might this put to bed the idea that the old slot manager was too cosy with the major airlines? Adam and Jake dig into the data and ask whether the great Sydney slot debate will ever go away. Plus, what went wrong in a disastrous Melbourne drone show two years ago that saw 427 drones plummet into the Yarra?
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