3 Australian astronauts answer questions from schoolkids
With co-host Jake Nelson off sick, Australian Aviation has had to improvise for this week’s podcast. But what a treat we have for you. Two weeks ago, Australian Aviation’s sister brand, Space Connect, hosted its Australian Space Summit & Exhibition, otherwise known as AusSpace 25. In our best panel, regular host Adam Thorn moderated a panel with three Australian astronauts, with the questions asked by schoolchildren. Paul Scully-Power was Australia’s first-ever astronaut, who went to space in 1984. Eric Philips blasted off to space on a private SpaceX mission in April, while Katherine Bennell-Pegg was the first astronaut to formally qualify under the Australian flag.
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47:56
Is Newcastle the next Gold Coast?
With Western Sydney International Airport still a year and a half from opening, an unexpected alternative might be about to hit the congested NSW market: Newcastle Airport, a couple of hours north of Sydney, will soon have flights to Perth and Bali with more routes potentially on the way. The news will not only allow Hunter Region residents to travel further afield without having to make the trek down to Sydney, it could also give Sydneysiders an alternative to the city’s own crowded airport while WSI finishes construction, providing to Sydney what Gold Coast Airport does to Brisbane. As Newcastle Airport nears completion on its ambitious international terminal redevelopment, Adam and Jake look at what it might do for commercial aviation on the east coast. Plus, after the tumult of the last few years, is Qantas finally climbing its way out of a massive public trust deficit?
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44:36
A life-changing solo flight
On 2 July, associate professor Andrew Kornberg, senior neurologist at The Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne, will set off from Moorabbin Airport on a journey around Australia in his own single-engine plane to raise $4.5 million for children with rare and complex neurological conditions. The “Fly for the Kids” campaign – similar to Andrew’s previous flight in 2017 – will see him cover 27,000 kilometres over more than 50 hours in the air, in the hopes of establishing dedicated facilities and staff at the RCH for advanced therapies. Along the way, Andrew will visit patients who have been given these new treatments in an effort to raise awareness of how kids with rare conditions can be given longer and happier lives. Andrew spoke to the Australian Aviation Podcast ahead of his journey.
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25:52
‘It’s a lot easier to shut it down than to start it up’
After five tumultuous years as head of Air New Zealand, CEO Greg Foran is preparing to hang up his wings this October. Between COVID-19 border closures, fleet delays, maintenance issues and other problems, it’s fair to say the Kiwi flag carrier has had a rough half-decade – but how well has it weathered the storm? On location in Auckland, Australian Aviation’s Jake Nelson talks to Foran about his tenure, what he might have done differently, and what might be next for the airline. Plus, Adam and Jake discuss the rest of the week’s news, including Qantas’ ongoing attempts to draw a line under the Joyce era. Jake Nelson travelled as a guest of Air New Zealand.
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59:20
Lord of the Wings: Return of the King
She’s back – after Labor secured a thumping majority in this month’s federal election, Catherine King has been reappointed to her portfolio as minister for transport and infrastructure. In her first term, the minister released an Aviation White Paper, pushed ahead with reforms to Sydney slots, backed the new Western Sydney Airport, ended the war over Melbourne’s airport rail link, and pledged to save Rex from going under – so what can we expect this time around? Adam and Jake look at what the government – and the minister – might prioritise for aviation over the next three years and potentially beyond. Plus, Australia’s busiest day for air travel in five years – and we promise we’ll stop talking about America eventually, but seriously, what’s the go with America?
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