The official podcast network of Australian Aviation – where we unpack all the latest insights and developments plus the big issues impacting Australia’s aviatio...
How Mission Aviation Fellowship is helping remote communities
Mission Aviation Fellowship uses its aircraft and volunteers to help people living in the most isolated communities in Australia and around the world. In this episode, the charity’s new local CEO, Chris Barnes, talks about their vital work, and what you can do to support them. The pair also discuss the organisation’s history, its fleet and stories of how their team are making a real difference to people that need it most.
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25:48
Infrastructure Week for Australia’s airports
As the “big four” airports – Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth – bring in record revenues for their aeronautical operations, they’re starting to splash a lot of that cash on future-proofing their infrastructure. Between third runways, terminal renovations, new safety technologies, and of course the ongoing construction of a second Sydney international gateway, airports on both sides of the Tasman are set to spend billions on upgrades over the next decade. Adam and Jake look at some of the latest projects in the spotlight and what they mean for the sector as it continues to recover from the lingering effects of the pandemic. Plus, does the government’s proposed aviation charter of customer rights go too far – or not far enough?
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50:07
A bad week to be a nervous flyer
Between tropical cyclones, cockpit medical episodes, and airport security breaches – and all of those just in Australia – one could perhaps be forgiven this week for having a sudden bout of aerophobia. There’s been a harsher spotlight on aviation safety stateside, too, with staffing cuts threatening the Federal Aviation Administration, as well as SpaceX’s latest Starship explosion forcing the closure of four major airports in Florida. Adam and Jake look back at a wild week in the skies and discuss some of the safety concerns that have been brought to the forefront. Plus, some long-awaited white smoke at Virgin Australia as a new chief executive is announced just hours before the carrier is awarded its coveted 28 weekly flights to Doha – so what will Jayne Hrdlicka’s legacy be as she finally bows out of the top job?
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42:38
Qantas threads the needle
Since the departure of Alan Joyce in late 2023, new Qantas CEO Vanessa Hudson has largely eschewed her predecessor’s bombastic camera-friendly style, instead keeping her head down and focused on rebuilding Australia’s trust in the Flying Kangaroo. Passenger experience has become the watchword, with the recent announcement of another solid half-yearly profit being accompanied by the promise of a cabin refit for 42 aging 737-800s as the airline awaits more of its new-generation Airbus fleet – but is Hudson’s approach bearing fruit? Adam and Jake discuss the delicate balancing act and whether Qantas is beginning to climb out of the trust deficit the old management left behind. Plus, Qatar Airways’ bid for a stake in Virgin gets the all-important green light from the government, and how can the aviation sector address the lingering gender pay gap?
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45:20
Is it third time lucky for MH370 searchers?
More than 10 years after the mysterious disappearance of Malaysia Airlines flight 370 in the Indian Ocean, the plane has yet to be found despite two search efforts – and the families of those who lost their lives still have no answers. But a new search effort, led by Ocean Infinity, has once again raised hopes that the wreckage may yet be uncovered – this time, by examining four potential “hotspots” west of Perth that were missed on previous expeditions. The question is, are these hopes just an illusion? Adam and Jake are joined by special guest Hannah Dowling to discuss the search and whether or not there is any chance for a breakthrough. Plus, Chinese naval exercises in the Tasman Sea spark concerns about air safety – why did pilots only find out after they had already started?
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.
Australia