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The COVID-19 crisis may have receded, but it’s been replaced by soaring inflation, rising interest rates, and worries about a possible recession.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.