How do big Australian primes work with smaller businesses in the supply chain? In this special podcast, host Adam Thorn interviews Chris Hess, Head of Industrial Development at Lockheed Martin Australia and Gavin New, the general manager of Ronson Gears. The pair have been working together on a range of projects across defence and aerospace and reveal the secrets behind making the relationship work, as well as dispelling some myths behind supply chain collaboration. Finally, Chris discusses the importance of Australia boosting its sovereign industry capability as industries emerge from the pandemic.

In this bonus episode of the Australian Aviation podcast, hosts Phil Tarrant and MAJGEN (Ret’d) Marcus Thompson discuss the importance of Australian business, including the aviation sector, preparing for possible cyber threats. The pair begin by discussing MAJGEN (Ret’d) Thompson’s recent opinion piece in The Australian Financial Review, which dives into Russia’s history of cyber and information warfare, and the threat of Russian cyber-attacks being weaponised in reprisal against Australia for supporting Ukraine during the recent conflict. Both hosts continue by discussing the impact of cyber warfare on Australian businesses, and how many malicious actors work in concert with state-sponsored groups to exploit the cyber domain. The pair wraps up the podcast by analysing how cyber remains an integral part in both hybrid and greyzone warfare, and that foreign actors will continue to use cyber as an essential attack vector in future conflicts.

After missing out on our usual news-loaded podcasts for a few weeks, the team sure had plenty to catch up on this week. In this episode of the Australian Aviation Podcast, hosts Adam Thorn and Hannah Dowling give you the run-down, spanning everything from flash floods, tensions in Europe and financial results. Plus, Bonza has seen turbulent times this week with the shock departure of its chief operating officer just months ahead of its planned launch and increasing scepticism from across the industry. Finally, learn more about how Australian Aviation is gearing up for its inaugural awards ceremony in what is going to be the industry’s post-pandemic “night of nights”.

In this episode of the Australian Aviation Podcast, host Phil Tarrant and guest Air Vice Marshall (Ret’d) John Quaife, AM, sit down to discuss John’s new book Viking Boys. A former Air Commander Australia, John spent nearly three decades in the Royal Australian Air Force as a fighter pilot. After retiring from the force, he became a member of the Defence Honours and Awards Appeals Tribunal, where he learnt incredible stories of untold and remarkable bravery and honour from Australian forces. Viking Boys tells the story of Beaufighter pilot James Hakewill and his navigator Fred Sides, who died on 5 December 1944 when their aircraft slammed into a German gunboat in a fjord in Norway. While official records contain no mention of the aircraft hitting the ship, John reveals what truly happened on 5 December 1944.

This week, start-up budget carrier Bonza lifted the lid on its initial route offerings, which includes 25 routes to 16 destinations, with base operations split between the Sunshine Coast and Melbourne. In this special bonus episode of the Australian Aviation Podcast, host Hannah Dowling sits down with Bonza CEO Tim Jordan to talk through the airline’s initial network, and learn more about the processes behind those tough decisions. Plus, Jordan shares insight into the negotiation process with airports, and where Bonza intends to go next. Finally, the CEO eases fears that some Bonza destinations aren’t built for the 737 MAX, and reveals what he’s most excited to see come launch day.

This week, the industry responded to the massive news that Australia will reopen its borders to tourists from 21 February, with airlines ramping up Australian schedules, and Tourism Australia dropping $40 million on a new campaign to drum up tourism interest. In this episode of the Australian Aviation Podcast, hosts Adam Thorn and Hannah Dowling discuss where we stand in terms of the mass return of international airlines to Australian shores, and which carriers are acting with caution. Plus, the “David versus Goliath”-esque network battle between Rex and Qantas is back in the headlines over the Flying Kangaroo’s new Sydney-Broken Hill route. Finally, learn a little more about the newest job opening right here at Australian Aviation, and a feel-good story about a man who saved Victoria Police’s first helicopter.

This week, Prime Minister Scott Morrison finally revealed that Australia’s last international borders restrictions would be eased, allowing double-jabbed tourists and other visa holders back into the country. In this episode of the Australian Aviation Podcast, hosts Adam Thorn and Hannah Dowling excitedly discuss the move, and what this means for travellers and airlines alike. Plus, the crew talks about the latest blow-up between Qantas boss Alan Joyce and WA Premier Mark McGowan, over the western state’s indefinite hard border. Finally, the team reveals Google Wing’s latest development, dropping KFC directly to front doors via drone.

This week, the Prime Minister hinted that tourism is soon to be back on the cards for Australia, while Qantas faced the Fair Work Commission again over its ongoing pay dispute with its international cabin crew. In this episode of the Australian Aviation Podcast, hosts Adam Thorn and Hannah Dowling discuss the Prime Minister’s announcement, and what this could mean for local and foreign airlines. Plus, the crew debate Qantas’ desire to lock in the return of Perth-London flights, or risk losing their direct London route altogether. Finally, the team reveals the details of a robbery gone wrong at Mackay Airport, after a man abandoned his plans to steal a helicopter, for a high-speed getaway on a tractor.

This week, the Western Australia government backflipped on its promise to reopen its borders on 5 February, while Queensland opened its international border for the first time since March 2020. In this episode of the Australian Aviation Podcast, hosts Adam Thorn and Hannah Dowling discuss the current border situation, as well as changing entry requirements for international travellers coming to Australia. Plus, the team reveals the details of an ongoing feud between Qantas and its international cabin crew over post-pandemic pay and working conditions. Finally, the crew talks about the historic Victors Vimy making its way to its new home inside Adelaide Airport.

This week, Qantas swiftly followed in Virgin Australia’s footsteps to announce it has been forced to slash capacity by up to 30 per cent from January through to March due to the current COVID outbreak. In this episode of the Australian Aviation Podcast, host Adam Thorn and reporter Hannah Dowling discuss the decision and the struggle for airlines in navigating the current operating environment. Plus, the crew reveals the latest updates in Australia’s journey towards electric air taxi travel, with new and exciting deals taking place across the country, as well as Queensland’s dwindling vaccination rollout and Western Australia’s plans to reopen. Finally, the crew reveals the details of a new Australian start-up hoping to change up the LEO satellite game with their supersonic space plane.