Australian Aviation Podcast Network

This week, new CEO Vanessa Hudson made her first big call as she unwound Qantas' agreement to buy Alliance.

That deal, of course, was led by her predecessor, Alan Joyce.

Chris, Jake and Adam discuss whether this is the start of a new, more diplomatic era for the Flying Kangaroo.

Plus, Bonza CEO Tim Jordan swaps the airport for the train station as he rages against high airfares.

Andrew Charlton is the managing director of Aviation Advocacy, a consultancy firm based in Switzerland.

His CV includes stints as chief legal officer at Qantas before heading government affairs for the IATA and working as a lecturer in airport economics, management and policy.

In this special episode in partnership with UNSW Aviation, Charlton discusses creating a new course for the School of Aviation to tackle how aviation policy is adapting to a rapidly changing industry.

Plus, he talks about the most significant policy challenges currently, including airport slot rules and the Qatar flights controversy.

Last week, Qantas's new CEO and chairman were summoned to attend a Senate inquiry into the airline's recent performance.

But how did the Flying Kangaroo do in the face of brutal barbs from the posturing inquisitors?

Adam and Chris discuss the fallout and who they believe came out on top.

Plus, how good is Rex's new frequent flyer scheme? Australian Aviation signs up to find out.

New Qantas CEO Vanessa Hudson had been conspicuous by her absence since taking the top job in aviation.

However, last Friday, she recorded a video message to consumers, apologising for the Flying Kangaroo's performance and pledging to improve the situation.

Adam, Chris and Jake discuss how well she came across and whether her intervention will help stop the endless waves of bad publicity.

Plus, with more sales figures in, has Bonza really proved its doubters wrong?

Last week, Qantas lost its High Court appeal over the outsourcing of around 1,700 ground workers during the pandemic. The decision means the airline is facing a hefty compensation bill – and yet more bad publicity. Adam, Chris and Jake discuss the latest and ask how Qantas can say sorry to ex-employees when it fought so hard in court to defend its decision. Plus, what's going on with Google Wing delivery drones in Canberra?

It's one week PJ (that's post-Joyce), but Qantas's critics don't seem to be letting up.

Whether it's the row over Qatar, frequent flyer points, slots, delays or the Chairman's Lounge, the bad news keeps coming for the Flying Kangaroo.

This week, Jake, Chris and Adam discuss the latest revelations and ask how the airline can stem the tide of bad news.

Plus, they ask, just where has Vanessa Hudson been?

This week, Alan Joyce stepped down as Qantas CEO early, bringing to an end his 15-year spell in aviation's top job.

It came days after the ACCC revealed it was taking the airline to court over allegations it sold tickets to flights it already cancelled.

But as the vultures circle, was he really that bad a leader? Adam, Jake and Chris reflect on the good, the bad and the ugly.

Plus, with the Australian Aviation Awards over for another year, the team discuss the nominees and winners.

Qantas has confirmed it will order 12 new 787 Dreamliners and 12 Airbus A350s to replace the bulk of its ageing A330 fleet.

The news means outgoing CEO Alan Joyce will leave the company having overseen what is likely the last significant aircraft order for a decade.

But should Joyce have left that announcement to his successor rather than take the plaudits himself? Adam, Chris and Jake discuss.

Plus, what's going on with the messy love triangle between Qantas, Virgin and Qatar?

This week, both Qantas and Virgin weighed in on Qatar being blocked from adding more flights to Australia's major airports.

But Virgin CEO Jayne Hrdlicka has skin in the game because her airline is a codeshare partner of Qatar, and, of course, a fellow rival of Qantas.

So what's going on? And does anyone really have Aussie travellers' best interests at heart? Adam, Chris and Jake discuss the latest.

Plus, the team talk about the latest initiative to reduce the dulcet purring of aircraft 'noise'.