Australian Aviation Podcast Network

Greg Hay is the General Manager of Operations at Sydney Airport. Over the last few years, he's seen first-hand how our industry has changed before, during and after COVID-19 at Australia's busiest and most important international airport. In this special episode in partnership with UNSW's School of Aviation, Hay talks through navigating aviation's toughest period but also how the industry is building back better and is on the cusp of an exciting new world of electric technologies and sustainability. He also discusses the airport's unique partnership with UNSW and how its annual scholarship scheme is boosting diversity and inclusion in the sector.

It sounds mad, but it's real: Virgin Orbit has perfected audacious technology to fire rockets from refurbished Boeing 747s.

Speaking exclusively from LA, the business' CEO, Dan Hart, tells the Australian Aviation Podcast how the plan will open satellite launches up to more countries by turning airports into spaceports.

The pair also discuss how the technology works, the company's ambition to launch imminently in the UK, and how Hart works with Virgin Group founder Richard Branson.

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

His exhaustive CV includes stints as chief legal officer of Qantas before heading government affairs for the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and working as a university lecturer in airport economics, management and policy.

In this special episode in partnership with UNSW's School of Aviation, Charlton discusses how the industry should best navigate its tricky post-COVID-19 recovery.

He talks talent shortages, whether airport slot rules are too much of a constraint and the industry's move towards sustainability.

Hypersonic research has become one of the biggest topics in global aviation, as countries compete to develop the next generation of missiles so manoeuvrable, they can't be intercepted.

The advances are also being used to create scramjet-powered, hypersonic spaceplanes, which could one day provide an alternative to rockets for taking satellites into space.

In this special episode, host Adam Thorn interviews Dr Fabian Zander, a key player in the University of Southern Queensland's world-leading hypersonic wind tunnel, to find out how the tech will change the industry.

He also discusses his work using aircraft in Australia to study fragmented comets.

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.