Australian Aviation Podcast Network

COVID has been the biggest shock traditional aviation has ever seen. Still, in the background, the UAV industry is booming, with drones taking on tasks from fighting bushfires to delivering medication and filming movies.

In this special episode of the Australian Aviation podcast, UAV Training Australia's Wayne Condon reveals how savvy pilots of major airliners are now retraining to take advantage of this growing sector.

He tells host Adam Thorn what raw skills are needed to make the transition, how UAVs and aircraft flying differs and just what leaps in technology have facilitated its growth.

Finally, the pair discuss what the future holds as new industries embrace change, young people enter the profession, and AI enters the mix.

If 2020 was a year to forget for aviation, there's reason to hope 2021 could be much better for both enthusiasts and the industry.

In this week's Inside Aviation catch-up, Phil and Adam discuss the return of Australia's Outback Air Race: the 3,800-kilometre time trial across the country set to come back in 2021.

Plus, after Ryanair threw its weight behind the MAX last week with more orders, are other airlines following suit?

Finally, the team discuss the latest burst of optimism for the 747. Does the iconic aircraft have a future now it's in semi-retirement?

Captain Tom House is Babcock Australasia's chief pilot and head of flying operations (onshore).

In this special episode of the Australian Aviation Podcast, Captain House tells host Adam Thorn how Babcock collaborates with customers to provide critical emergency medical services, search and rescue, and law enforcement within Australia's aviation sector.

He also discusses the history of the company and how it fits into the larger international operation.

Finally, he provides insight into how the business navigated COVID, the lessons learnt and how he thinks the industry will transition into a post-pandemic world.

The first COVID vaccination has been approved in the UK – but what does this mean for Australia and international travel?

In this week's Inside Aviation catch-up, Phil and Adam discuss why the approval could pose questions in many countries, and what this means for life returning to normal.

Plus, European budget airline Ryanair has ordered an additional 75 MAX jets in a deal worth more than $9 billion.

Is this the breakthrough Boeing needs to end two years of hell, or has Ryanair just pounced on a bargain?

This week, Australia's so-called Golden Triangle has been reassembled, with passengers now allowed to travel freely between Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane without isolation.

On this week's episode of the Australian Aviation Podcast, Phil, Adam and Boo chat about the scramble to reclaim market share as Virgin and Qantas wake from hibernation.

The team also discusses the role of unions in 2020, Qantas' plans to outsource 2,000 roles and the last of the government-supplemented repatriations.

Finally, Phil and Boo wonder if Adam has finally turned into an aviation nerd? Is he now a Flightradar guru who will never find love?

This week, Qantas confirmed it was to outsource around 2,000 ground-handling jobs, despite an alternative proposal drawn up by the TWU and consulting firm EY. What now for those facing redundancy?

On this week's Inside Aviation catch-up, Phil and Adam discuss the fallout and ask whether Qantas got it right or wrong considering its huge JobKeeper subsidies.

Plus, with a vaccine weeks – or maybe days – from being rolled out, international airlines have dispensed with the pleasantries and are preparing to try to reclaim market share.

Should big airlines, though, be able to keep their spots at airports if budget carriers want to get planes in the air?

Whisper it, but with borders opening and vaccines arriving shortly, are we witnessing the beginning of the end of aviation's worst year in a century?

This week, host Phil Tarrant and guest Adam Thorn discuss whether this is the moment we've all been waiting for or just a false alarm before another state lockdown?

Plus, the team talks about the latest developments in the Hamad Airport invasive search scandal. Is Qatar genuine in its actions, or is this just a bungled PR job to save its reputation?

Finally, it almost went unnoticed that Qantas turned 100 last week. Find out how the flag carrier pulled off a dramatic stunt over the Harbour Bridge.

It should have been the biggest story of the year. But after a 20-month flight ban – the longest in aviation history – the US Federal Aviation Administration has finally cleared the 737 MAX to fly again.

Now what?

In this week's Inside Aviation, Phil and Adam discuss this and other stories breaking around the world. Will the industry be welcoming the Max back now it's got bigger problems to deal with?

Plus, the team also discuss how the COVID vaccine will open up borders and the industry. Will a jab answer our prayers, or be the start of a tricky route out of international lockdown?

Stephen Loosley served in Parliament during the Hawke and Keating Governments, where he chaired the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade and the Senate Regulations Committee.

On this special episode of the Australian Aviation Podcast, hosts Phil Tarrant and Steven Kuper talk to guest Stephen Loosley about the fallout from the election of Joe Biden as the next US president.

What will it mean for Australia? How will it affect relations with China? And will it restore traditional international alliances abandoned by Donald Trump?

Finally, the team discuss the regional response to the election result and what nations throughout the Indo-Pacific are saying, as well as the economic impact for Australia and its regional partners over the coming decade.

Last week, the world celebrated as we edged closer to having a coronavirus vaccine. But the good news also raises questions for international border openings.

In our Inside Aviation catch-up, Phil Tarrant, Adam Thorn and a returning Boo chat about what this means for removing restrictions.

Is it as simple as a 'shot in the arm' solving our problems, and how will it affect Australia?

Finally, The team also discuss Emirates posting huge losses, the endless sad demise of the unloved A380 and yet another 'vertiport'.