Australian Aviation Podcast Network

Just as interstate flights were set to begin ramping up, Victoria has been hit by a second spike of COVID-19, borders are locked down, and a badly handled quarantine policy appears to be at the root of it.

In this episode of Australian Aviation, hosts Phil Tarrant and Adam Thorn delve into the implications of the lockdown on domestic travel, new developments in the Virgin saga, and Qantas' early retirement of its 'Queen of the Skies' 747.

They also talk about the likelihood of an extension to JobKeeper, a tragic R44 helicopter crash, Air New Zealand halting inbound international bookings, and the establishment of a new domestic route from Canberra to Ballina.

Qantas has been slammed by the TWU for not waiting for more clarity around the future of JobKeeper before announcing it will axe about 20% of its staff. Is the controversial decision in the best interest of the airline and its employees?

In this episode of the Australian Aviation Podcast, hosts Phil Tarrant, Boo Boucousis and Adam Thorn discuss Alan Joyce's response to the criticism as well as the changes to the airline's business lounges as domestic travel is set to ramp back up.

They touch on the latest around Virgin's preferred bidder, the chair's criticism of the company's former CEO, and REX's talk about getting into the domestic game after begging for a bail-out just a few months ago.

After weeks of good news, mixed messaging between state and federal governments is spooking consumers.

In this episode of the Australian Aviation Podcast, hosts Phil Tarrant, Christian "Boo" Boucousis and Adam Thorn delve into a minister's hint around keeping international borders closed, Australia's acquirement of its third Triton, and an "unsettling" development in the Virgin saga.

They discuss the ACCC's crack down on dissatisfied Qantas customers, Avalon Airport's security upgrade investment, and a Melbourne-based medical drone company that have capitalised on the current crisis.

With talk of flights resuming over the next couple of weeks, the final two bidders for Virgin Australia are proposing a "hybrid" model for the airline, placing it somewhere between Qantas' premium offerings and Jetstar's budget fares.

Tune in to this episode of the Australian Aviation Podcast to hear feedback from the regional airport sector in response to $40 million of upgrades, and uncertainty around JobKeeper among airline administration and unions.

Hosts Phil Tarrant, Christian "Boo" Boucousis and Adam Thorn also discuss a story about a miraculous teen pilot crash, Qatar's dramatic market share increase, and new RAAF drone innovation.

As Australia waited for the National Cabinet to announce the return of flying, Alan Joyce seized the initiative early and revealed he'll hugely increase capacity in July. But will his plan be profitable?

Host Phil Tarrant, Christian "Boo" Boucousis and Adam Thorn share their insights as to whether or not demand will be there. They'll also discuss events across the ditch, where New Zealand has declared victory against coronavirus and dropped social distancing. What does this mean for the future of international travel and border reopenings?

Finally, the team also chat about whether The Buffet bailed too early by selling his airline shares; the demise of Delta's McDonnell Douglas Mad Dogs; and the world's largest electric plane.

The fight for Virgin is wrapping up, with the two shortlisted bidders left in the running preparing to make their case to both the administrator and to the union.

Hosts Phil Tarrant, Christian "Boo" Boucousis and Adam Thorn share their insights as to who will try to forge alliances with the final two, how the Queensland government fits into the picture, and what this means for the location of Virgin HQ.

They delve into how Alliance is looking to create local jobs in Queensland, Qantas' contentious acquisition move without clearance from the ACCC, and the re-opening of Canberra Airport.

Tune into this episode of the Australian Aviation podcast to hear about the sentiment among the airport sector around COVID-19 impacts, the international export of a Noosa-built fire tank, and the maiden flight of the first ever US-made Airbus plane.

Despite the ongoing state feud about the appropriate time to open borders back up, sentiment among the industry is positive, with Qantas raring to go as soon as they're given the green light and bidding for Virgin to be finalised by this Friday.

On this episode of the Australian Aviation Podcast, Phil Tarrant, Christian "Boo" Boucousis and Adam Thorn recap the not-so-confidential front runners in the fight for Virgin, the latest on JobKeeper and JobMaker eligibility in the aviation sector, and Air New Zealand's strong footing in the current crisis.

They reflect on research revealing a 20-year high for aerial firefighting safety incidents, a new low-cost carrier launching in Japan next week, and fresh attempts to build a helipad on Sydney's Sofitel.

The shortlist of bidders on Virgin Australia appears to have been whittled down to four, but with the state border closure debate heating up and uncertainty still clouding the future of the airline, how will this saga unfold?

On this episode of the Australian Aviation Podcast, hosts Phil Tarrant, Christian 'Boo' Boucousis and Adam Thorn reflect on the latest news in the fight for Virgin, Qantas' optimistic outlook and wellbeing plan for the impending relaxation of regulations, and confusion around Rex's positioning in the current crisis.

They also discuss Alliance Airlines' increased financial year profits, recent stats on Sydney's April passenger numbers, and some tragic news for the aviation sector this week.

As restrictions ease, airlines are - slowly and with baby steps - starting to take to the skies for recreational travel. Air New Zealand became one of the first, as the country moved from 'Level 3' to 'Level 2' rules that meant Kiwis are now encouraged to leave their homes and see friends and family.

Host Phil Tarrant and Australian Aviation's Adam Thorn talk about exactly what the flying experience under the 'new normal' will be like - with social distancing on board, touchless kiosks and no tickets checked at the terminal entrance.

They'll also discuss an unprecedented war of words between the Federal Government and the state of Queensland, which threw its hat into the ring for control of a reborn Virgin Australia. Is there a motive beyond simply saving Brisbane jobs and is Richard Branson, one of the last big beasts of aviation, lurking in the background?

The competition is fierce amongst potential buyers for Virgin Australia, but how is the current uncertainty around flights as well as threats from Alan Joyce going to affect the sale getting over the line?

Hosts Phil Tarrant, Christian "Boo" Boucousis and Adam Thorn unpack the latest news around Virgin's bidding war on this episode of the Australian Aviation Podcast.

Tune in to hear about the Royal Australian Air Force's new fifth-gen aircraft, the opportunities it presents for the local defence industry, and the general attitude of military aviation towards this kind of technology.

They reflect on whether China's new stealth bomber is merely a propaganda exercise, concerns around aviation business' eligibility for government relief, and a remarkable story about an aviation legend who celebrated New Years Eve on two continents.