In November, UNSW Aviation held a panel to discuss the government’s aviation white paper, which will create a long-term strategy for the industry for the next three decades. The session featured a collection of senior figures who gave a diverse range of views, including those who are pilots, lawyers, executives and policy experts. It was chaired by Australian Aviation’s Adam Thorn. In this special podcast, we’re giving our audience the chance to listen to the full debate.

In a spectacular proof of concept, Virgin Atlantic has flown the world’s first commercial flight – from London to New York – powered entirely by sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) derived from waste fats and plant sugars.

At a time when standards dictate a maximum of 50 per cent SAF blend, will Virgin Atlantic’s argument of “if you make it, we’ll fly it” spur further action from industry and governments?

Jake and Adam discuss the implications of the flight and how it could be a major step on the road to net zero.

Plus, Mildura Airport repairs its runway almost as fast as the lightning that struck it, Virgin boosts its 737 MAX 8 order, Airservices reveals why there’s no “magic number” for ATC staffing, and do Australian air passengers need a “bill of rights”?

In the wake of Alan Joyce’s exit from the Flying Kangaroo, aviation luminary Peter Harbison has released Alan Joyce and Qantas: The Trials and Transformation of an Australian Icon. The book charts the former CEO’s life and career, from his youth in Ireland through to his defection from Ansett to Qantas, his role in the launch of Jetstar, and his turbulent 15 years as CEO of Australia’s biggest airline group. In this exclusive interview, Jake Nelson talks with Harbison about his book, as well as his impressions of Alan Joyce’s successes, failures and legacy. Plus, Harbison offers his insights on the lessons new Qantas CEO Vanessa Hudson should take from the Joyce era, and what the rise of Rex and Bonza might mean for the Qantas-Virgin duopoly.

First Alan Joyce, now this – Australian Aviation’s Chris Fenton is leaving us. In his (sort of) final episode, the team farewells the man who has held almost every job in aviation. But before he goes, Adam, Jake and Chris discuss the week’s biggest stories, including Virgin’s deteriorating relationship with the unions and the ongoing row over single-pilot flights. Plus, how will Canadian crew working for Bonza cope with the Goldie’s scorching summer?

It’s been another rough few weeks for Qantas, with the public unimpressed by the airline’s claim that it doesn’t sell tickets for specific flights but “bundles of contractual rights”. With the Flying Kangaroo already on the nose for allegedly selling more than 8,000 tickets to already-cancelled flights, will the optics of that defence do more harm than good? Jake and Chris discuss the ongoing headaches for Qantas, which have not been helped by shareholder backlash at an often rancorous 2023 AGM. Plus, Australia’s first female airline pilot Deborah Lawrie notches another win over the ghost of Reg Ansett, and is Rex wrong to complain about bigger airlines “pillaging” its pilots?

Earlier this year, UNSW Aviation held a special panel at the university, examining how a just culture can be improved to facilitate advances in aviation safety.  

The session featured a panel of industry experts who gave a diverse range of views, including figures from CASA, Qantas and the Australian and International Air Pilots Association.

It was chaired by UNSW School of Aviation’s Head of School, Brett Molesworth – a man with a unique background as both a pilot and professor in human factors.

In this special podcast, we’re giving our audience the chance to listen to the full debate.

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.