Australia’s biggest pilots’ union last week claimed air traffic control staffing issues are making skies less safe for pilots and passengers.  The Australian Federation of Air Pilots (AFAP) has told Australian Aviation that its members have encountered “chronic” and “systemic” staffing problems at Airservices dating back to before the COVID-19 pandemic.  It comes after reports emerged earlier this year that there were  340 instances of “uncontrolled airspace” from June to April 2023, with Airservices admitting to “staff availability issues”.  What’s going on? And who’s to blame, if anyone? Adam, Chris and Jake navigate the PR spin to explain.

Pilots’ union says ATC issues affect safety

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It was as sudden as it was brutal: grounded planes, stranded passengers, and chaos across the east coast as Bonza suspended its services without warning. With reports that its entire fleet had been repossessed in the dead of night, emergency talks about the ongoing viability of the business ended in Bonza entering voluntary administration – so what went wrong? In this week’s Australian Aviation Podcast, recorded before the voluntary administration was announced, Adam and Jake discuss the shock collapse of Bonza and what might be next for the stricken low-cost carrier. Plus, Australia’s wet-leasing market gets bigger as the new owner of Skytrans lays out its plans to bring a fleet of A319s and other A320-family aircraft into Australia.

Is it all over for Bonza?

Bonza has come out swinging after reports in The Australian Financial Review that consultant KordaMentha had been called in to advise the airline. In one of the more blunt denials we’ve seen, the low-cost carrier’s CEO, Tim Jordan, has insisted KordaMentha “has not been appointed as financial advisors to Bonza, or in any other capacity” – so what’s the real story? Adam, Jake and Ben discuss the article and Bonza’s forceful response, as well as the upcoming route changes from its Gold Coast base. Plus, Qantas’ new chairman steps into the job earlier than expected – and are the major airlines finally getting back to pre-COVID reliability?

Bonza sets the record straight

With tensions flaring between Israel and Iran, Qantas has paused its non-stop Perth–London services, adding a new stop in Singapore on the northbound journey.  Given the difficulties of avoiding Iranian airspace between Perth and London while staying within the safe range of a 787-9 Dreamliner, is the Flying Kangaroo hurting for the lack of its new A350-1000 fleet?  Adam and Jake look at the implications for Qantas, including its future services from Perth to Rome and Paris.  Plus, a big week for airport infrastructure aficionados, with builds at Western Sydney, Melbourne and Newcastle all getting a turn in the spotlight.

Flying Kangaroo plays it safe on Perth–London route

Qantas has unveiled a massive shake-up to its frequent flyer program, adding 20 million new seats per year. The “Classic Plus” seats will cost more than the existing 5 million annual “Classic Rewards” seats, but will be more reliably available to passengers looking to spend their hard-earned frequent flyer points.  Adam and Jake discuss the pros and cons of the new scheme, and whether it will endear the Flying Kangaroo to its loyalty customers.  Plus, just when you thought it was safe to go back to Whyalla, the “Rexit” saga takes a dramatic new twist…

Qantas offers frequent flyers a $120m olive branch

No sooner have the Network Aviation strikes in WA ended than Airservices Australia becomes the next big name in the sector to face industrial action, as aviation rescue firefighters plan a work stoppage for 15 April and air traffic controllers apply for a strike vote. Amid arguments over “leaked documents”, pay rises, and passenger safety, what impact will the industrial action have on the Easter school holidays? Adam and Jake take a look at both sides of the stoush and what might happen next. Plus, dodgy used plane dealers, paid armrest reservations, luxury towers with their own airports, and on-board dating apps – did you get tricked this April Fool’s Day?

Pilots’ union says ATC issues affect safety

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