Australian Aviation Podcast Network

A few months after the government’s Aviation White Paper promised action on disability access in airports and planes, a new advocacy campaign is calling for faster change in the industry. Led by disability rights spokesperson Shane Hryhorec, the campaign says there are significant systemic problems around access that are leaving disabled passengers at risk of humiliation or injury, and that people with disabilities should get a seat at the table to push for improvements. Adam and Jake unpack the issue and ask whether the industry – and government – are doing enough to make sure disabled passengers can travel safely and comfortably. Plus, airports make the jump to 100 per cent renewable energy, the problem with Qantas’ new Christmas livery, and from Florida with love – will Sydney Airport’s “woman with the golden gun” fly another day?

Virgin Australia’s tie-up with Qatar Airways is gathering steam, with the ACCC giving interim approval to sell tickets on 28 weekly wet-leased services to Doha, while the airline has officially applied to the IASC for all the available capacity. There may be turbulence ahead, however, with the influential Transport Workers’ Union hinting it might take back its support for the deal if ex-Qantas executive Paul Jones – who played a part in the illegal outsourcing scandal – is tapped to replace Jayne Hrdlicka as CEO. Adam and Jake go over the latest news, including which airports will be first to see Virgin’s Doha flights if the deal goes ahead. Plus, calls are growing for Qantas to bring back international flights from Adelaide – but is the juice worth the squeeze for the Flying Kangaroo?

Think your airfares are bad? Spare a thought for the people of Darwin, who according to a recent ABC Stateline report, are having to pay thousands of dollars – even months in advance – for an interstate flight. Both Qantas Group and Virgin have denied any accusations of price gouging, with Qantas blaming various regional and seasonal factors while Virgin is pointing the finger squarely at Darwin Airport and its high fees – but are they right? Adam and Jake take a look at the situation up north and whether a bit more competition could cool down prices in the tropical Top End. Plus, who won this month’s coveted Huey Award for reliability – and is it better to delay a flight than cancel it?

It’s official – after more than 10 years codesharing with Virgin Australia, Etihad has called it quits, announcing the tie-up will end next June irrespective (it seems) of whether the exclusivity arrangement between Virgin and Qatar Airways is approved. With codesharing on Singapore Airlines services beyond Asia also looking likely to get the chop – but not Velocity frequent flyer benefits on those same services – what will this mean for passengers? Adam and Jake try to unpick the details and ask whether the exclusive code-sharing arrangement needs to be restricted. Plus, with regional airports owed millions after Rex went into administration, and rivals rebuking the government’s bailout, is it time to let the airline go?