Australian Aviation Podcast Network

From the founding of Jetstar to his 15 years at the helm of our largest airline group, Alan Joyce is undoubtedly one of the most consequential figures in the last quarter-century of Australia's aviation history.
He became one of Australia's most well-known CEOs, famed for his advocacy on social causes and his work to transform Qantas – but at the same time, attracted plenty of criticism on industrial relations, as well as contentious decisions made during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Now, three years after handing over the reins to Vanessa Hudson, Joyce has released his memoir, Riding the Jet Stream, where he gives his unvarnished view on what he did right – and wrong – over his long aviation career.
On this special episode of the Australian Aviation Podcast, Joyce speaks exclusively to Jake Nelson in a no-holds-barred interview on the big decisions, the accomplishments, and the controversies of his time as CEO of Qantas Group, and what he feels his legacy will be.

As the Iran conflict drags on, it's easy to be pessimistic about the effects on aviation, including high fuel prices and geopolitical headaches – but at least in the Asia-Pacific, things may not be as bad as they seem.
According to a new report from S&P Global Ratings, Asia-Pacific airlines are expected to stay the fastest-growing airline market in the world, with strong balance sheets, fleet renewals, and solid demand expected to buoy the region despite economic pressures.
On this week's Australian Aviation Podcast, Jake and David look at the ups and downs of Asia-Pacific's aviation sector, and where recent route reshuffles might fit into the equation.
Plus, despite a habit of flying under the radar, is Airnorth a sleeper success story?

Another week, another hair-raising near mishap at Sydney Airport, this time with a Virgin 737 almost taking off as a Qantas plane was crossing the runway ahead of it. Airservices has again come under the magnifying glass for the incident – so, what happened?
More importantly, with air traffic controllers still feeling the squeeze and hundreds of flights passing through Sydney every day, how can it be fixed? Can new technologies help bolster safety on the tarmac at Australia's busiest gateway – and what about Western Sydney?
On this week's Australian Aviation Podcast, Jake and David dissect the ongoing struggles at Sydney Airport and ask what can be done about them.
Plus, speaking of Sydney, the airport's new Master Plan has been given the stamp of approval – and what's happening with slots?

We've all danced the airport suitcase shuffle, moving item after item back and forth between our cabin bags and our checked bags in a desperate hope to get in under those pesky weight limits.
Now, Jetstar says it's offering a solution – no more scales, no more luggage Tetris, just bring an under-seat bag for free. Simple, right? The only catch: overhead bin space will now cost you extra. So, is Jetstar's new policy convenience, cash grab, or a little bit of both?
On this week's Australian Aviation Podcast, Jake and David weigh in on the pros and cons of Jetstar's new cabin baggage policy and unpack what it will mean for passengers.
Plus, Airservices is under fire again after disruptions and near-misses at Sydney Airport – so what's the solution?

As Australian helicopters head north to help with wildfires in Europe, a deadly crash in Greece – and new regulations following a crash in WA two years ago – have once again put the spotlight on how dangerous it can be to fight fires from the air.
While national standard operating procedures are cutting down on confusion, and unmanned drones are taking surveillance crews off the front lines, it's clear that there will always be some danger for those who fly out to battle the increasingly common mega-blazes around the world.
On this week's Australian Aviation Podcast, Jake and David look at the risks borne by aerial firefighters, and ask what more can be done to keep our flying firies safe.
Plus, Australia's airports celebrate a rip-roaring financial year, with passenger traffic breaking records at gateways both large and small.