• What next after Bonzageddon?
    May 8 2024

    A week after Bonza’s fleet was abruptly seized in a move that sent shockwaves through the Australian aviation sector, the airline is still yet to get back in the air as its administrator fights to save it.

    With a big question mark over the future of its planes, and all eyes turning to its parent company 777 Partners, who is to blame for Bonza’s predicament, and what’s next for the airline that promised to be “Here for Allstralia”?

    Adam and Jake discuss whether there’s any hope for the purple tails to return to the skies, and examine the conventional wisdom around Bonza’s collapse.

    Plus, Qantas cuts a deal with the ACCC on the “ghost flights” case – is this a savvy move from new CEO Vanessa Hudson to jettison old baggage?

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    53 mins
  • Is it all over for Bonza?
    May 1 2024

    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.

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    47 mins
  • Bonza sets the record straight
    Apr 24 2024

    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?

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    58 mins
  • Flying Kangaroo plays it safe on Perth–London route
    Apr 17 2024

    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.

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    45 mins
  • Qantas offers frequent flyers a $120m olive branch
    Apr 10 2024

    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…

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    40 mins
  • Holiday headaches on the horizon as strikes loom
    Apr 3 2024

    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?

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    37 mins
  • Boeing, going, gone
    Mar 27 2024

    Heads are continuing to roll at Boeing, with the CEO and chairman both announcing their retirement by the end of the year.

    It’s the latest fallout in the ongoing turmoil stemming from the mid-air blowout on board an Alaska Airlines 737 MAX 9 in January – but will even these senior figures falling on their swords prove to be too little, too late?

    Adam, Jake and Ben talk about how the crisis at Boeing came about and how the venerable planemaker might pull out of its dive.

    Plus, an engine failure leads to a nervous descent for passengers on Qantas’ oldest A330, the UK’s defence minister takes a joyride courtesy of the RAAF, and will Jetstar’s 20th-anniversary ad campaign win hearts or scorn?

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    45 mins
  • RAAF rolls out pulse-pounding new recruitment ad
    Mar 20 2024

    In a bid to boost Air Force recruitment, Defence has launched a cinematic new advertising campaign spruiking all the different roles available in the RAAF.

    Featuring footage of (and shot in) actual RAAF aircraft, the ad blitz aims to get more young people interested in an Air Force career – but will it work?

    Adam and Jake discuss whether the “Up There” campaign could help turn around the RAAF’s ongoing talent shortage.

    Plus, Boeing’s ongoing travails give a nasty knock to Virgin’s fleet renewal schedule – and should Bonza consider investing in smaller planes?

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    47 mins