Qantas has frequently found itself in the news for all the wrong reasons over the past few years – but it got a much-needed win when the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) found last year's data breach wasn't caused by the Flying Kangaroo's own negligence. With high marks for its swift response to the fiasco, and no need determined for any further investigation, Qantas can take the OAIC's findings as a sign that the fallout of the cyberattack is mostly behind it – but can it recover from the PR hit it suffered? On this week's Australian Aviation Podcast, Jake and David unpack the official verdict on the Qantas data breach, and ask if the national carrier really deserves all the flak it gets. Plus, half a year on from the Air T-Rex deal, when will we actually see more Saabs back in the air?

As the aviation industry grapples with ongoing talent shortages, the question becomes: are current training methods the right model for creating skilled pilots at the rate the sector needs? Cockpits are becoming increasingly automated, while next-generation training technologies such as VR, XR, AR, and advanced simulation are potentially able to boost safety without increasing risk exposure – so are current competency-based models keeping up with the new reality? In this special Australian Aviation Podcast, UNSW and the Honourable Company of Air Pilots present a thought-provoking panel discussion on the evolution of pilot training and how industry, regulators, and academia can collaborate to deliver the best possible outcomes. Join moderator Captain Adrian Young, as well as Churchill Fellow and former CASA Aviation Safety Advisory Panel member Adrianne Fleming, Qantas Group's Andrew Stead, and UNSW's Malcolm Good to discuss how pilot training can best meet the new realities of flying.

If you've ever found yourself scrambling for a pen on the plane to fill out one of those pesky paper cards before you reach Customs, fear not – after a two-year trial and much lobbying by the tourism industry, there will soon be a digital alternative to the Incoming Passenger Card (IPC). Rolling out over the next 12 to 18 months, the Australia Travel Declaration will make the bane of every groggy passenger's tray table a thing of the past, streamlining the border process and bringing Australia in line with other countries in the region and around the world. On this week's Australian Aviation Podcast, Jake and special guest host Hannah Dowling discuss the end of the paper IPC era, and what it will mean for passengers, airports, and government agencies. Plus, another big milestone for WSI with the arrival of its first freighter just two weeks from the official launch of commercial cargo flights.

When it rains, it pours – after the collapses of Bonza and Rex left Australia once more in thrall to the domestic airline duopoly, now no fewer than three new contenders, including Koala, Zinc, and another new kid on the block, seem to be planning to step up and take on the big boys. The latest player? Vietnamese low-cost carrier Vietjet, which has sparked rumours of a new Australian subsidiary with reports of an AOC application with CASA as well as a pile of slot allocations at Sydney Airport. Is a Vietjet entry really on the cards … and can it exorcise the ghost of Tigerair? On this week's Australian Aviation Podcast, Jake and David dissect the rumours of Vietjet's impending tilt at the Australian domestic market, and why it might be the best-placed challenger to hit the skies running and make the major carriers sweat. Plus, a war of words between Airservices and the air traffic controllers' union over delays in Sydney – who's really to blame?

When we think of safety concerns in aviation, it's easy to become fixated on the mechanical issues – but the human factor is also a major issue, and stress and burnout in such a high-pressure industry can only make it worse. It's easy to ignore the early warning signs of stress and try to push through, but according to neuroscientist Annett Koenig, that can only compound the issue, leading to neurological issues that can even mirror the symptoms of epilepsy. As engineering-related incidents continue to improve, the human factor is still lagging behind – so what kind of safety issues can stress cause, and how can they be addressed? On this week's Australian Aviation Podcast, Jake talks to Koenig about the causes, effects, and solutions to chronic stress in the aviation sector.

For 50 years it's been one of the most popular civil helicopter companies in the world, with more than 15,000 aircraft delivered around the globe – and Robinson is a household name among Australian buyers, too, thanks to their use in agricultural applications like cattle mustering. The R22 and R44 are now being joined in Australia by the new R88, showcased by Robinson at Rotortech on the Gold Coast in May, and with an unmanned division having recently launched, the company is set to bring even more new products to the Australian market. On this Australian Aviation Podcast, we talk to Robinson Helicopter Company's president and CEO, David Smith, about the company's plans for Australia, its new and upcoming product lines, and how it's building on its safety and maintenance record.

After much anticipation, Qantas has revealed the first destination for Project Sunrise – and in case there was any doubt, it's London, with flights from Sydney to start next October in the next evolution of the 80-year-old "Kangaroo Route". With Sydney-New York to follow by Christmas 2027, and Qantas sharing more details of the ultra-long-haul planes' cabin configuration, it seems the non-stop flights are closer than ever, despite all the delays – but how popular will they be, and when will Melbourne see them? On this week's Australian Aviation Podcast, Jake and David prepare to step inside the A350-1000ULR and fly halfway around the world as Project Sunrise finally starts to firm up. Plus, the first speakers are revealed for this year's Australian Aviation Summit, and we congratulate the winners of the 2026 Australian Space Awards.

It's been a long, hard road for Western Sydney International Airport, but after decades of the can being kicked down that road, the wait is finally almost over: Sydney's newest gateway will open its doors to freight next month, and to passengers in October. With Jetstar given the honours of the inaugural passenger flight, and Air New Zealand, Singapore Airlines and QantasLink to follow over coming months, other pieces of the puzzle are also falling into place as road networks open and the new metro lays its final tracks. On this week's Australian Aviation Podcast, Jake and David arm doors and cross-check as Western Sydney Airport finally begins taxiing out and prepares for its take-off roll. Plus, as the Iran conflict (hopefully) nears its end, has the impact of fuel price shocks on airfares been as simple as we'd all thought?

After almost 20 years in service, the end is approaching for Qantas' fleet of Airbus A380 superjumbos, with the Flying Kangaroo slated to retire the aircraft type in the 2030s in favour of smaller and more efficient wide-body twinjets. As rumours swirl that Qantas is in talks with Boeing and Airbus to buy more 787s or A350s, could these potential orders be the replacement for its A380s – and how soon will the double-decker leviathans of the sky vanish completely? On this week's Australian Aviation Podcast, Jake and David compare the options for Qantas' wide-body fleet renewal and ask whether a smaller plane can do the work of the A380. Plus, a major milestone for Project Sunrise as the first A350-1000ULR takes to the skies for its rigorous testing program.

It's been a big week for drones, with news that Wing has quietly pulled its drone delivery operations from Australia, Vivid Sydney has pulled its drone show after 89 of them not-so-quietly fell in Darling Harbour, and Australian and Ukrainian troops are jointly training in counter-drone tactics. With a report for Airservices a couple of years ago predicting Australia could see 60 million drone flights per year by 2043, it's clear drones are here to stay in our airspace – the only question is, in what forms? On this week's Australian Aviation Podcast, Jake and David ask whether drone delivery will come back to Australia and if drone show technology is truly ready for the big time, and examine how drone warfare is reshaping the modern battlefield. Plus, airlines push back on the government's aviation consumer legislation – but do their arguments pass the pub test?