Are we ready for the next Black Summer?

Are we ready for the next Black Summer?

Author: Momentum Media January 15, 2025 Duration: 46:05

As water bombers try to contain the dramatic wildfires besieging Los Angeles, there are fresh warnings that longer fire seasons overseas may prevent other countries from sending their firefighting aircraft to help Australia in future.

Though the bushfire seasons since 2019–20's Black Summer have been comparatively mild, it's likely only a matter of time before the conditions are right for a repeat – but will Australia's sovereign firefighting fleet be ready?

Adam and Jake discuss the progress that has been made since the royal commission and whether successive governments have done enough to prepare for the next catastrophic bushfires.

Plus, as Jetstar continues to expand its Sunshine Coast operations and Launceston looks for new entrants to take over Bonza's former routes, will other airlines try – or be able – to fill the void the low-cost carrier left behind?


You'll find the Australian Aviation Podcast Network right at the intersection of runway tarmac and boardroom strategy. Produced by Momentum Media, this collection of shows digs into the stories that define flight in this part of the world, moving well beyond the headlines. Each episode feels like a hangar chat with the people who know the industry best-pilots, engineers, executives, and analysts-offering a grounded perspective on everything from the engineering marvels of new aircraft to the complex logistics of running an airline. We explore the sheer joy and freedom of recreational flying just as deeply as the tough commercial decisions that keep the sector aloft. Whether it's a discussion on sustainable fuel technologies, the revival of regional routes, or the history behind a beloved aircraft type, the conversation is always driven by genuine curiosity. Tune in for clear, informed talk that connects the dots between the business of aviation and the passion that fuels it, all delivered with a distinct Aussie lens. This podcast network is for anyone who feels that lift of anticipation when an aircraft throttles down the runway, or who simply wants to understand the forces that shape how we connect across this vast continent and beyond.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 385

Australian Aviation Podcast Network
Podcast Episodes
Will case spike jitters stop aviation's recovery? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:15
After weeks of good news, mixed messaging between state and federal governments is spooking consumers. In this episode of the Australian Aviation Podcast, hosts Phil Tarrant, Christian "Boo" Boucousis and Adam Thorn delv…
Bruised Virgin matches Qantas for July restart [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:24
With talk of flights resuming over the next couple of weeks, the final two bidders for Virgin Australia are proposing a "hybrid" model for the airline, placing it somewhere between Qantas' premium offerings and Jetstar's…
Joyce's big gamble as Qantas wakes from hibernation [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:27
As Australia waited for the National Cabinet to announce the return of flying, Alan Joyce seized the initiative early and revealed he'll hugely increase capacity in July. But will his plan be profitable? Host Phil Tarran…
The final two bidders set to woo Virgin union [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:32
The fight for Virgin is wrapping up, with the two shortlisted bidders left in the running preparing to make their case to both the administrator and to the union. Hosts Phil Tarrant, Christian "Boo" Boucousis and Adam Th…
Cautious optimism for a post-COVID-19 aviation industry [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:33
Despite the ongoing state feud about the appropriate time to open borders back up, sentiment among the industry is positive, with Qantas raring to go as soon as they're given the green light and bidding for Virgin to be…
Who's left in the running for Virgin? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:02
The shortlist of bidders on Virgin Australia appears to have been whittled down to four, but with the state border closure debate heating up and uncertainty still clouding the future of the airline, how will this saga un…
The Great Restart – and the battle for Virgin [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:11
As restrictions ease, airlines are - slowly and with baby steps - starting to take to the skies for recreational travel. Air New Zealand became one of the first, as the country moved from 'Level 3' to 'Level 2' rules tha…
An impending Qantas-Virgin price war? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:28
The competition is fierce amongst potential buyers for Virgin Australia, but how is the current uncertainty around flights as well as threats from Alan Joyce going to affect the sale getting over the line? Hosts Phil Tar…
Digitally adapting the Australian War Memorial [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:58
Dubbed "Australia's most sacred place" by Prime Minister Scott Morrison in his recent Anzac Day address, the Australian War Memorial is the nation's tribute to the courage and sacrifice of generations of men and women wh…
No shortage of suitors for Virgin Australia [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:25
Virgin Australia has had a particularly turbulent couple of days, from initially demanding a federal government bail-out, to state government hostility over the location of their HQ, to collapsing into voluntary administ…