How do you solve a problem like Sydney?

How do you solve a problem like Sydney?

Author: Momentum Media August 19, 2026 Duration: 45:07

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?


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: en-au Episodes: 50

Australian Aviation Podcast Network
Podcast Episodes
Is our jet fuel supply in dire Straits? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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It's a safe bet that before a few weeks ago, not a lot of us would have been able to name the Strait of Hormuz, let alone point to it on a map – but now that it's become one of the biggest geopolitical headaches on the p…
Bonza boss bites back [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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High airfares are a continual thorn in the side of Australian travellers, and especially those in the regions – which is one reason why Tim Jordan embarked on his ill-fated attempt to be "here for Allstralia" with Bonza,…
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Duration: 48:21
There is, as a wise journalist (no, not us, we said "wise") has pointed out, always an aviation angle. As Iranian bombs rained down across the Gulf following strikes by the US and Israel, countries like the UAE and Qatar…
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Duration: 52:19
After decades of will-they-won't-they, the government seems determined to press on with high-speed rail from Sydney to Newcastle (honestly pinky promise for real this time) as the first stage of an ambitious plan to conn…
Revenge of the sky kittens [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:47
Just when you thought it was safe to go back to the airport, the debate over noisy aircraft – excuse us, "sky kittens" – has reared its head once again, with community advocates calling for a curfew in Brisbane. Accordin…
A busy week for the bush [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:42
With Productivity Commission and Senate inquiries set to spin up later this year, it's been a blockbuster week for regional aviation in the news. From support for regional cities left in the lurch by the Rex administrati…
Sayonara, Jetstar Japan [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:48
Qantas is officially exiting the low-cost market in Asia, announcing this week that it will sell off its shares in Jetstar Japan, which comprise a third of the airline, and focus on its operations closer to home. The sur…
Should public servants keep their status perks? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 48:59
The verdict is in: after a review by the Department of Finance, government travellers will be allowed to continue to claim airline status credits on flights for official business, though taking advantage of bonus credit…
Airlines v airports – again [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 48:14
It's a tug-of-war as old as aviation itself – airlines and airports wrangling over fees – and now, the airlines have the ACCC (at least partially) on their end of the rope. The consumer watchdog and the airline industry…
AIs in the skies [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:34
As AI becomes more ubiquitous in everyday life, airlines like Qantas and Virgin Australia are looking to increase their use of AI tools in operational and customer-facing areas of their business. Proponents say AI can im…