Is Australia's domestic airline market full?

Is Australia's domestic airline market full?

Author: Momentum Media July 17, 2024 Duration: 34:48

With the ashes yet cooling on Bonza's funeral pyre, Qantas CEO Vanessa Hudson made an eyebrow-raising suggestion at the Flying Kangaroo's Perth–Paris launch last week: that Australia can't sustain more than, say, three major domestic airline groups (coincidentally, the number it has now).

As the country reacquaints itself with the old familiar Qantas–Virgin equilibrium – and as Rex continues its push to disrupt the duopoly – will Hudson be vindicated, or will another challenger eventually prove her wrong?

Adam and Jake examine the state of play and whether Bonza is truly just another data point against airline competition in Australia.

Plus, Rex's new leadership faces a boardroom coup from the old boss, Melbourne Airport waves the white flag on the long-overdue rail link, and Emirates thumbs its nose at "too clever by half" safety videos.


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: 100

Australian Aviation Podcast Network
Podcast Episodes
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…
Winning the 'war on talent' [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:40
With just 5.1 per cent of roles in air traffic controllers, pilots and licensed aircraft maintenance held by women – and only 4 per cent globally for pilots – the pace of change towards gender parity in aviation is still…
Making your manuals automatic [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:50
Keeping operational manuals up-to-date is a vital part of ensuring that any aviation company is maintaining regulatory compliance and that staff are aware of the latest policies and procedures. Many businesses, however,…
How QF32 beat the 'black swan' [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 51:21
It could have been Australia's worst-ever airline disaster – but it wasn't. When an engine exploded aboard Qantas flight 32 in 2010, its crew were faced with a "black swan" event, one so unthinkable they could not possib…
The highs and lows of 2025 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 52:53
A year is a long time in aviation, and 2025 has seemed a longer year than most – what with the long-running Rex administration; Qantas' ongoing travails; Virgin Australia's tie-up with Qatar Airways and subsequent IPO; f…