World of Aviation Podcast Network: Recent Episodes
Momentum Media
The official podcast of World of Aviation, where we investigate the latest aviation news and deliver the big interviews with the key influencers shaping the global aviation sector.
After 18 months of international border closures, the US has officially opened up for the fully vaccinated of 33 nations, including the UK, the EU and many more.
On this week’s World of Aviation Podcast, host Adam and reporters Hannah and Bella discuss the long-awaited reopening of trans-Atlantic travel and what that means for major airlines.
Plus, the crew chats about Ryanair’s ambitious rise of passenger targets amid dropping major aircraft deals with Boeing, and whether the Irish carrier is over-confident.
Lastly, the team discusses Lufthansa’s commitment to begin paying back the state aid it received during the pandemic.
As chief remote pilot at the CSIRO, Amanda Meys has trailblazed through a very impressive career in risk management, drone piloting, maintenance and military aviation, just to name a few
In this episode of Sky’s The Limit, hosts Anna Grbas and Hannah Dowling sit down with Amanda to discuss her early career in military aviation, and her sheer determination to pursue avionics engineering.
Plus, Amanda shares her insight to the next generation of drone pilots hoping to find their way in the RPAS space.
Finally, she unveils why Australia has played such a critical role in the development of drone technologies, and become a global leader in the RPAS space.
This past week, the United States’ sustainable aviation received a major boost, as the White House commites to producing 20 per cent fewer emissions by 2030.
On this week's World of Aviation Podcast, host Adam Thorn and reporters Hannah Dowling and Bella Richards chat about how the US plans to reduce its aviation emissions, and whether the nation has set goals it may not reach.
Plus, the team discusses 2020’s largest carrier according to IATA, Emirates, and what it did to claim the title.
Lastly, the crew commemorates the 20-year anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, and how it changed the aviation industry forever.
This year's R U OK? Day serves as an important reminder to open up the conversation on mental health, both in the workplace and at home, according to David Coleman, member for Banks and Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention.
In this special episode, join Momentum Media director Alex Whitlock as he speaks to Mr Coleman.
Together, the pair discuss the importance of shining a spotlight on mental health issues, share why the consequences of stigmatising mental health are significant, and reveal how you can make a difference to your workplace, community, family and friends.
Warning: This show has been marked as explicit
This week we saw some of the most significant news about Boeing’s 737 MAX; Ethiopian Airlines has penned a deal with the planemaker to fly the jet yet again, after being involved in the deadly crash in 2019.
In this episode of the World of Aviation Podcast, host Adam Thorn and reporters Hannah Dowling and Bella Richards discuss what that means for Boeing and Ethiopian, and if customers will be confident in the jet after all this time.
Plus, the crew chats about Cathay Pacific’s vaccination scheme and how it is different to airlines across the globe.
Lastly, the team discusses the union that is suing Southwest Airlines over employee treatment, a trend continuing to emerge during the pandemic across all businesses.
This week we saw Boeing encounter more scrutiny from the FAA, as the regulator does a deep-dive into the company’s culture.
In this episode of the World of Aviation Podcast, host Adam Thorn and reporters Hannah Dowling and Bella Richards chat about why employees at the planemaker are concealing safety issues and whether there is more to it.
Plus, the team discusses Italy’s new airline ITA, which this week requested a permit to fly into the United States, and whether the carrier will fare differently than its predecessor Alitalia.
Lastly, the crew talks about the state of flying cars in Brazil, and how Embraer and numerous working groups are developing the industry in the nation for the coming years
This week, planemaker Embraer signed a landmarked deal that will see Uber-style flying taxis launch in major APAC cities by 2026. Well, possibly.
Adam and Hannah discuss how likely this actually is, and what’s holding back the progress of eVTOLs.
The pair also chat about the ongoing situation at Kabul Airport, as international air forces scramble to evacuate their citizens.
Finally, the curious case of how Breeze Airways managed to raise so much money despite the world only just recovering from the COVID crisis.
This week saw the first evacuations out of Afghanistan following the withdrawal of US troops, which resulted in chaos in the capital.
In this episode of the World of Aviation Podcast, host Adam Thorn and reporter Hannah Dowling discuss the concerning images and reports coming out of Kabul Airport as frightened residents attempt to flee the country.
Plus, the crew finally reveals the details of Norse Atlantic’s livery, which, somewhat surprisingly, does not take after its co-founder’s previous (and very similar) venture Norwegian Air.
Finally, the team talks about the current court battle between flying taxi frontrunner Archer Aviation and its rival, Whisk Aero.
This week, a number of US airlines announced that it was now mandatory for staff to have been vaccinated against COVID-19, while Azul signed a billion-dollar deal with Lilium over eVTOL vehicles.
In this episode of the World of Aviation Podcast, host Adam Thorn and reporter Hannah Dowling discuss the inevitability of airlines requiring staff to get vaccinated, and the implications of such a decision.
Plus, the team reveal that the end of British Airways’ A380 fleet may not be as soon as we thought, as the airline renewed the superjumbos’ maintenance and repair contract for another five years.
Finally, the crew shared insight into the future of air travel from two fronts - supersonic and eVTOL - after NASA’s latest supersonic update, and the news that commercial airlines are now backing air taxi manufacturers.
This week saw a slew of flight cancellations across the US due to weather, strikes, and labour shortages, as well as the return of LAX’s now-notorious jetpack man.
In this episode of the World of Aviation Podcast, host Adam Thorn and reporter Hannah Dowling discuss the current labour crisis with US carriers following a dramatic ramp-up in travel demand.
Plus, the team unveils Airbus’ new A350 freighter development as the planemaker looks to take on Boeing in the ever-growing cargo market, and the latest development in Lilium’s flying taxi.
Finally, the crew reveals the details of the latest sighting of LAX’s mysterious ‘jetpack man’, who was again spotted thousands of feet above the ground by flight crew on approach to the airport.
This week, Russia revealed the prototype of its newest fighter jet set to rival the US F-35 for a fraction of the cost at its MAKS 2021 air show, as Italy’s newest state-owned carrier made moves towards a US$5.3 billion fleet renewal.
In this episode of the World of Aviation Podcast, host Adam Thorn and reporter Hannah Dowling discuss what we know of Russia’s ‘Checkmate’ fighter jet, and just how this new fighter could cause a stir globally.
Plus, the team talks of ITA, Italy’s newest state-owned airline after the fall of Alitalia, and how the carrier is sending Boeing and Airbus head-to-head for its upcoming fleet renewal deal, worth US$5.3 billion.
Finally, the crew discusses the current state of play in the US of A amidst financial results season, and Airbus’ first wide-body delivery from its Chinese completion plant.
This week, Malaysia Airlines posted a LinkedIn advertisement to sell off its six remaining A380s for scraps, while Airbus strengthened its foothold in the narrow-body market.
In this episode of the World of Aviation Podcast, host Adam Thorn and reporter Hannah Dowling take you through the data of Airbus’ new ‘monopoly’ over narrow-bodied jets, how it managed the feat, and what this means for the industry moving forward.
Plus, the crew discusses Malaysia Airlines’ latest attempt to bring in extra cash through offloading its six remaining Airbus A380s - via LinkedIn.
Also, the team reveals the latest update in the Transair Boeing 737-200 freighter that was ditched in the ocean earlier this month, and the possible safety concerns that underpinned the incident.
With nations across Europe introducing new policies that give fully vaccinated people more freedom to travel, how is this set to impact the industry?
In this episode of the World of Aviation Podcast, host Adam Thorn and reporter Hannah Dowling kick off by discussing whether or not Sir Richard Branson, on his inaugural spaceflight, actually made it into space.
Then, the team explore the impact of the current state of travel restrictions in Europe and changing policies on vaccination status and travelling which is likely to see travel become exclusive to those fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
Plus, the crew talk about Ryanair’s ambitious (and premature) exclamation about how their customers feel about travelling on the 737 MAX.
This week saw some pretty extreme highs and lows, with two unfortunate plane crash incidents, as well as some major moves in the industry’s recovery prospects.
In this episode of the World of Aviation Podcast, host Adam Thorn and reporter Hannah Dowling reveal exactly what we know so far on two unfortunate plane crashes that occurred over the weekend – one in Hawaii and one in the Philippines.
Plus, the crew discusses Boeing’s latest hold-up in its 777X program, as well as United Airlines’ US$30 billion investment in nearly 300 new narrow-bodied jets.
Finally, the team explains the current state of aviation’s recovery progress across the globe, including recent major shifts in public sentiment driving up post-pandemic travel demand.
This week, the aviation industry in the UK took to airports across Britain to push the UK government to open its borders, and, just days later, the government announced a new plan to allow the free movement of vaccinated Britons.
In this episode of the World of Aviation Podcast, host Adam Thorn and reporter Hannah Dowling discuss changing global policies on travelling for vaccinated people, as well as airline workers begging for stronger deterrents against in-flight abuse.
Plus, the team discusses the latest update in Boeing’s 737 MAX fiasco, including the first flight of its 737 MAX 10, as well as a newly introduced compensation fund for the families of MAX crash victims.
Finally, the crew talks about the latest news on NASA’s Ingenuity Mars helicopter and its unfortunate, but inevitable, fate.
Cathay Pacific and Lufthansa are working with Airbus to reduce the number of pilots required in the cockpit during high altitude cruise on long-haul flights to cut costs, but what are the implications of having just one pilot responsible for a plane-load of people?
In this episode of the World of Aviation Podcast, host Adam Thorn and reporter Hannah Dowling mull the potential consequences of airlines moving to reduce the number of pilots in the cockpit as planes become ever-more automated.
Plus, the team talk about Ryanair finally welcoming its first 737 MAX after a near-two-year delay, and the beginning of the end of a 17-year-long spat between the EU and US over aircraft government subsidies.
Finally, the crew reveal the latest development in the world of air taxis, as Archer Aviation unveils its first demonstrator model for an eVTOL that could soon grace the skies of LA and Miami.
United Airlines announced this week it is locked in to purchase up to 50 supersonic commercial airliners from Boom Supersonic, in a ground-breaking multibillion-dollar deal.
In this episode of the World of Aviation Podcast, host Adam Thorn and reporter Hannah Dowling discuss the details of the deal, and its significance following the recent demise of rival supersonic jet-maker Aerion.
Plus, the team shares their thoughts on a senior FAA safety official who finally stepped down from his role, after facing harsh criticism for not implementing adequate safety investigations into the 737 MAX following the first of two fatal crashes.
Also, the crew talks about the extension of ‘no alcohol onboard’ policies by a number of airlines, as instances of physical and verbal abuse against cabin crew continue to rise.
Our top story this week revolved around the state-backed ‘hijacking’ of a Ryanair flight that was forced to land in Minsk, escorted by a Soviet-era MiG-29 fighter jet no less, in order for authorities to arrest a wanted political reporter.
In this episode of the World of Aviation Podcast, host Adam Thorn and reporter Hannah Dowling discuss the global fallout of the Belarus hijacking, and what the next stages of the investigation could look like.
The crew also discuss IATA’s discreet optimism towards global air travel recovery that appeared to see the association change its forecast for recovery back to 2023 from 2024, as well as a UK-based start-up looking to see the return of the blimp in 2025.
Finally, after a very near-miss, the team delves into Boeing-backed Aerion’s exit from the race to become the first supersonic passenger jet to hit the market in over five decades, as funding dried up.
This week, former US President Barack Obama spilled his insider knowledge on UFO sightings, and other unexplained flying phenomena, at the highest levels, while Ryanair finally saw a win against EU nations bailing out their national carriers.
On this episode of the World of Aviation Podcast, host Adam Thorn and reporter Hannah Dowling delve into Obama’s internet-breaking confession, and share their insights into what all this could mean.
The team also discussed Ryanair’s historic win in European courts against EU airline bailouts, following its record €830 million loss.
Finally, the crew talked about the latest in Boeing inspections as the January crash of a Sriwijaya Air 737 classic sparks new concerns, and the ongoing and confusing rhetoric around current travel restrictions in the UK under its recently introduced traffic light system.
After a gruelling lockdown, the one thing weary Britons – and wearier budget airlines – need is a travel bubble between the UK and Spain. Yet, this week it looks further away than ever.
In this week’s episode of the World of Aviation Podcast, host Adam Thorn and guest Hannah Dowling discuss the latest on why the UK is still refusing to open up to much of the EU and US, and what this means for the industry.
The team also discusses the latest on the MAX’s electrical issues, which saw nearly a quarter of the type grounded.
Finally, as Australia announces it’ll stay closed until 2022, will the rest of the world follow suit?
It was another big week here on World of Aviation, with financial results, travel corridors and, of course, the latest Mars Helicopter update.
On this episode of the World of Aviation Podcast, host Adam Thorn and reporter Hannah Dowling give you the latest information on the status of Ingenuity, as NASA’s Mars-based rotorcraft hit its very first roadblock.
The team also discusses the latest update on Europe’s travel corridors, ahead of the UK’s upcoming announcement of its border situation and easing of travel restrictions from 17 May.
Finally, the crew talks about the ongoing Boeing v Airbus rivalry, and where each of the major planemakers stand following their 2021 Q1 results.
This week saw NASA’s Mars Helicopter successfully complete its second flight test, while back on Earth, the FAA’s new drone regulations officially came into play.
On this episode of the World of Aviation Podcast, host Adam Thorn and reporter Hannah Dowling talk all things drones in light of the FAA’s newest regulations that will see humans begin to experience life in shared spaces with semi-autonomous drones.
The team also discusses the latest update on NASA’s Mars Ingenuity Helicopter, and what this means for the future of space exploration.
The crew also speaks about United reinstating its Boeing 777s with PW engines following a fiery engine failure, and Emirates challenging Boeing on its 777X program progress.
It’s one for the history books!
In an exceptional feat of engineering, NASA has flown the first rotorcraft on the surface of another planet, with its solar-powered and remotely operated helicopter Ingenuity taking to the Martian skies for 39 seconds.
In this episode of the World of Aviation Podcast, host Adam Thorn and reporter Hannah Dowling discuss the history-making event, as well as Ryanair’s cheeky ploy to stop traditional airlines from being bailed out by European countries.
Finally, the team talk about Boeing’s week of bad luck following a slew of lawsuits over its Air Force One contract, and even more electrical faults located in the ever-embattled 737 MAX.
This week saw a lot of discussion around the long-fabled industry pilot shortage, particularly in the US, as well as the emerging trend of international travel bubbles.
In this episode of the World of Aviation Podcast, host Adam Thorn and reporter Hannah Dowling discuss the current state of the perceived shortage and its short-term impact on the industry in light of Delta’s dramatic cancellation of 100 flights.
The team follows it up with debate about United’s announcement to launch a new recruitment campaign for its very own pilot training academy, including its ‘controversial’ decision to push for 50 per cent of all applicants to be women or people of colour.
Other topics discussed this week included the beginning of international ‘travel bubbles’, Iran’s indictment of officials involved in the downing of a Ukrainian passenger plane, and UPS welcoming eVTOLs for rural deliveries.
In traditional Ryanair fashion, the budget carrier is ambitiously striving to hit 80 per cent or more of its pre-COVID capacity as soon as July, in a bid to see Europeans embrace the summer travel season.
In this episode of the World of Aviation Podcast, host Adam Thorn and reporter Hannah Dowling discuss the European giant’s latest headline-making statements, along with the news of European planemaker Airbus completing the inaugural flight of its final iconic four-engine A380.
The team also discusses the intriguing controversy surrounding Norway’s latest low-cost trans-Atlantic carrier Norse Atlantic, in a story that sounds all too familiar as embattled carrier Norwegian Air exits that very same market.
Finally, the crew also touches on current recovery prospects for airlines across the globe, and the innovative ways some airlines are increasing cash flow to tide them over – including IAG’s decision to offer lucrative landing slots at Heathrow and Gatwick to secure $1.8 billion in funding.
Last week saw Iran release its final report into the passenger jet it accidentally shot down in January last year, while the number of US domestic travellers hit its highest level since March 2020, a key sign that confidence is returning to the market.
In this episode of the World of Aviation Podcast, host Adam Thorn and reporter Hannah Dowling discuss the final report into the Ukranian International Airlines jet that was accidentally downed by Iranian forces in January 2020, and the global criticism it has subsequently received.
The team also highlighted the current trajectory of industry recovery across international markets, as well as Sir Richard Branson’s latest £100 million bailout for Virgin Atlantic.
Finally, the team talk about Boeing’s week of new orders and controversies.
Last week, passengers onboard the United Airlines 777 that suffered an engine failure in February officially moved to take a class action suit against the airline for the incident, citing emotional distress.
In this episode of the World of Aviation Podcast, host Adam Thorn and reporter Hannah Dowling discuss whether or not United is at fault for the incident, and if passengers have any leg to stand on in their suit.
The team also explores the US CDC’s decision to limit the movement of even fully vaccinated people, by extending its advice against non-essential travel to them.
Finally, the crew look into the turning tides for Boeing, as the embattled planemaker begins to pick up some steam in 2021, after its notorious ‘year from hell’ in 2020.
Here’s to a good news week!
In this episode of the World of Aviation Podcast, host Adam Thorn and reporter Hannah Dowling delve into the current status of aviation’s post-crisis recovery, as well as the updated information on the United 777 that dropped engine parts over Colorado.
Then the team discusses the FAA’s new testing regime for drone detection and mitigation technologies in shared airspaces with manned aircraft.
Finally, the crew talks all things supersonic, with the latest updates in the battle to return supersonic passenger aircraft to the skies, for the first time since the fall of the Concorde in 2003.
On Saturday, 27 February 2021, a United Airlines 777 suffered a single-engine failure that resulted in engine shrapnel, including a near-intact engine cowling, falling on a Denver suburb below.
Just hours beforehand, a very similar incident occurred on a Boeing 747 in the Netherlands, which saw two minor injuries and cars littered with engine blade parts.
This week, the World of Aviation team investigated the two curious cases of aircraft engines suffering a failure, and raining shrapnel on the cities below them.
Host Adam Thorn and World of Aviation reporter Hannah Dowling walk through what we know so far about each incident, what we expect to uncover in the coming days and weeks, and the response of the parties involved.
The future is now! Flying cars to hit the road (and skies) by 2022.
Tune in to this episode of the World of Aviation Podcast, where host Adam Thorn, joined in studio by reporter Hannah Dowling, shares the details of the FAA’s mammoth decision to certify a hybrid flying car for personal use.
The team also discusses Boeing’s ‘mixed bag’ of a week, including over 200 Dreamliners grounded for defect inspections and the UAE lifting its MAX ban.
Also explored is the end of the Bombardier Learjet after more than six decades of production, and the ongoing non-COVID crisis facing the aviation industry: the environmental crisis.
It was a week that saw government bailouts, trans-Atlantic rivalries, and moves towards sustainable aviation.
Tune in to this episode of the World of Aviation Podcast, where host Adam Thorn and guests Hannah Dowling and Christian “Boo” Boucousis discuss the current status of US government financial aid for US airlines and airports.
The team also discusses the ongoing battle between Airbus and Boeing, and the trans-Atlantic tariff feud that may just have an end in sight.
To wrap up, the crew talks about KLM’s commercial service using sustainable fuel, and other climate-conscious decisions made as the aviation industry returns some of its focus to the climate emergency.
Ryanair has continued to push for Europeans to return to travelling, despite US airlines warning of thousands more furloughs and Boeing reporting a 60 per cent plummet in firm 777X orders.
This week on the World of Aviation Podcast, host Adam Thorn and reporter Hannah Dowling question why Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary continues to suggest it’s safe to travel, as the UK continues to report tens of thousands of COVID cases per day.
The team also discusses American Airlines warning 13,000 of its staff they are at risk of furlough, while Boeing’s firm orders on its recently delayed 777X program fell by 60 per cent.
Finally, what will the pre-COVID pilot shortage mean for the industry’s long-term recovery?
Tune in to this week’s episode of the World of Aviation Podcast, where host Adam Thorn and guests Hannah Dowling and Christian “Boo” Boucousis discuss the latest update on the Sriwijaya crash, as well as Airbus in criminal court and, of course, the latest and greatest of Boeing’s woes.
The week saw Boeing shaken up by seemingly endless PR problems amid its record-breaking $12 billion annual loss, while rival Airbus was asked to return to French criminal court on charges of manslaughter.
Meanwhile, in lighter news, the UK is set to see its first-ever eVTOL pop-up airport in Coventry, of all places.
Welcome to 2021: a year marked by trouble at Boeing, border closures and major aircraft tragedies.
This week on the World of Aviation Podcast, host Adam Thorn and guests Hannah Dowling and Christian “Boo” Boucousis discuss a start to the year that seems worryingly familiar.
In particular, the team talks in-depth about Boeing’s $2.5 billion 737 MAX fine, what we’re set to learn from Israel’s rapid-fire vaccine program and whether the new normal will ever go back to being the old normal we liked.
Finally, in some positive news, the crew chats about a recent FAA ruling that opens the door to a new generation of supersonic business jets.
Imagine a world without COVID. A world where international travel is back on and stood down workers are stood upright again. Everything’s going to be great, right?
This week, World of Aviation’s Adam Thorn and Hannah Dowling ask whether the industry is in for a grim future of longer hours and less staff as the new, new normal kicks in.
Will early retirements leave us with a bigger pilot shortage? Will young people training today have a future? And how many airlines will remain?
Plus, the team discusses the rise of drones. Will they really disrupt traditional aviation?
The good news is the world has a vaccine that should bring aviation back to life.
The bad news is we have no idea exactly when, or how, that will happen.
This week, World of Aviation’s Adam Thorn and Hannah Dowling ask if the world will open back up in summer or winter; at the same time or separate; and whether domestic travel can plug the gap in the meantime?
The pair also discuss the different tactics employed by airlines. Will a decision to stick or twist have long-term ramifications?
Unlike most in the industry, Boeing knew it was in for a rough 2020. It just probably didn’t realise how bad.
This week, World of Aviation’s Adam Thorn and Hannah Dowling discuss how the planemaker dealt with the dual blows of struggling to certify the MAX and COVID.
Will passengers be scared to buy a ticket? Does Ryanair’s deal herald a breakthrough moment? And can the MAX ever reclaim its position as one of the world’s most successful planes ever?
Finally, the team discusses the departure of the 747. Will we ever see the like of the Queen of the Skies again?
Tune in to this episode of the World of Aviation Podcast, where Adam and Hannah discuss Boeing’s year from hell, Ryanair’s ever-expanding European footprint, and the return on Flybe.
As with much of 2020, Boeing continues to dominate the news.
In this week’s podcast, host Adam Thorn and World of Aviation journalist Hannah Dowling discuss Boeing’s first 737 MAX delivery since the aircraft was grounded nearly two years ago.
Elsewhere, collapsed regional player Flybe applied for an operating licence in the UK, and European low-cost giant Ryanair expanded its ever-growing foothold in Europe with new bases.
Last week, Ryanair threw its weight behind the MAX with 75 more orders.
But are other airlines now following suit?
In this week’s Inside Aviation catch-up, Phil and Adam discuss the state of play for Boeing. Is its year from hell now over?
Finally, the team discusses the latest burst of optimism for the 747. Does the iconic aircraft have a future now it’s in semi-retirement?
You wait a year for one approval, and then you get two at once!
This week, Adam and Boo discuss the two breakthrough moments of the last 12 months as the UK begins vaccinating people and Boeing lands its first big MAX order.
But while the good news should be celebrated, it also brings some questions. What will be the politics behind jabs and border openings? Will people care if they’re on a MAX? And were the two announcements interrelated?
Finally, the team future-gaze as to what they can expect in 2021.
Well, of course! European budget airline Ryanair has ordered an additional 75 MAX jets in a deal worth more than $9 billion. But what does it mean?
In this week’s Inside Aviation catch-up, Phil and Adam discuss whether this is the breakthrough Boeing needs to end two years of hell, or if Ryanair has just smelt a bargain?
And as vaccines start to increase the positivity in the industry, the team discusses what the effect will be on those trying to start a career.
Will our much-discussed pilot shortage continue now many older pilots have taken early retirement?
With a vaccine weeks – or maybe days – from being rolled out, international airlines have dispensed with the pleasantries and are preparing to try to reclaim market share.
On this week’s Inside Aviation catch-up, Phil and Adam discuss the recent skirmish over airport slot waivers.
Should big airlines be able to keep their places at airports if budget carriers want to get planes in the air?
Finally, the team discuss the long, long goodbye of the 747. Can you still spot one if you really want?
It’s fair to say 2020 has been a tough year for many in the aviation industry, who have been stood down, made redundant or simply forced to take on much worse working terms.
It’s easy to forget, however, how well trained and well thought of most aviation employees are. In this special episode of the World of Aviation podcast, we interview Jim Murphy, the founder of Afterburner.
Murphy transformed himself from an instructor pilot who clocked 1,200 hours in an F-15 into an entrepreneur who teaches businesses how to succeed by thinking like a pilot.
He’ll speak about how he made the difficult switch and what he’s learned along the way.
It should have been the biggest story of the year. But after a 20-month flight ban – the longest in aviation history – the US Federal Aviation Administration has finally cleared the 737 MAX to fly again.
Now what?
In this week’s Inside Aviation, Phil and Adam discuss this and other stories breaking around the world. Will the industry be welcoming the Max back now it’s got bigger problems to deal with?
Plus, the team also discuss how the COVID vaccine will open up borders and the industry. Will a jab answer our prayers, or be the start of a tricky route out of international lockdown?
Last week, the world heard the news it was waiting for when global pharmaceutical giant Pfizer said its vaccine was “90 per cent effective”. Which means we can all go back to normal, right? Well maybe.
This week on the World of Aviation podcast, Adam and Boo discuss what’s next? Will countries only open up to nations that have been vaccinated? Will there be a premier league of jabs of different potency? And will countries continue to shut their borders until COVID is totally eradicated?
The team also discuss the latest shoot-from-the-hip comments by Ryanair chief Michael O’Leary, the continuing pilot shortage and shifting global politics now The Donald is done?
Finally, it wouldn’t be a podcast without a chat about drones and eVTOLs, and the boys geek out on the latest developments in Florida.
Last week, the world celebrated as we edged closer to having a coronavirus vaccine.
But the good news also raises questions for international border openings.
In our Inside Aviation catch-up, Phil Tarrant, Adam Thorn and a returning Boo chat about what this means for removing restrictions. Is it as simple as a ‘shot in the arm’ solving our problems?
Plus, the team discuss Emirates posting huge losses, the endless demise of the unloved A380 and yet another ‘vertiport’.
Since the COVID crisis, airlines and unions have been at loggerheads as huge cuts are made and working terms are reduced.
But the situation at Cathay Pacific seems particularly toxic, with reports of ultimatums and 60 per cent salary cuts. In this week’s Inside Aviation, Phil and Adam discuss the fallout, and what it means for the airline.
They also discuss a precarious situation within the industry as a whole. The IATA says aviation’s recovery has “hit a wall”, but why?
Finally, the team chat about the situation closer to home. Could flights from Tasmania to New Zealand be a gamechanger?
Since the start of the pandemic, Qatar Airways has won plaudits for being one of the few carriers to soldier on during the crisis, helping stranded passengers return “home”.
But that goodwill has seemingly evaporated after it was revealed up to 18 female passengers from Australia, the UK and France were invasively searched, apparently to find the mother of an abandoned premature baby.
This week, host Adam Thorn and regular guest Christian “Boo” Boucousis discuss the fallout and whether Qatar can recover.
Plus, the team also chat about the smart ‘new’ A321 Passenger-to-Freighter Conversion, Cathay’s new pilot dispute and whether it’s time to stop searching for MH370.
The story that 18 women from Australia, the UK and France were invasively searched by Qatari authorities at Hamad Airport this month has refused to go away.
In the last few days, the Qatar government has finally issued an apology – but it seems to be more concerned with shifting the emphasis onto the missing baby.
On this week’s Inside Aviation, Phil and Adam discuss the impact on the industry, and whether Qatar will ever be able to regain passengers’ trust.
They also discuss the continual struggle to get passengers back home as border closures continue to bite, and why critics should be more understanding of under-fire airlines.
Last month, World of Aviation reported on multiple flight crews recording the unique sight of a man in a jet pack flying alongside their aircraft on approach to LAX.
This week, host Adam Thorn and regular guest Christian “Boo” Boucousis speculate just what might have happened to him as new sightings emerge.
It doesn’t take long though, for the team to meander off onto drones, flying cars and why anyone would go for a meal on a grounded A380. In economy.
Finally, as countries tentatively begin to open to each other, Adam and Boo discuss the challenges for aviation in a, hopefully, just pre-vaccine world.
Last week, a French fighter jet broke the sound barrier above Paris, causing a sonic boom that wreaked havoc across the city while the French Open was in play.
This week, the World of Aviation’s resident fighter pilot, Christian “Boo” Boucousis, tells host Adam Thorn exactly how it works – and its implications for commercial supersonic travel.
Plus, with the A380 now all-but retired, the team discuss Singapore’s plan to turn the aircraft into a restaurant where aviation enthusiasts can enjoy a nostalgic meal. Will anyone choose to dine in economy?
This week, the UK announced it's on the brink of creating the world’s first designated drone corridor, to speed up trials of UAVs delivering packages. It’s significant because it has the potential to temporarily solve the conundrum of how air traffic control can safely move so many automated aircraft.
In this episode, Adam and Boo discuss how the industry will transition from pre to post coronavirus, and what the upcoming UAV revolution could look like.
They’ll also talk about why the 747 has departed the industry to tearful tributes, while the unloved A380 exits unceremoniously stage-left. Was the aircraft ever a viable idea, or just a PR push from Airbus?
Finally, they’ll ask whether hydrogen could actually power planes in ten years, or if it’s still the stuff of wishful science fiction.
In this special episode of the World of Aviation podcast, Adam and Boo speak to a man who taught US Navy pilots on the very same TOPGUN course that the movie was based on.
Backseater Dave Baranek enjoyed a 20-year career in the US Navy, rising up the ranks to command an F-14 fighter squadron of more than 300 people, with 2500 flight hours in an F-14 Tomcat and 450 hours in the F-5F Tiger II.
So accomplished was his experience, he was even on hand to advise the crew of the movie while they were filming the iconic original.
Adam and Boo ask him about the pressure of being a backseater, the struggle to make it to the top, the mentality of fighter pilots and how he coped with finally retiring.
Enjoy the episode,
The WOA team
The drone revolution looks to change our world quicker than most people are realising – with Amazon leading a charge to disrupt a whole new bunch of industries. But what needs to happen for science-fiction to become reality?
In this episode of the World of Aviation podcast, host Adam Thorn and regular guest Christian ‘Boo’ Boucousis attempt to talk about something other than coronavirus (at least for a bit). Can a generation of redundant pilots make the transition to drones, and who in the aviation industry will have the skills to reboot themselves?
And as we report news of a jetpack being spotted at 3,000ft, Adam asks Boo what’s the weirdest thing he’s seen in the cockpit. It doesn’t take long for them to rip up the script and get knee-deep into UFO conversation.
Finally, with mixed messages on how quickly the traditional industry can wait to rebound, the pair ponder what it will take for life to go back to the old normal.
The Rock of Gibraltar might be unassuming, but it became the latest example of how border closures are causing chaos for international aviation when a delayed flight caused Brits kipping in nearby Spain to face a costly 14-day quarantine.
In this episode of the World of Australian podcast, host Adam Thorn and regular guest Christian ‘Boo’ Boucousis come to the mad conclusion that the best way to save aviation might be to stop flying at all.
They also discuss Virgin Atlantic’s Emirates-beating coronavirus insurance that promises to cover just about any problem that the pandemic might throw at passengers, as well as the dreaded second wave of more job cuts.
But, on a more upbeat note, they also ponder whether Boeing might have cracked it with a UV magic wand. Yes, really…
With air bridges opening and closing causing travel chaos for the industry, could the solution be… sniffer dogs? It sounds bizarre, but the UAE certainly thinks so, and research in both the UK and France supports claims hounds have a 90 per cent accuracy in whiffing out COVID-19.
In this episode of the World of Aviation podcast, host Adam Thorn and Christian “Boo” Boucousis continue to discuss the most chaotic period in the history of our industry. In particular, they’ll look at other plans – mutts aside – to get customers flying again, which this week has also included a planned fly-before-you-pay deal set to go live in the US.
They also dissect two major Boeing announcements, including the start of British Airways sending its 747s to the Spanish scrapyard as well as a possible rebranding of the grounded MAX. Will customers and the industry really get behind the plane with a new name?
Finally, they’ll ask just how Singapore Airlines burnt through so much of its bailout so quickly, and reveal the results of the US Airforce’s man vs AI fighter pilot competition. Spoiler alert: it’s bad news for Boo.
As investigations into the legitimacy of Pakistani pilot licenses continue, a simultaneously conducted internal audit report has found that its pilots are being overpaid, underproductive and spending far too much on luxurious hotels.
In this episode of the World of Aviation Podcast, host Adam thorn and Christian "Boo" Boucousis discuss whether the "luxury pilot life" stereotype is founded in truth, the differences between flying for a low-cost or domestic carrier and a prestigious national airline, and the hierarchy in the cockpit for a major international carrier.
Adam and Boo delve into the endless saga of airbridges in Europe opening and closing at short notice, the fraught relationship between Boeing and Airbus, cracks being found in Rolls Royce engines, and an upcoming battle between an AI-controlled fighter jet and a US Air Force pilot.
Virgin Galactic are in the headlines this week for unveiling concept plans for an extraordinary new supersonic jet, despite Virgin Atlantic only recently filing for bankruptcy protection. In the age of COVID-19 in which most airlines are barely surviving, is it possible to consider a future for supersonic travel?
Adam Thorn and Christian "Boo" Boucousis are back for another episode of the World of Aviation to discuss the driving force behind Concorde's demise, and whether Virgin's strategy of appealing to a luxury market is a wise commercial decision.
Hear Adam and Boo reflect on the spectrum of COVID-19 safe policies across different airlines, from South West Airlines to Qatar Airways, and how the lack of border closure consistency is affecting the aviation industry.
They also delve into the recent surge in "flights to nowhere", what's involved in keeping an aircraft active while grounded, and how accurately sims can simulate the experience of encountering unexpected hurdles.
Emirates is offering to cover customers' coronavirus related health expenses and quarantine costs in its latest bid to get people on planes, but will this move actually incentivise travel?
In this episode of World of Aviation, Adam Thorn and Christian "Boo" Boucousis reflect on the inconsistencies across the industry in the current state of the world, whereby some airlines and countries are focusing solely on repatriation while others are promoting holidays and business trips.
Adam and Boo also discuss Boeing 747's final demise, Ryanair's attempts to avoid staff cuts by trying to enforce pay cuts, success for private jets during COVID-19, and an Ethiopian Airlines Boeing 777F catching fire in Shanghai.
Airlines around the world are tackling the tricky challenge of saving costs by hibernating, whilst also maintaining a workforce that's viable on the other side of this crisis.
In this episode of the Australian Aviation Podcast, hear about the carnage over airbridges in the EU, from the UK's closure to Spain and Ireland's fundamentally flawed "green lists".
Hosts Adam Thorn and Christian "Boo" Boucousis also discuss the potential return of the 737 MAX, the latest on the Pakistani pilot controversy, a bold call from Iceland Air, and a cyber attack on Garmin.
In this week's World of Aviation Podcast, hosts Adam Thorn and Christian "Boo" Boucousis recap Virgin Atlantic's miraculous revival with a big helping hand from Sir Richard Branson, as well as the very slow resuscitation of the 737 MAX.
Tune in to this episode to hear Adam and Boo reflect on the ongoing rivalry between Boeing and Airbus, Singapore Airlines admitting they're struggling, and Qatar Airways seeking compensation for losses over an airspace blockade.
They also discuss a new development in Pakistan's dodgy-or-not license scandal, a new ultra-luxury airport to open in Saudi Arabia in 2023, and the proliferation of unusual COVID-19 jobs for pilots that have been stood down or made redundant.
With pockets of second wave COVID-19 spikes cropping up around the world and border closures changing by the moment, were some airlines a bit pre-emptive in committing to getting planes back in the sky?
In this week's episode of the Australian Aviation Podcast, Adam Thorn and Christian "Boo" Boucousis discuss the total confusion around airlines continuing to sell flights, angry passengers being denied refunds, and the implementation of biosecurity measures at airports.
Adam and Boo talk about an uptick in Airbus deliveries, the environmental concerns of flying, and updates on the Pakistan pilot scandal.
While Boeing initially blamed aircraft pilots for the tragic incidents involving the 737 MAX, a watchdog report has revealed that the manufacturer actually failed to share critical information regarding flight control software to regulators.
In this episode of World of Aviation, hosts Adam Thorn and Christian "Boo" Boucousis unpack who is truly responsible, why the aircraft was so popular in the first place, and what needs to happen to get the plane back in the air.
They also discuss an astounding fraudulent license discovery out of Pakistan, whether the industry is over reliant on automation, and the impacts of the recent COVID-19 spikes in Australia and the UK on aviation.
While it may seem like the worst of the pandemic has passed, the long-term effects on the global aviation sector cannot be underestimated, with fleets of aircraft and business travel under threat of being phased out.
Hosts Adam Thorn and Christian "Boo" Boucousis discuss the uncertain future of the A380, the ambiguity surrounding European border closures, and a tragic puppy discovery on a Ukrainian International Airlines plane.
In this episode, Adam also talks to the VP Pacific of Qatar Airways, Tom Scruby, about why the airline decided to not only keep flying through COVID-19, but in some cases even increase its services, subsequently becoming one of the world's biggest international carriers.
While the virus appears to be receding and borders are beginning to open up around the world, will the aviation industry ever get back to where it was pre-COVID-19?
Join hosts Adam Thorn and Christian "Boo" Boucousis on this episode of the World of Aviation Podcast as they delve into how different airlines are responding to the easing restrictions, whether claims of onboard safety is based in fact or more of a PR stunt, and what will happen to demand as we emerge from the pandemic and into a recession.
Tune in to hear Adam and Boo discuss a recent American airforce jet crash, the dangerous realities of being a fighter pilot, and the competition for such a role.
The last few days have seen a shift in sentiment amid the global airline sector in regard to COVID-19, from initially being focused on getting people home to now aggressively calling for government bailouts.
Join hosts Phil Tarrant, Christian "Boo" Boucousis and senior writer Adam Thorn on this episode of the podcast as they reveal which airline is being the most vocal in their demands, and conversely, which carrier is using the current situation as a PR opportunity to put themselves on the map.
They delve into the conversation around cargo and how it's being moved, the latest news from the Chinese airline sector, and Boo's experience returning to Australia following his Learjet training.
Tune in to hear how Rolls Royce have been affected, whether other companies on the supply chain deserve to receive a government bailout, and the issues Boeing are having in getting the 737 MAX back in service.
The coronavirus crisis has sent ripples through the worldwide aviation sector, with dramatic reductions in civil flights and manufacturers pausing production while uncertainty around the future of the industry prevails.
Hosts Phil Tarrant and Christian "Boo" Boucousis are joined by senior writer Adam Thorn on this episode of the podcast to unpack the current sentiment within the sector. They cover the latest headlines around airlines and manufacturers asking for a collective bail-out and how consumers have responded to this request for government support.
Phil, Boo and Adam also delve into the role that aviation plays in Australian sovereignty, the potentiality of a mass border closure, and their predictions around a forecasted global recession.
Boo also commences his Learjet conversion training and shares his experience with us thus far, dialling in from Tuscon, Arizona.
As a young child, Burt Rutan was captivated by the nature of aviation and set out to challenge the norms. In true entrepreneurial style, he started small, designing model aircraft whilst juggling responsibilities of school and college. In a time that was considered quite primitive for aviation, he was working only with radio control for his models, meaning most would come back in pieces after a maiden flight. Rutan went on to graduate with a degree in aeronautical engineering.
Fast-forward to 1982, he established Scaled Composites LLC, responsible for the Beechcraft Starship prototype. Creating some of the world’s most recognisable long-range and unusual-looking aircraft, Rutan went on to design the Virgin Atlantic GlobalFlyer and SpaceShipOne.
Listen in as we leave no note unturned with this aerospace giant.