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?

If the darkest hour is just before the dawn, it's going to be a long night for anyone looking to fly non-stop from the east coast to London or New York – yet another delay has pushed back the launch of Qantas' 22-hour "Project Sunrise" flights to later in 2027.

With the first of the Flying Kangaroo's specially-fitted A350-1000ULRs now not slated to arrive until April next year due to supply chain issues at Airbus, how much longer will Australians have to wait for the game-changing ultra-long-haul services?

On this week's Australian Aviation Podcast, Jake and David look into the latest Project Sunrise delays and what's still needed before the flights can get off the ground.

Plus, welcome news for regional airports hit by the Rex collapse, while ASIC wins a surprising mea culpa from the airline's former boss.

t's been two years since the collapse of Bonza and Rex – and while Koala Airlines is yet to launch, another aviation contender could be entering the market before long.

Dubbed Zinc Airlines, the ultra-low-cost-carrier would pursue a business model similar to European airlines Wizz Air and Ryanair, with its founder saying Western Sydney Airport would offer a unique opportunity for new contenders – but is he right?

On this week's Australian Aviation Podcast, Jake and David look at Zinc's plan to shake up the domestic aviation market, whether it can avoid the fate of failed carriers before it, and how it might take the fight to the big boys.

Plus, the 2026 budget is out – what's in the government's $731.1 million aviation package, and what's got the GA and tourism sectors all riled up?