Are we ready for the next Black Summer?

Australian Aviation Podcast Network

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?