Qantas threads the needle

Since the departure of Alan Joyce in late 2023, new Qantas CEO Vanessa Hudson has largely eschewed her predecessor's bombastic camera-friendly style, instead keeping her head down and focused on rebuilding Australia's trust in the Flying Kangaroo. Passenger experience has become the watchword, with the recent announcement of another solid half-yearly profit being accompanied by the promise of a cabin refit for 42 aging 737-800s as the airline awaits more of its new-generation Airbus fleet – but is Hudson's approach bearing fruit? Adam and Jake discuss the delicate balancing act and whether Qantas is beginning to climb out of the trust deficit the old management left behind. Plus, Qatar Airways' bid for a stake in Virgin gets the all-important green light from the government, and how can the aviation sector address the lingering gender pay gap?