Marc Joel Atrero

In this section of the magazine, our contributors offer their thoughts and insights into industry issues that matter most to them. For this edition, Jake Nelson asks if Project Sunrise will bring about a long-haul revolution, Hannah Dowling looks at what lessons Australian airlines can learn from the demise of Spirit, Stephen Kuper argues for an Australian “Air Force One”, and Robert Dougherty weighs the benefits of Australia joining an international project for sixth-generation fighters.

Paul Bennet Airshows founder, aerobatic pilot, and aviation enthusiast Paul Bennet recounts how a spur-of-the-moment Sunday afternoon flight in a friend’s aircraft led to joining an aviation club and beginning the path to get a pilot’s licence the very next day – the start of a lifetime in the sky.

Lockheed Martin Australia chief executive Jeremy King has summarised his vision for a new global F-35 maintenance hub to be established in NSW to meet Australian and international demand.

From Airservices to fuel security, consumer protections, CASA, and tourism, the 2026 federal budget is full of measures that will affect Australia’s aviation industry. Here, Hannah Dowling runs through just a few of the line items.

With new technologies continuing to emerge, how can we ensure the new generation of pilots is ready for the flight deck of the future?

As aviation jobs become more demanding, the risk of chronic stress only increases – and this not only impacts on individual health, but safety as a whole. Australian Aviation talks to neuroscientist Annett Koening about the hidden dangers of stress, and how they can be alleviated.