The tie-up between Qatar Airways and Virgin Australia was supposed to increase competition, and reduce airfares for travellers. But as we enter the northern summer, and demand increases for flights to Europe, that hasn’t exactly happened yet. On the other hand - flights to the US are suddenly a lot more affordable.

Aviation commentator Geoffrey Thomas is founder and editor-in-chief of 42 Thousand Feet, and talks to Sean Aylmer about airfares, Qantas, Virgin, and which of the world's airlines are leading the way on going green.