Geoffrey Thomas, one of Australia's most recognised aviation journalists, has died in Perth aged 74 after a short illness. His family described his life as a full life well lived.
Thomas was known to millions through television, radio, newspapers and his widely followed YouTube channel, where he continued producing aviation analysis until days before his death. A long-time aviation writer and editor at The West Australian, he also built a broad audience through his own website and regular appearances on Channel Seven's Sunrise, where he became one of the country's leading aviation commentators.
His expertise was sought by media outlets across Australia and internationally, including CNN, the BBC and Sky News. He combined deep technical knowledge with a rare ability to explain complex aviation subjects in plain language, making him the go-to voice whenever aviation was in the news.
He was named Australasian Aviation Journalist of the Year in 2001, 2002, 2009 and 2011, and received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Royal Aeronautical Society in London in 2018.
His final work included coverage of the renewed search for Malaysia Airlines flight MH370, a story he followed with unmatched persistence for more than a decade.
Perth Observatory paid tribute, calling him 'one of the most respected and recognisable voices in aviation journalism' and noting he was generous with his time and encouraging to aspiring journalists, always willing to share his knowledge.
A funeral service will be held at Karrakatta Cemetery on Wednesday, 17 June.