On this week’s episode of AvTalk, we add extreme heat to the unpleasantness of this summer’s travel woes, one flight comes within six feet of a much different ending, and we begin a new special segment to stay up to date on merger news. The smoldering summer of suck becomes the sweltering summer of suck Airlines and airports continue to look for solutions to travel woes, with middling success. But Icelandair has come up with a way to ensure its Amsterdam flights operate on time: they’re sending their own baggage handlers on each flight. London’s Heathrow Airport is capping passengers at 100,000 per day, but there’s a wrinkle in that plan as far as the airlines are concerned. And Lufthansa is canceling another 2,000 flights through the end of August. Accidents and investigations A flight operated by Airhub Airlines into Paris came within six feet of a very different ending. A snow shovel could have prevented a Embraer E145 from landing on the grass in Presque Isle. The UK AAIB r...
On this episode of AvTalk, Chinese airlines place a massive Airbus order, a holey Emirates A380, and the smoldering summer of suck rolls on as airlines continue to scramble to trim flights and resize their schedules. Chinese airlines order 300 Airbus aircraft Chinese airlines combined for an order of nearly 300 Airbus A320neo family aircraft. We discuss who ordered what and when the airlines will start taking delivery. The holey Emirates A380 An Emirates A380 en route from Dubai to Brisbane suffered a blow tire in the main landing gear. That blown tire punctured a panel on the wing root fairing. The initial reporting of the event by non-specialist media unfortunately created the impression that the incident left a hole in the fuselage. Ian rants a bit. SAS files for bankruptcy SAS pilots are on strike. The airline is canceling 50% of its flights each day. They’ve filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in the United States. How SAS got to this point and what might happen next. T...
On this week’s episode of AvTalk, it’s a good week to be an A380, JetBlue and Frontier go another round over Spirit, and Air New Zealand officially announces the SkyNest is coming. The A380 is dead, long live the A380 Asiana Airlines and Korean Air put a few of their A380s back in service this week and the big announcement came from Lufthansa, which says it will return the double-decker to service from summer 2023. JetBlue and Frontier go another round Frontier increased its offer, then JetBlue increased its offer, then… Delta waivers Delta Air Lines issued proactive system wide change waivers ahead of the July 4th weekend. Other US airlines haven’t gone that far, but things are bad across the board. Air New Zealand’s SkyNest If you’re flying economy on Air New Zealand’s longest flights from 2024, you’ll be able to bunk up with 5 of your closest strangers in the new SkyNest. Deutsche Bahn joining Star Alliance German rail operator will join Star Alliance, the first non-airli...
On this episode of AvTalk, a RED Air MD-82 goes off the runway in Miami, JetBlue puts up more money for Spirit, the first 100% SAF flight, and Laurence Hambrook, Flightradar24’s product team lead joins us for a sneak peek at what’s coming up next. RED Air MD-82 goes off the runway in Miami A RED Air MD-82 suffered a landing gear collapse and slid off the runway in Miami. Then, while the plane was on fire, passengers stopped to get their luggage before evacuating. JetBlue sweetens its Spirit offer With its latest offer JetBlue seems to take front runner status for acquiring Spirit Airlines. First 100% SAF flight lands in Stockholm BRA, ATR, and NESTE completed the first 100% sustainable aviation fuel flight in a commercial aircraft this week. What’s coming next from Flightradar24 Flightradar24 product team lead Laurence Hambrook joins the show to offer a sneak peek at what’s coming next. More flight cuts Airlines and airports in Europe and the United States are cutting flights—a...
On this episode of AvTalk, Ian heads to Stockholm, while Jason is joined by Seth Miller in Hamburg for the Aircraft Interiors Expo. We preview some of the innovations from the expo, including one that promises to make your seat less swampy and one that none of us want to see on an airline any time soon. How much patience do I need to pack? As we’ve said before, getting through the airport is going to be rough this summer. But how rough is it? We break down where things are working and where the pain points are based on our experiences this week and the reports listeners have helpfully sent in. Thankfully, one big hurdle is now gone as the US dropped pre-departure Covid test requirements as of this week. Inside the Aircraft Interiors Expo Jason and Seth Miller are in Hamburg for the Aircraft Interiors Expo, where companies are showing off the newest features and products they hope airlines will bring to the cabin in a few year’s time. From new screens to seats that promise to get r...
On this week’s episode of AvTalk, Spirit pulls its vote after JetBlue sweetens its offer. More airlines are proactively canceling flights to avoid disruptions this summer. And could SAS be the new Alitalia? Spirit delays merger vote after fresh JetBlue offer Spirit Airlines delayed the planned vote on Frontier’s offer to buy the airline after JetBlue returned with a fresh offer. We discuss what’s changed — and what hasn’t. Airlines increase preemptive flight cancellations Lufthansa became the latest airline to preemptively cancel flights this week as airlines try to navigate the busy summer season. The US wants to seize Abramovich’s planes The US Department of Justice has moved to seize two aircraft owned by Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich. Abramovich’s 787-8 is currently in Dubai and his Gulfstream G650ER is in Moscow. Impounded Aerflot A330 flies back to Russia An Aeroflot A330 that had been impounded in Colombo, Sri Lanka, was allowed to return to Russia after being park...
On this episode of AvTalk, we’re joined once again by journalist John Walton to understand the problems we’re seeing at airports mainly in Europe as passengers are waiting hours to check in and clear security. We also discuss KLM’s newly announced Premium Economy cabin and some baffling design choices by the airline. Tara Air Twin Otter crashes in Nepal A Tara Air Twin Otter flying from Pokhara to Jomsom in Nepal lost contact with air traffic control about 12 minutes after take off. The aircraft was flying through poor visibility when it impacted a mountainside. Boeing’s 787s getting back on track Lufthansa announced this week it expects to put its first 787 in service by the end of the summer and there’s reason to be optimistic this time around. The FAA has issued a new airworthiness directive for the quality issues that have stopped Boeing from delivering the 787 since late 2020. Airport queues are a disaster Independent aviation journalist John Walton joins us to discuss the...
On this episode of AvTalk, Jet Airways gets its AOC, Lufthansa and MSC Group bid for ITA Airways, and Boeing implements a new safety system. Jet Airways returns A reincarnated Jet Airways received its operating certificate this week. The airline originally ceased operations in 2019. Lufthansa and MSC Group bid for ITA Airways Lufthansa and shipping group MSC have jointly bid for 80% of ITA Airways, leaving the Italian government with a 20% stake in the airline. MSC Group would take 60% to Lufthansa’s 20% if the bid is accepted. Air France teases new La Premiere cabin Air France will be bringing its first class La Premiere cabin to additional aircraft and updating the cabin. Boeing implementing new safety system Boeing is implementing a new company-wide Safety Management System as it seeks to change the culture within the company that led to the crash of two 737 MAX aircraft and numerous quality issues with other aircraft projects. Pilot union opposes raising retirement age The Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) opposes two proposals proponents say will help ease the pilot shortage. ALPA says it opposes a plan to raise the pilot retirement age in the US above 65 as well as Republic Airways proposal to give their trainees an r-ATP at 750 hours. Russian airlines can’t sell UK slots Due to sanctions, Russian airlines can’t sell their slots for UK airports, which means they’ll lose them come October. More 5G C Band fun The 5G C band saga continues as the FAA issues new guidance on some radio altimeters that will need to be replaced within the year and others that will need to be replaced with a few years time. IAG places 737 MAX order IAG placed a MAX order this week, but it’s a far cry from previous intentions. Welcome to Luton A prankster has added a large Welcome to Luton sign just outside Gatwick Airport in London. Let us know what you think (and let your friends know too!) Thank you so much for listening! Like the podcast? Have suggestions for future shows? Let us know by leaving areview on iTunes. Reviews on iTunes not only help us make a better show, they help more people find the podcast! Want to send us additional feedback, justemail us. And tell that friend who asked you for a podcast recommendation that AvTalk is the one they want to listen to next.
On this episode of AvTalk, CNBC airline reporter Leslie Josephs returns to update us on the the latest in JetBlue’s battle to take over Spirit Airlines. Plus, updates on the incredible landing by a passenger in Florida last week, and a new report out this week points to intentional action in the crash of China Eastern 5735. Update on the Florida passenger landing Last week a passenger landed a Cessna in Palm Beach after the pilot became incapacitated. This week we learned that the pilot was safely transported to the hospital and successfully treated for a serious medical condition and is expected to recover. China Eastern 5735 black box assessment points to intentional act — US official The Wall Street Journal reported this week that black box data has lead US officials to believe the crash of China Eastern 5735 to be an intentional act. We discuss the Journal’s reporting and the caveats to that assessment. Brazilian regulator warns E175 operators to check their winglets Weeks after an Embraer E175 lost a winglet over Alabama, Brazilian regulators are asking E175 operators to inspect their wingtips for cracking. Southwest more involved in MAX pilot requirements than previously known — lawsuit A lawsuit in Texas alleges that Southwest Airlines was more involved in the requirements for pilots transitioning to the 737 MAX from the 737NG than previously known. ATR unveils the EVO ATR took the cover off its updated turboprop aircraft this week. We cover what we know so far and what work is ahead to bring the aircraft to life. JetBlue vs Spirit 2: this time it’s hostile After Spirit rejected JetBlue’s offer to acquire the airline, JetBlue is back with a hostile bid to take control of the airline. CNBC airline reporter Leslie Josephs joins us to break down the status of the offer from JetBlue, the Frontier-Spirit merger agreement, and when we could get some clarity on what happens next. Updates and bulletins Pratt and Whitney 777s can return to service, FAA issues 787 and 777 autopilot bulletin, first customer C919 makes first flight. That’s absurd A captive audience has long meant airport prices are higher than elsewhere, but a $27 beer in New York led authorities to crack down on abusive pricing. We want to know, what’s the most you’ve ever paid for something at an airport where you knew you were being ripped off? Let us know what you think (and let your friends know too!) Thank you so much for listening! Like the podcast? Have suggestions for future shows? Let us know by leaving areview on iTunes. Reviews on iTunes not only help us make a better show, they help more people find the podcast! Want to send us additional feedback, justemail us. And tell that friend who asked you for a podcast recommendation that AvTalk is the one they want to listen to next.
On this episode of AvTalk, a passenger lands a Cessna 208 Caravan in Florida after the pilot becomes incapacitated. Republic wants a change in how pilots can earn their certificates. And there’s more consolidation coming to South American airlines. An update on the breaking news regarding the Tibet Airlines A319. Everyone made it off the aircraft safely. It will however, not be flying again. Passenger lands plane after pilot becomes incapacitated A passenger aboard a Cessna 208 Caravan flying from Marsh Harbour to Fort Pierce in Florida safely landed the plane in Palm Beach this week after the pilot became incapacitated. The passenger, who has no flight training, managed to contact air traffic control and was coached to land by an air traffic controller who is also a flight instructor. Republic Airways wants its pilots to get their certificate faster Republic Airways wants pilots in its training program to receive their r-ATP certificate at 750 hours, the same as military aviators. FAA changes eVTOL certification plans The FAA is changing how it plans to certify eVTOL aircraft, throwing into doubt the projected timelines of a number of startups. Abra GOL and Avianca are forming a holding company called Abra in further consolidation on South American airlines. Lufthansa tops up on Boeing’s Lufthansa placed an order for additional 787s, 777Fs and 777-8Fs this week. easyJet removing seats to ease staff shortage easyJet is removing a row of seats on some of its aircraft to allow it to operate with one fewer flight attendant on those flights. Close call in Mexico City A Volaris aircraft was on the runway ready to depart when another was cleared to land. The aircraft on approach conducted a go around and both aircraft arrived safely. Virgin Atlantic flight turn back A Virgin Atlantic flight turned back to the UK after the airline realized the pilot had not yet taken a company-required exam. Southwest adding power and better internet Southwest Airlines will add USB power and better internet to parts of its fleet. It’s a start. Let us know what you think (and let your friends know too!) Thank you so much for listening! Like the podcast? Have suggestions for future shows? Let us know by leaving areview on iTunes. Reviews on iTunes not only help us make a better show, they help more people find the podcast! Want to send us additional feedback, justemail us. And tell that friend who asked you for a podcast recommendation that AvTalk is the one they want to listen to next.