AvTalk - Aviation Podcast

On this week’s episode of AvTalk, a Delta A350 clips a CRJ-900, knocking the regional jet’s tail off. Brazilian investigators release their preliminary report on the crash of VoePass flight 2283. Boeing reaches a tentative labor agreement with its machinists union, but the union rank and file are not happy. Air Canada’s pilots could be on strike as early as September 18. And Southwest Executive Chairman and former CEO Gary Kelly is stepping down next year as the airline continues to try to hold off Elliott Management’s call for wholesale change in leadership. Plus, authorities find 2.7 tonnes of cocaine in a G-IV in Guinea Bissau.
Helpful links for this week’s episode

* Delta A350 hits CRJ-900
* VoePass 2283 preliminary report
* Southwest Airlines board changes
* EASA requiring Trent XWB97 inspections
* 2.7 tonnes is a lot of cocaine

Thank you for listening!
Thank you so much for listening to AvTalk! Like the podcast? Have suggestions for future shows? Let us know by leaving a review 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, just email us. And tell that friend who asked you for a podcast recommendation that AvTalk is the one they want to listen to next.

Click here for a transcript of this week’s episode.

On this week’s AvTalk, a fuel hose failure on a Cathay Pacific A350 prompts fleet-wide inspections of the Trent XWB engine. Russian investigators release their preliminary report on the Gazpromavia SuperJet crash—and incorrectly installed angle of attack sensors feature prominently. Plus, a vulnerability in the US’ Known Crewmember system could have theoretically allowed anyone to bypass security. And the US seizes Venezuela’s presidential jet and flies it to Florida.
Helpful links for this week’s episode

* Cathay Pacific inspects its A350 fleet after engine failure
* EASA orders inspections of the Trent XWB97
* Russian IAC preliminary report on Gazpromavia SuperJet crash (PDF, in Russian)
* Technical description of SQL injection in Known Crewmember database
* Seizure of Venezuelan presidential jet

Thank you for listening!
Thank you so much for listening to AvTalk! Like the podcast? Have suggestions for future shows? Let us know by leaving a review 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, just email us. And tell that friend who asked you for a podcast recommendation that AvTalk is the one they want to listen to next.

Please click here for a transcript of this week’s episode.

On this week’s episode of AvTalk, we discuss Dominic Gates and Paige Cornwell’s article in this week’s Seattle Times detailing how the door plug on the Alaska Airlines 737-9 MAX was reinstalled without the proper bolts, allowing it to blow out of the aircraft shortly after departure on January 5th. We also learn via Aviation Week that cracks have been found in the inactive Boeing 777X test aircraft as well. Italian investigators release their preliminary report on the LATAM 777 tail strike in Milan. And for reasons passing your humble podcasters’ understanding, someone wants to start a new airline in Australia.
Helpful links for this episode

* Flightradar24 You’re the Captain! puzzle book pre-order
* Aviation Week article on Boeing 777-9 thrust link cracks
* Seattle Times article with detailed timeline of Boeing 737-9 door plug work
*  LATAM 777 tail strike preliminary report
* Belgian Icon livery design contest
* Aeromexico new logo

Thank you for listening!
Thank you so much for listening to AvTalk! Like the podcast? Have suggestions for future shows? Let us know by leaving a review 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, just email us. And tell that friend who asked you for a podcast recommendation that AvTalk is the one they want to listen to next.

Please click here for a transcript of this episode.

On this week’s episode, Boeing’s 777X test fleet is grounded after separated or cracked thrust links are found on all three aircraft. An update on the VoePass 2283 investigation. Elliott Management, the activist investor group trying to replace Southwest Airlines’ board of directors and top management unveils its list of candidates for the board. There’s a battle among low cost carriers brewing in… Connecticut? And the FAA says check your 787 pilot seats for missing button covers.
Helpful links for this episode

* Boeing grounds 777X fleet after failure of key engine mounting structure — The Air Current
* Elliott Management Group’s full list of proposed Southwest Airlines directors

Thank you for listening!
Thank you so much for listening to AvTalk! Like the podcast? Have suggestions for future shows? Let us know by leaving a review 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, just email us. And tell that friend who asked you for a podcast recommendation that AvTalk is the one they want to listen to next.

Click here for a transcript of this week’s episode.

On this week’s AvTalk, we’re joined by Nomadic Aviation Group founder and pilot Steve Giordano to discuss the circumstances around the crash of VoePass flight 2283. Giordano breaks down some of the important terms surrounding the accident and describes in detail the key points of turboprop flying as it relates to what we know so far about the crash and the conditions in the area at the time.
Helpful links when listening to this episode

* ADS-B data and flight playback
* Deicing boots on an ATR 72’s wing

Thank you for listening!
Thank you so much for listening to AvTalk! Like the podcast? Have suggestions for future shows? Let us know by leaving a review 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, just email us. And tell that friend who asked you for a podcast recommendation that AvTalk is the one they want to listen to next.

Click here for a transcript of this episode.

On this week’s episode of AvTalk, the NTSB holds two days of investigative hearings on the Alaska Airlines 737-9 MAX exit door plug blow out. What we learned from the hearings and what we still don’t know. Tensions in the Middle East continue to rise, and we’re on NOTAM watch. And Crowd Strike, Microsoft, and Delta Air Lines continue to trade legal threats.
Useful links

* Background on AS1282, the NTSB’s public docket, and NTSB hearing archive
* Cessna 172 ferry flight to Hawaii
* New IndiGo Business class product

Thank you for listening!
Thank you so much for listening to AvTalk! Like the podcast? Have suggestions for future shows? Let us know by leaving a review 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, just email us. And tell that friend who asked you for a podcast recommendation that AvTalk is the one they want to listen to next.

Check back soon for a transcript of this episode.

On this week’s episode of AvTalk, we’re joined by Ned Russell and his dog Heathrow to break down the appointment of Kelly Ortberg as Boeing’s new CEO. We also unpack Boeing’s second quarter earnings report, which while not particularly cheerful does have a few bright spots.
Southwest and Spirit Airlines each announced massive changes, with Southwest adding assigned seating and extra legroom and Spirit following Frontier into fare bundling, including offering a true first class product. Will these changes be enough to right the ship for the struggling carriers?
Thank you for listening!
Thank you so much for listening to AvTalk! Like the podcast? Have suggestions for future shows? Let us know by leaving a review 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, just email us. And tell that friend who asked you for a podcast recommendation that AvTalk is the one they want to listen to next.

Click here to download a transcript of this episode.

On this week’s episode of AvTalk, we discuss the Crowd Strike outage and why it took Delta Air Lines so much longer than everyone else to get their operations back on track. The FAA is increasing scrutiny of Southwest Airlines after a third low descent incident in just four months—this time a flight approaching Tampa was as low as 150 feet nearly 5 miles from the runway. A Saurya Airlines CRJ-200 crashes on departure in Kathmandu we discuss what we know so far.
As Airbus celebrates EASA certification of the A321XLR, we sit down with Gary O’Donnell, the head of the A321XLR program, to learn more about what it takes to get an aircraft from the drawing board to the skies.
Thank you for listening!
Thank you so much for listening to AvTalk! Like the podcast? Have suggestions for future shows? Let us know by leaving a review 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, just email us. And tell that friend who asked you for a podcast recommendation that AvTalk is the one they want to listen to next.

Click here for a transcript of this week’s episode.

On this week’s episode, Ian heads to the basement because TORNADO is in the METAR. And it’s finally some good news for Boeing as the 777-9 begins certification test flights. A Gazpromavia Superjet crashes outside of Moscow and we learn more about the incident a few weeks ago where a Southwest flight departed on a closed runway.
Helpful links

* BEA report on 9H-EMU incident in Paris

Thank you for listening!
Thank you so much for listening to AvTalk! Like the podcast? Have suggestions for future shows? Let us know by leaving a review 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, just email us. And tell that friend who asked you for a podcast recommendation that AvTalk is the one they want to listen to next.

Click here for a transcript of this week’s episode.

On this week’s episode of AvTalk, Boeing agrees to plead guilty to felony charges, the NTSB issues its preliminary report on the Southwest Airlines flight that experienced “Dutch roll,” and two CRJ-900s come closer than they should have in Syracuse. Plus, a pair of Air India Express engine problems, Delta and Riyadh Air’s surprising new partnership, and the catering on one Delta flight was bad—very, very bad.
Thank you for listening!
Thank you so much for listening to AvTalk! Like the podcast? Have suggestions for future shows? Let us know by leaving a review 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, just email us. And tell that friend who asked you for a podcast recommendation that AvTalk is the one they want to listen to next.

Click here to download a transcript of this episode.

On this week’s episode of AvTalk, what Boeing did to earn a sanction from the NTSB. What the weekend may hold for Boeing’s legal troubles. Boeing and Airbus agree to deals to acquire Spirit Aerosystem’s operations. And Air Europa flight 45 experiences turbulence bad enough to toss a passenger into the ceiling space above the overhead bins.
Helpful links

* NTSB statment on Boeing sanctions
* Boeing agreement to acquire Spirit Aerosystems
* Airbus agreement to acquire Spirit Aerosystems’ components
* Video from inside Air Europa flight 45

Thank you for listening!
Thank you so much for listening to AvTalk! Like the podcast? Have suggestions for future shows? Let us know by leaving a review 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, just email 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 week’s episode of AvTalk, Boeing, Airbus, and Spirit Aerosystems near a deal to bring Spirit back into the Boeing fold. Another Southwest 737 flew too low, this time in Oklahoma City. The NTSB releases its preliminary report on UA28’s uncontained engine failure on 14 May. And Seoul’s Incheon Airport was closed for a few hours this week because of balloons filled with trash sent aloft by North Korea.

Thank you for listening!
Thank you so much for listening to AvTalk! Like the podcast? Have suggestions for future shows? Let us know by leaving a review 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, just email us. And tell that friend who asked you for a podcast recommendation that AvTalk is the one they want to listen to next.

Click here for a transcript of this week’s episode.

On this week’s episode of AvTalk, Boeing CEO Dave Calhoun is back in front of Congress. A trio of stories involving Southwest Airlines, including an apparent incidence of Dutch roll, a roller coast ride off the coast of Hawaii, and a system on the CFM LEAP engines that pilots apparently didn’t know about. And investigators are trying to understand how counterfeit titanium made it into Airbus and Boeing aircraft.
Thank you for listening!
Thank you so much for listening to AvTalk! Like the podcast? Have suggestions for future shows? Let us know by leaving a review 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, just email us. And tell that friend who asked you for a podcast recommendation that AvTalk is the one they want to listen to next.

Click here for a transcript of this week’s episode.

On this week’s episode of AvTalk, Air India and IndiGO A320neos come close enough for authorities to open an investigation. We detail the sequence of events and why this incident received any attention at all. The NTSB released two final reports this week, detailing the probable cause of two near collisions in New York and Austin. And our resident numbers expert Gavin Werbeloff is here to explain Elliott Investment Management’s new 11% stake in Southwest Airlines, what they want for their money, and the likelihood they’ll get their way.
Thank you for listening!
Thank you so much for listening to AvTalk! Like the podcast? Have suggestions for future shows? Let us know by leaving a review 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, just email us. And tell that friend who asked you for a podcast recommendation that AvTalk is the one they want to listen to next.

Click here for a transcript of this episode.

On this week’s episode of AvTalk, Jason flies from Germany to New York just to record the podcast and you can barely tell he’s been awake for nearly 24 hours. And in the news, Boeing provides the FAA its plan for renewed engineering excellence, the IATA annual general meeting takes place in Dubai with plenty to discuss, and Mexicana puts in its first aircraft order.
Thank you for listening!
Thank you so much for listening to AvTalk! Like the podcast? Have suggestions for future shows? Let us know by leaving a review 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, just email 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 week’s episode of AvTalk, investigators in Singapore release their preliminary findings for the turbulence encountered by SQ321. And Jason is joined by Seth Miller in Hamburg as we review the news from this year’s Aircraft Interiors Expo to see what innovations could be coming to an airplane near you in the a few year’s time.
Thank you for listening!
Thank you so much for listening to AvTalk! Like the podcast? Have suggestions for future shows? Let us know by leaving a review 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, just email us. And tell that friend who asked you for a podcast recommendation that AvTalk is the one they want to listen to next.

Please click here for a transcript of this episode.

On this week’s episode of AvTalk, we discuss the extreme turbulence encountered by Singapore Airlines’ flight SQ321 that led to the death of one passenger and serious injuries to dozens of others. We also focus on how media reporting got the story wrong for so long. We also discuss the crash of the helicopter carrying the president of Iran and the curious pattern by the Turkish UCAV sent to search for the crash site. Elsewhere, Frontier is crafting a new way to sell fares and ancillary products that looks remarkably like a traditional airline. And flamingos make an unexpected appearance.
Thank you for listening!
Thank you so much for listening to AvTalk! Like the podcast? Have suggestions for future shows? Let us know by leaving a review 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, just email us. And tell that friend who asked you for a podcast recommendation that AvTalk is the one they want to listen to next.

Please click here for a transcript of this week’s episode.

On this episode of AvTalk, the US Department of Justice finds Boeing violated the terms of its 2021 deferred prosecution agreement and Congress passes the FAA reauthorization and we dig in to see what’s inside. Plus IndiGo could expand its fleet even further with an order for 100 regional aircraft.
Thank you for listening!
Thank you so much for listening to AvTalk! Like the podcast? Have suggestions for future shows? Let us know by leaving a review 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, just email us. And tell that friend who asked you for a podcast recommendation that AvTalk is the one they want to listen to next.

Please click here to download a transcript of this episode.

On this week’s episode of AvTalk, employees at Boeing’s 787 assembly facility in South Carolina were falsifying inspection records. Spirit Aerosystems loses nearly as much in the first quarter of 2024 as it did in all of 2023, Alaska Airlines gets some Boeing store credit, and Emirates announces where it will send its new A350s first.
Thank you for listening!
Thank you so much for listening to AvTalk! Like the podcast? Have suggestions for future shows? Let us know by leaving a review 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, just email us. And tell that friend who asked you for a podcast recommendation that AvTalk is the one they want to listen to next.

Please click here for a transcript of this episode.

On this week’s episode of AvTalk, we learn that Embraer is considering a challenge to the Airbus-Boeing duopoly with a new mainline single-aisle aircraft of its own.
Indigo orders up to 100 Airbus A350s, while Airbus navigates Boeing’s potential purchase of Spirit Aerosystems and what that means for the A350 fuselage sections and A220 wings Spirit produces.
Finnair suspends flights to Tartu, Estonia due to GPS interference.
Lessors get a win in their battle to get their aircraft back from Go First, but the long road ahead to get the A320neos flying again is just beginning.
Australian low-cost carrier Bonza has halted all flights and entered insolvency proceedings.
JetBlue is bringing back its oldest A320s from retirement, while American Airlines is trimming its route network due to lack of aircraft.
Thank you for listening!
Thank you so much for listening to AvTalk! Like the podcast? Have suggestions for future shows? Let us know by leaving a review 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, just email us. And tell that friend who asked you for a podcast recommendation that AvTalk is the one they want to listen to next.

Please click here for a transcript of this episode.

On this week’s episode, we welcome current commercial pilot and former RAF captain Scott Bateman to discuss his new book, Hercules: First in. Last Out. The story of an RAF legend. Listen now to find out how to enter to win a copy of Scott’s book.
We also discuss a pair of runway incursion incidents last week from New York and Washington DC. Plus, Boeing’s narrowed first quarter loss, the UK AAIB’s final report on G-OATW’s melted windows, and Chilean investigators issue their preliminary report on the inflight upset of a LATAM 787 in between Australia and New Zealand.

Helpful links

* Preorder Hercules
* UK AAIB report on melted windows
* Chilean report on LATAM 787 upset (in Spanish)
* Swiss A330 rejected takeoff at JFK

Thank you for listening!
Thank you so much for listening to AvTalk! Like the podcast? Have suggestions for future shows? Let us know by leaving a review 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, just email us. And tell that friend who asked you for a podcast recommendation that AvTalk is the one they want to listen to next.

Click here for a transcript of this week’s episode.

On this week’s episode of AvTalk, escalating retaliatory attacks between Iran and Israel and their effects on global air travel, congressional hearings sharpen the focus on Boeing’s problems, and United Airlines makes big changes to its order book. Plus, we’ve got stolen gold, expensive eels, and a unique competition.
Thank you for listening!
Thank you so much for listening to AvTalk! Like the podcast? Have suggestions for future shows? Let us know by leaving a review 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, just email us. And tell that friend who asked you for a podcast recommendation that AvTalk is the one they want to listen to next.

Click here for a transcript of this episode.

Thousands of extra planes take to the skies and New Jersey experiences an earthquake. And that’s just through Monday this week. We then hear from a fresh whistleblower at Boeing who alleges that some 787 and 777 aircraft could experience structural failures. Plus, the NTSB issues its preliminary report on the United flight that went off the runway in Houston, Spirit Airlines announces pilot furloughs, and a Southwest 737 loses its engine cowling.
Thank you for listening!
Thank you so much for listening to AvTalk! Like the podcast? Have suggestions for future shows? Let us know by leaving a review 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, just email us. And tell that friend who asked you for a podcast recommendation that AvTalk is the one they want to listen to next.

Click here for a transcript of this episode.

On this week’s episode of AvTalk, a plane crash lands and then crashes into another plane that crashed a few months earlier. Pratt and Whitney may have a new problem on their hands. The FAA’s mental health panel makes its recommendations. And the French pilot union is calling for a strike to protest a proposed law that would limit their ability to strike.
Helpful links for this week’s episode

* Photos of the Safe Air 727 after crash landing in Malakal
* JetBlue’s stricken A321neo
* FAA’s Mental Health & Aviation Medical Clearances Aviation Rulemaking Committee report and recommendations
* JetBlue’s new bag fee matrix
* April 8th’s eclipse information for pilots
* Does flying during the eclipse count as night flying?

Thank you for listening!
Thank you so much for listening to AvTalk! Like the podcast? Have suggestions for future shows? Let us know by leaving a review 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, just email us. And tell that friend who asked you for a podcast recommendation that AvTalk is the one they want to listen to next.

Click here to download a transcript of this week’s episode.

On this week’s episode of AvTalk, we welcome AIN Media Group editor-in-chief Matt Thurber to discuss how the aviation industry is reacting to GPS spoofing and jamming. Plus, major leadership changes at Boeing could take the company in a new direction. And the FAA continues to clamp down, this time taking a closer look at United’s operations after string of recent incidents. But has the agency gone too far?
Helpful links from this week’s episode

* Matt Thurber’s excellent article on GPS spoofing and jamming at AIN Online
* Boeing’s memo announcing leadership changes
* Damage to Emirates A380 in Moscow
* Playback of Southwest Airlines flight 147
* Report in The Lancet on French heart transplant

Thank you for listening!
Thank you so much for listening to AvTalk! Like the podcast? Have suggestions for future shows? Let us know by leaving a review 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, just email us. And tell that friend who asked you for a podcast recommendation that AvTalk is the one they want to listen to next.

Click here to download a transcript of this week’s episode.

On this episode of AvTalk, an update on the inflight upset experienced by a LATAM 787, the problem with popular media’s hyper focus on aviation incidents, and we dig in to the report detailing what actually happened when an errant flight plan shut down UK airspace last August. Plus, we discuss Flightradar24’s new GPS jamming map.
Helpful links and reading for this week’s episode

* The Air Current: Pilot seat movement at center of LATAM 787-9 dive investigation
* Are flights squawking 7700 more often?
* NATS flight plan processing failure report

Thank you for listening!
Thank you so much for listening to AvTalk! Like the podcast? Have suggestions for future shows? Let us know by leaving a review 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, just email us. And tell that friend who asked you for a podcast recommendation that AvTalk is the one they want to listen to next.

Click here for a transcript of this episode.

On this episode of AvTalk, Batik Air pilots asleep on the flight deck, a LATAM flight experiences an inflight upset, and Boeing’s problems only seem to be getting bigger.
Batik Air pilots were asleep for nearly 30 minutes during their flight to Jakarta. Over the sea between Australia and New Zealand, a LATAM flight experienced an inflight upset that injured 50 people, including 13 who required hospitalization. Boeing’s problems continue to compound with the US Department of Justice, the FAA, and the NTSB all displeased with the plane maker for new reasons this week, while airlines begin making adjustments to their order books to account for delivery delays.
Elsewhere, improperly installed wiring bundles could cause uncommanded spoiler deployment on the 737 MAX, a rudder issue from the 737NG surfaces in the MAX as well, and United Airlines has had a rough week.
Thank you for listening!
Thank you so much for listening to AvTalk! Like the podcast? Have suggestions for future shows? Let us know by leaving a review 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, just email us. And tell that friend who asked you for a podcast recommendation that AvTalk is the one they want to listen to next.

Click here for a transcript of this week’s episode.

On this week’s episode of AvTalk, JetBlue and Spirit walk away, American Airlines adds to its order book, and the NTSB isn’t pleased with Boeing.
JetBlue and Spirit call it quits
JetBlue and Spirit agreed to terminate their merger agreement, deciding that it would be impossible to meet regulatory conditions by the time their agreement ended in June.
American Airlines expands its order book, but there’s a catch
American Airlines order 260 narrowbody aircraft this week. Lots of attention was given to the airline’s order for the 737-10 MAX, but our resident numbers expert Gavin Werbeloff points out when the airline plans to take delivery of all the aircraft it has ordered is a much more interesting story.
NTSB chair criticizes Boeing’s lack of assistance in door plug probe
Testifying in front of the US Senate this week, NTSB chair Jennifer Homendy criticized Boeing for a lack of transparency during the Alaska Airlines door plug investigation. And Boeing’s response isn’t encouraging.
FAA audit finds Boeing and Spirit Aerosystems quality control failures
The FAA said this week that it has completed a six week audit of Boeing and Spirit Aerosystems, finding “multiple instances where the companies allegedly failed to comply with manufacturing quality control requirements.”
Boeing thinking about bringing Spirit back in house
In the midst of multiple investigations and an effort to right the ship, Boeing is considering buying Spirit and re-making the once-Boeing division part of Boeing-proper again.
Ethiopian Airlines orders the 777X
In an order that came seemingly out of thin air, Ethiopian Airlines ordered up to 20 777-9s this week.
Wizz Air has 20% of its fleet on the ground
Because of the issues affecting Pratt and Whitney GTF engines, Wizz Air has more than 20% of its fleet parked. They’ve even wet leased aircraft, including a Go2Sky 737-800 registered OM-GTF.
Delivery times for aircraft are… fluid
Seemingly no one can delivery an aircraft on time. In 2024, United Airlines says it expects to take 102 fewer aircraft than it originally forecast from Airbus and Boeing. Ryanair plans on taking only 40 of its 57 expected 737 MAX on order through June. And the Russian aircraft programs, they’re also years behind schedule.
Airbus working on software update for CFM thrust reversers
Following last week’s discussion on the incident involving a TAP A320, we come with an update as Airbus completes work on a software update for the CFM thrust reverser.
Thank you for listening!
Thank you so much for listening to AvTalk! Like the podcast? Have suggestions for future shows? Let us know by leaving a review 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, just email us. And tell that friend who asked you for a podcast recommendation that AvTalk is the one they want to listen to next.

Click here for a transcript of this week’s episode.

On this week’s episode of AvTalk, following a highly critical report by a panel of aviation safety experts, the FAA gives Boeing 90 days to explain how its going to get its act together. We review a collection of aviation safety reports, including the final report on PK8303. And a TCAS incident between Qatar and Ethiopian highlights the need for extra vigilance when flying over Somalia. Plus, one airline now has its own barbecue sauce.
Section 103 Organization Designation Authorizations (ODA) for Transport Airplanes Expert Panel Review Report
That’s a long title for a long report. But the short of it is that Boeing needs to enhance its safety culture. We break down the report and talk about the gauntlet the FAA has thrown down.
Aviation safety reports
We begin with the final report on the crash of Pakistan International Airlines flight 8303 in Karachi in 2020. The report points to an incredible string of poor decisions by the flight crew leading to the crash of the A320 after an initial gear up touchdown and go around.
Danish investigators have published their final report on the curious incident involving a TAP A320, which conducted a go around after activating reverse thrust, while one of the engine’s thrust reversers remained open.
And Serbian investigators have released their preliminary report on the Marathon Airlines E195 that struck equipment at the end of the runway following an intersection take off with just 1300 metres of runway.
TCAS!
Another win for TCAS this week, this time over Somalia as a traffic advisory kept a Qatar Airways 787 from climbing airspace occupied by an Ethiopian Airlines A350.
Elsewhere this week
IATA says 2023 was an incredibly safe year for aviation. Canadian ULCC Lynx Air has ceased operations. VietJet has signed an MoU for 20 A330neos. British Airways is celebrating its 10th anniversary in Austin with its own special barbecue sauce. Qantas put the A380 into domestic service for a day. United has expanded its already giant training center in Denver. Asiana will retire its last 747-400 at the end of March. And finally, a Delta Air Lines pilot chose a different way to mark his retirement.
Thank you for listening!
Thank you so much for listening to AvTalk! Like the podcast? Have suggestions for future shows? Let us know by leaving a review 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, just email us. And tell that friend who asked you for a podcast recommendation that AvTalk is the one they want to listen to next.

Click here for a transcript of this week’s episode.

On this week’s episode of AvTalk, a Marathon Airlines E195 operating for Air Serbia strikes the ILS array on departure, rogue ATC on the radio over Somalia, Air Canada fire its chatbot, and updates from this year’s Singapore Airshow.
Marathon Airlines E195 hits ILS antennas on departure
A Marathon Airlines E195 operating for AirSerbia struck the ILS array for runway 12R while departing Belgrade’s runway 30L. The aircraft returned safely to Belgrade shortly after departure.
Somaliland pirate radio
Flights passing through Somali airspace have been subject to rogue ATC instructions, with fake controllers issuing climb and descent clearances.
Air Canada liable for chatbot who made up policies
A tribunal ruled Air Canada is liable for a refund based on a policy invented by the airline’s customer service chatbot.
Updates from the Singapore Airshow
Thai Airways finally places its order for additional 787s, COMAC gets its first orders for the “plateau” version of the C919 from Tibet Airlines, and Starlux is starting a dedicated cargo division with the A350F.
Boeing fires head of 737 MAX program
Ed Clark is out after 18 years at Boeing, including the last three as head of the 737 MAX program in Renton. Katie Ringgold will take over.
American Airlines says no more hang gliders
In addition to raising the prices for checked bags and changing how and when customers can earn loyalty points on their bookings, the airline will also stop accepting javelin, pole vault, and hang gliders onboard.
United flight diverts to Denver with damage to slats
A United 757 en route from San Francisco to Boston suffered damage to the leading edge slats on the right wing and safely diverted to Denver.
Thank you for listening!
Thank you so much for listening to AvTalk! Like the podcast? Have suggestions for future shows? Let us know by leaving a review 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, just email us. And tell that friend who asked you for a podcast recommendation that AvTalk is the one they want to listen to next.

Click here for a transcript of this week’s episode.
 

On this week’s episode of AvTalk, United Airlines’ fleet of A321neos is temporarily grounded for the dumbest of reasons. Plus the NTSB comes out swinging at the FAA demanding new rules requiring 25 hour cockpit voice recorders apply to existing aircraft as well. And the preliminary report on the Atlas Air 747 engine fire points to a missing plug (no, not a door plug) and fire coming out the wrong hole.
You must comply with all lighted signs and placards
The small fleet of five United Airlines A321neos spent some extra time on the ground this week because of a paperwork snafu of the dumbest kind. We wade into 14 CFR § 25.791(a), 14 CFR § 121.371(a) and more as we untangle a morass of red tape.
Boeing building 737s more slowly than it says
Boeing is committed to a rate of building 38 737s per month, but an analysis of their production finds that only 20-25 are coming out of the factory each month. This could have implications for how soon Boeing can increase its production rates and how quickly customers can take delivery of their aircraft.
Public comments come in on the FAA’s 25 hour cockpit voice recorder rules
The NTSB is among those weighing in on the FAA’s proposed 25 hour cockpit voice recorder rules. The safety agency says the 25 hour rule should apply to all aircraft, not just new aircraft. And manufacturers of smaller aircraft say they have concerns.
Improperly installed plug leads to fire through the wrong hole
The preliminary NTSB report on the Atlas Air 747 engine fire in Miami points to a missing borescope inspection port plug as the cause for the flames where they shouldn’t have been.
PW geared turbofan supply chain slowing fixes
Pratt and Whitney says the supply chain continues to be the limiting factor in getting engines back on the wing, with time off the wing for affected engines averaging 300 days.
Venezuelan 747-300 seized in Argentina flown to US
A former Mahan Air 747-300 acquired by Venezuelan airline EMTRASUR was seized in Buenos Aires in 2022 after the US alleged it was transferred in violation on sanctions. This week it was flown to the US, reportedly to be used as a fire trainer.
Nolinor bringing back the 737-200 for gravel runways
Airlines usually make a big deal about their new aircraft. Nolinor is proudly calling attention to one of its oldest. The airline is reintroducing the 737-200 for gravel runway operations in far-northern Canada.
Flamingos in flight
When their incubator broke on a flight from Atlanta to Seattle, an Alaska Airlines flight attendant jumped in to keep six Chilean flamingo eggs nice and toasty. The flight attendant recently caught up with the now-hatched flamingos at their new home at the Woodland Park Zoo.
Thank you for listening!
Thank you so much for listening to AvTalk! Like the podcast? Have suggestions for future shows? Let us know by leaving a review 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, just email us. And tell that friend who asked you for a podcast recommendation that AvTalk is the one they want to listen to next.

Click here for a transcript of this week’s episode.
 

On this episode of AvTalk, we review the NTSB’s preliminary report on Alaska Airlines flight 1282, fresh quality issues affecting some 737 MAX, and Finnair gets out the scales to weigh some of its passengers.
AS1282 preliminary report
The NTSB released its preliminary report on Alaska Airlines flight 1282 this week. Plain and simple, the evidence indicates that the bolts that supposed to hold the exit door plug in place just weren’t there. Download the report here to follow along with our discussion.
The rest of the show
Elsewhere, EgyptAir is returning its entire A220 fleet, Avion Express goes off roading, and Finnair is breaking out the scales to weigh its passengers. Plus, Southwest’s big cabin refresh will add power to most of the fleet.
Thank you for listening!
Thank you so much for listening to AvTalk! Like the podcast? Have suggestions for future shows? Let us know by leaving a review 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, just email us. And tell that friend who asked you for a podcast recommendation that AvTalk is the one they want to listen to next.

Please click here for a transcript of this episode.

On this episode of AvTalk, we welcome back The Air Current’s founder and editor Jon Ostrower to pull back from Boeing’s immediate crisis and take stock of the state of the company. We look at the challenges facing Boeing, including regaining the trust of its regulator, certifying and delivering a slate of long-delayed aircraft, and eventually needing to design and build a brand new aircraft.
It’s also fitting that Ostrower joins the show this week, because we borrow his phrase, “there’s always an aviation angle,” to discuss the much anticipated flight of Taylor Swift from Tokyo to watch the Super Bowl the night after her concert. But fret not, there’s actually some interesting aviation content here that surprised Ian.
The NTSB this week opened the docket for its investigation into the runway incursion by an American Airlines 777 as a Delta Air Lines 737 was beginning its departure roll last January. While the final report is still some time away, the docket contains an incredible amount of insightful investigative material. And one animal-loving air traffic controller.
And we bid a fond farewell to Ingenuity, the small helicopter on Mars that surpassed everyone’s expectations.
Thank you for listening!
Thank you so much for listening to AvTalk! Like the podcast? Have suggestions for future shows? Let us know by leaving a review 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, just email us. And tell that friend who asked you for a podcast recommendation that AvTalk is the one they want to listen to next.

Click here to download a transcript of this episode.

On this week’s episode of AvTalk, a bit of a different kind of episode to start. And then its onto more Boeing 737 inspections, angry airlines, and a perfectly executed emergency landing.
This episode of AvTalk was recorded on Tuesday, 23 January 2024.
More inspections and angry airlines
The FAA expands inspection recommendations to include the 737-900ER. This affects Alaska, Delta, and United for the most part. And for its part, United Airlines is not happy with Boeing in the least. United CEO Scott Kirby said earlier this week that the 737-9 MAX grounding is the “straw that broke the camel’s back.”
Spirit and JetBlue appeal merger ruling
Spirit and JetBlue are appealing a judges ruling against their proposed merger, not because they seem keen to fight, but because they’re contractually obligated.
Southern Airways Express Cessna 208 makes emergency landing just after take off
A Southern Airways Express Cessna 208 made an emergency landing moments after take off from Dulles Airport last week. The two pilots and five passengers landed on the Loudoun County Parkway just off airport property.
Atlas Air 747 suffers engine issue in Miami
An Atlas Air 747-8F experienced a failure of its left, inboard engine shortly after departure from Miami. According to witness video, flames could be seen trailing the engine. The aircraft safely returned to Miami. The FAA says a softball sized hole was found in the top of the engine upon inspection.
Cargojet says thanks, but no thanks to 777 freighters
Cargojet says the softening market means they don’t need the large 777 freighters they recently ordered.
Storm Isha causes some unfortunate diversions
Storm Isha made life difficult for thousands of passengers on more than 100 flights last week, but there were a few diversions that were far and away worse than the rest.
Thank you for listening!
Thank you so much for listening to AvTalk! Like the podcast? Have suggestions for future shows? Let us know by leaving a review 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, just email us. And tell that friend who asked you for a podcast recommendation that AvTalk is the one they want to listen to next.
 

Click here to download a transcript of this episode.

On this episode of AvTalk, we take a deep look at the actions by the FAA, airlines, and Boeing in the wake of the accident involving Alaska Airlines flight 1282. Working through the time line of statements, regulatory actions, and investigations we build a picture of what’s happened so far and what the next steps will be.
We also discuss the ruling this week by a federal judge preventing the merger of JetBlue Airways and Spirit Airlines. From Les Misérables quotes to an almost poetic invocation to Sprit’s customers, we break down the judges decision and how JetBlue and Spirit might move forward.
Thank you for listening!
Thank you so much for listening to AvTalk! Like the podcast? Have suggestions for future shows? Let us know by leaving a review 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, just email us. And tell that friend who asked you for a podcast recommendation that AvTalk is the one they want to listen to next.

Click here for a transcript of this episode.

On this episode of AvTalk, Ian and Jason are joined by Nomadic Aviation Group’s Steve Giordano to discuss the Alaska Airlines flight 1282 accident. We break down what we know so far about the explosive departure from the aircraft of the mid-cabin exit door plug, how the 737-9 MAX fleet has been affected, and we close with a discussion about where Boeing goes from here.
Click here for a transcript of this episode
Associated reading
Below are a collection of links that are helpful to have available when listening to this episode:

* Alaska Airlines flight 1282 ADS-B Data and 737-9 MAX grounding timeline
* 737-9 MAX fleet list—which aircraft have an exit door plug and their grounding locations
* Reporting from The Air Current on the relationship between Spirit Aerosystems and Boeing
* 737-9 MAX flight deck and location of the crew oxygen mask (bottom left of image)
* Boeing 737 Technical Guide video explaining mid-cabin exit door plug mechanism

 
The mid-cabin exit door plug
 
Thank you for listening!
Thank you so much for listening to AvTalk! Like the podcast? Have suggestions for future shows? Let us know by leaving a review 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, just email 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, we explore what we know so far about the collision between Japan Airlines flight JL516 and a Japan Coast Guard aircraft in Tokyo on 2 January. We spend time laying out the facts we know so far and then work through some of the areas of focus for investigators as the begin the task of understanding what happened and why.
Companion reading for this episode

* Flightradar24 data and other information regarding the crash
* Aviation Week article with a good discussion on carbon fibre and fire resistance

Also on this week’s episode
Investigators release their final report on the Yeti Airlines ATR crash in Pokhara, a man uses an emergency exit door to run onto the ramp and is then found dead inside the engine of an aircraft parked on the deicing pad in Salt Lake City, and 737 MAX operators need to check for loose nuts. Plus much more aviation news from the past few weeks while we’ve been on break.
Thank you for listening!
Thank you so much for listening to AvTalk! Like the podcast? Have suggestions for future shows? Let us know by leaving a review 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, just email us. And tell that friend who asked you for a podcast recommendation that AvTalk is the one they want to listen to next.

Click here for a transcript of this week’s episode.

As we close out the year we look back on our a few of our favorite AvTalk conversations from 2023. There were many great ones to choose from, so visit our archive to hear them all. We’ve picked out a pair that were crowd favorites.
First up we have our conversation with former National Transportation Safety Board Chair Robert Sumwalt. We spoke with Sumwalt on episode 216 as he prepared to participate in the FAA’s Independent Safety Review Team over the summer. The review team’s report came out just a few weeks ago and you can read the full report here.
And we close the year with the conversation that topped nearly everyone’s list. We had more listener emails about this episode than any other, by far. In November, Norse Atlantic Airways became the first airline to bring a 787 to Antarctica. The aircraft landed on the blue ice runway at Troll Airfield carrying researchers and equipment to the Troll Research Station operated by the Norwegian Polar Institute. A few weeks after the flight we sat down with Norse fleet chief pilot and captain of that flight, Olov Lindström, to learn how the airline and crew prepared for the historic flight.
Thank you all so very much for listening! Have a safe and happy new year and happy tracking!

On this episode of AvTalk, we scratch our heads trying to figure out the story of a stowaway who managed to make it from Copenhagen to Los Angeles aboard an SAS flight. Stopped by a US customs officer, the man had Russian and Israeli identity documents, but no passport. And he could not tell the officers how he ended up on the airplane from Copenhagen. You can read the full indictment here.
Also this week, Southwest Airlines is fined more than any other airline in history—but the actual money paid will be far lower than the top line figure. And Turkish Airlines finally, finally places its long awaited massive aircraft order, acquiring 220 Airbus aircraft.
Thank you for listening!
Thank you so much for listening to AvTalk! Like the podcast? Have suggestions for future shows? Let us know by leaving a review 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, just email us. And tell that friend who asked you for a podcast recommendation that AvTalk is the one they want to listen to next.

Click here for a transcript of this week’s episode.

On this episode of AvTalk, Jason is still alive, Ian makes his way home from Sweden, passengers on a Delta flight are waylaid in Goose Bay, and Boeing picks a Pope. Ian and Jason are back in action this week with all the week’s aviation news and some insights into 2023 and a brief look ahead to the coming year.

Thank you for listening!
Thank you so much for listening to AvTalk! Like the podcast? Have suggestions for future shows? Let us know by leaving a review 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, just email us. And tell that friend who asked you for a podcast recommendation that AvTalk is the one they want to listen to next.

Click here for a transcript of this week’s episode.

On this week’s episode of AvTalk, Gabriel Leigh joins Ian in Stockholm to discuss his travels for the Flightradar24 YouTube channel, including a very exciting trip coming up in January. And we speak with Ned Russell, airlines editor at Skift about Alaska Airlines’ proposed $1.9 billion acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines. We dig in to the structure of the deal, why it makes sense, and what the US government might have to say about the merger.
Thank you for listening!
Thank you so much for listening to AvTalk! Like the podcast? Have suggestions for future shows? Let us know by leaving a review 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, just email us. And tell that friend who asked you for a podcast recommendation that AvTalk is the one they want to listen to next.

Check back soon for a transcript of this episode.

On this week’s episode of AvTalk, Jason checks in from Taipei and Ian sits down with Olov Lindström, Norse Atlantic Airways Fleet Chief pilot and the first person to captain a 787 to Antarctica. We learn all about the special preparations necessary to make the flight as ordinary as possible.
Thank you for listening!
Thank you so much for listening to AvTalk! Like the podcast? Have suggestions for future shows? Let us know by leaving a review 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, just email us. And tell that friend who asked you for a podcast recommendation that AvTalk is the one they want to listen to next.

Click here to download a transcript of this episode.

We bring you an abbreviated Thanksgiving week episode, partly because of the Thanksgiving holiday, but mostly because Jason is wandering around Japan on high speed trains. We have some updates on stories we discussed last week as well as some much welcome news for Boeing and its 737-10 MAX.
And on next week’s episode we’ll be chatting with Olov Lindström, the captain at Norse Atlantic Airways who landed the first 787 in Antarctica. You won’t want to miss that conversation.

On this week’s episode of AvTalk, a horse escapes its stall onboard a 747 flying from New York to Liege. A panel of experts says decades of congressional meddling and underfunding of the FAA introduces undue risk to flying in the US. And the Dubai Airshow is Boeing’s show with orders for nearly 300 aircraft, most of which are for wide body aircraft.
Quit horsing around back there
A horse being transported aboard a 747 operated by Air Atlanta Icelandic escaped its stall as the aircraft began its crossing of the Atlantic Ocean. The flight turned back near Boston and dumped 20 tonnes of fuel before returning to New York.
Safety Review Team says congressional treatment of FAA makes flying less safe
The Safety Review Team composed of six experts submitted their report this week, pointing to decades-long systematic underfunding and continuous meddling with FAA programs as injecting undue risk into the national airspace system and making flying less safe. The detailed report can be read in full here.
Ural crews actions were “unreasonable”
A preliminary Russian report termed the actions of a Ural Airlines crew “unreasonable” after they decided to divert the aircraft and ran out of fuel.
Dubai Airshow is Boeing’s week in the sun
Boeing took nearly 75 percent of the orders at the Dubai Airshow this week, hauling in more than 150 orders for its 777X and 787 jets. But it wasn’t a total wash for Airbus.
Dutch government flip-flops on flight cuts
After promising to cut flights at Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport beginning in the 2024 summer season, the Dutch government has announced it will not put that plan in place. The change of plans comes after US and European Commission concerns that the cuts could violate Open Skies agreements.
Mexicana will start with an E145
In the paint hangar now, it looks like the revived Mexicana will get its start with an E145—not the group of 737-800s originally promised.
Preliminary data suggests SAF produces fewer and less intense contrails
NASA and German Aerospace Centre scientists looking at preliminary data from the ecoDemonstrator program flights with a Boeing 737-10 and NASA’s DC-8 see evidence that contrails produced by SAF are fewer and less robust than those produced by burning Jet A-1 fuel.
First 787 flies to Antarctica
Norse Atlantic Airways operated the first 787 flight to Antarctica, carrying scientists and supplies to Troll Station on behalf of the Norwegian Polar Institute.
QantasLink’s first A220 receives stunning livery
The first A220-300 for QantasLink will wear a special livery as part of Qantas’ long-running Flying Art Series featuring indigenous artists. Minyma Kutjara Tjukurpa took 100 painters, 130 stencils, and 20,000 individual dots to complete.
Thank you for listening!
Thank you so much for listening to AvTalk! Like the podcast? Have suggestions for future shows? Let us know by leaving a review 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, just email us. And tell that friend who asked you for a podcast recommendation that AvTalk is the one they want to listen to next.

Click here for a transcript of this episode.

On this episode of AvTalk, we learn that the arraignment of the pilot who threatened his captain with a gun has been delayed—because he is on active duty military service outside the country. A Titan Airways A321neo was damaged by high-intensity film lighting, more PW1100G issues, and you could be in charge of the world’s most secretive airline.
Links we said we would put in the show notes:

* History of EG&G
* PSA recruitment landing page for FedEx | UPS

Thank you for listening!
Thank you so much for listening to AvTalk! Like the podcast? Have suggestions for future shows? Let us know by leaving a review 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, just email us. And tell that friend who asked you for a podcast recommendation that AvTalk is the one they want to listen to next.

Click here for a transcript of this episode.

On this episode of AvTalk, we’re flabbergasted to learn about the events aboard a Delta flight last August as the first officer threatened to shoot the captain if they diverted the flight due to an onboard medical emergency. Elsewhere, the JetBlue-Spirit Airlines merger trial is underway in Boston, Southwest might flight to the other Dallas airport a few years from now, and Lufthansa might need to start lifting weights.
First officer threatens to shoot captain
According to an indictment issued this week in Salt Lake City, a first officer on a Delta flight last August threatened to shoot the captain if they diverted the flight due to an onboard medical emergency. The first officer was part of a program that deputizes flight crews and allows them to carry a gun onboard, so this was not an idle threat. We walk through the sequence of events laid out by the government and discuss if the Federal Flight Deck Officer (FFDO) program has outlived its usefulness.
JetBlue-Spirit Airlines merger trial begins
The trial over the JetBlue-Spirit Airlines merger began this week in Boston, pitting the two airlines against the US Department of Justice, which is arguing the merger should be blocked on competition grounds.
SAS, Sky Team, and a lucrative joint venture
Brett Snyder at Crankyflier published an excellent piece detailing the wisdom of SAS’ move to Sky Team with the real money in joining the AF-KLM, Delta, Virgin Atlantic transatlantic joint venture.
Spirit Aerosystems loses $204M in the third quarter
A major supplier of fuselages and other components to Boeing, Spirit Aerosystems lost $204 million in the third quarter, largely in part due to quality issues and rework necessary on a large number of aircraft.
Southwest orders more MAX and might go to DFW
Southwest Airlines order an additional 108 737-7 MAX aircraft this week, bringing its total 737 order book over 500 aircraft. And the airline also said that by 2025 it could be operating flights out of DFW.
Lufthansa is trying to make weight
Lufthansa may need to install a counterweight in the rear of its 747s after installing its new Allegris cabin, thanks to the weight of the business class seats. The airline may also need to forgo installing the new seats on the upper deck of the 747 because of the cabin width.
Thank you for listening!
Thank you so much for listening to AvTalk! Like the podcast? Have suggestions for future shows? Let us know by leaving a review 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, just email us. And tell that friend who asked you for a podcast recommendation that AvTalk is the one they want to listen to next.

Click here for a transcript of this episode.

On this episode of AvTalk, we spend a full third of the episode attempting to understand what happened on Horizon Air flight 2059 after an off-duty Alaska Airlines pilot sitting in the flight deck jump seat tried to shut down the aircraft’s engines. Also this week, a pilot in Houston failed to follow ATC instructions and caused a collision on the runway, Boeing’s third quarter earnings, Pratt and Whitney’s GTF problems grow larger, JetBlue’s lawyers make an interesting argument, and Qatar Airways CEO Akbar Al Baker is stepping down.
Thank you for listening!
Thank you so much for listening to AvTalk! Like the podcast? Have suggestions for future shows? Let us know by leaving a review 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, just email us. And tell that friend who asked you for a podcast recommendation that AvTalk is the one they want to listen to next.

Click here for a transcript of this episode.

On this week’s AvTalk, Jason Rosewell from Infinite Flight joins us to discuss the new partnership between Flightradar24 and Infinite Flight that makes our new 3D view so amazing. We also learn more about how Infinite Flight got started and what’s next for the mobile flight sim company. Plus, a bizarre accident involving a Titan Airways A321 and an airline rebrands by channeling ee Cummings.
Titan A321 windows go missing
A bizarre accident where the crew noticed a few windows missing after takeoff. A post-flight inspection found damage to the horizontal stabilizer as well.
Boeing dumps cash into Spirit Aerosystems
Boeing is giving Spirit $100 million in cash and reconfiguring how it pays the supplier for 737 and 787 components in an effort to stem the tide of poor quality work. We dive in to the deal.
United CEO sees structural adjustment in the industry coming
While announcing Q3 earnings, United CEO Scott Kirby had much to say about the state of the industry. United had a solid third quarter, is revamping its boarding procedures and took delivery this week of its first A321neo.
EU realizes airline mergers may have been too easy
European Union competition regulators are concerned that airline mergers have proceeded too quickly and easily over the past decade or so.
Jason Roswell from Infinite Flight
Flightradar24’s new 3D view now includes models and liveries from Infinite Flight. We chat with Jason Rosewell to learn more about how Infinite Flight got started, what makes their community so dedicated to the app, and where the mobile flight sim company is headed next.
EHang
EHang becomes the first eVTOL certified worldwide. But Ian and Jason have some questions about how to get in and out of the aircraft.
Air India Express rebrands
Air India Express unveiled its brand refresh this week on its first 737 MAX.
Avianca is now avianca
According to avianca’s CEO, this is the “greatest reinvention of an airline in the history of aviation.” Okay then…
JAL  adds extra flight for weighty sumo wrestlers
With the group of sumo wrestlers weighing double that of normal passengers, JAL was concerned about weight and balance on one of its 737s, so the airline added an extra flight to split the group.

On this week’s episode, we take stock of rapidly evolving civil aviation situation in Israel. How are airlines reacting, which are halting flights, and which are still flying to Tel Aviv. Elsewhere, a FedEx 757 makes a gear up landing, the car park at Luton Airport near London goes down in flames, and we make mention of a few small, but interesting aircraft orders, including Jason’s newly discovered favorite livery.
And it pains us to report that our young friend Ethan Weiner has been diagnosed with a brain tumor. Ethan is the young man who impressed us with his 25-slide power point presentation used to convince his mom to bring him to Los Angeles for this year’s Dorkfest. You can contribute to his family in this time of need via a Go Fund Me.
Thank you for listening!
Thank you so much for listening to AvTalk! Like the podcast? Have suggestions for future shows? Let us know by leaving a review 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, just email us. And tell that friend who asked you for a podcast recommendation that AvTalk is the one they want to listen to next.

Click here for a transcript of this week’s episode.

On this episode of AvTalk, we chat with curator of theAirchive.net, Chris Sloan. United Airlines adds more aircraft to its order book, SAS will say hello to Air France+KLM and goodbye to Star Alliance, and Qantas is in more hot water thanks to an IT malfunction.
This week’s highlights
Air France+KLM will become a major shareholder in Scandinavian carrier SAS with a path to an eventual controlling stake. To begin, SAS will leave Star Alliance (of which it is a founding member) and join SkyTeam. United Airlines placed an order this week for 110 aircraft, topping up its 787 and A321neo order books. China Eastern said it’ll take 100 Comac C919s. Japan Airlines unveiled its new A350-1000 cabin while Alaska Airlines kissed its Airbus fleet goodbye.
Chris Sloan has been collecting aviation memorabilia and ephemera for decades. His recent relaunch of theAirchive.net showcases the history of commercial aviation from its infancy to the latest and greatest that Boeing and Airbus have to offer. Step inside the Airchive with us as we explore the collection and find out how to contribute to the online museum.
Qantas and Spirit Aerosystems both had a very bad week, but only one of them “left corpses lying on the tarmac.” Aeromexico had a much better week, announcing 17 new routes to the US. And in Russia, insurers have reached a settlement with SMBC Aviation for $700 Million over 17 planes stolen by the Russian flag carrier. And finally, Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport pulls out the time machine to ban a long list of noisy aircraft.

Click here for a transcript of this week’s episode.