Episodes

On this episode of AvTalk we discuss what we know so far about the crash of China Eastern Airlines flight 5735. We also talk about the status of foreign-owned aircraft operated by Russian airlines and why lessors probably aren’t getting most of those aircraft back anytime soon. China Eastern Airlines 5735 The 737-800 was en route from Kunming to Guangzhou at 29,100 feet when it descended precipitously, managed a slight recovery and climb before again falling toward the ground. We discuss what ...

On this episode of AvTalk, we welcome Andy Taylor, Chief Solutions Officer, Digital Towers from NATS, the UK’s air navigation service provider. Andy explains how digital towers are reducing controller workload and helping improve safety in the air and on the ground. We also have the latest updates on Russian airlines and the fate of their leased aircraft and we catch up on some of the other stories from the past few weeks elsewhere in aviation. Russian airlines keeping leased aircraft With few...

On this episode of AvTalk we welcome The Air Current’s editor-in-chief Jon Ostrower back to the show to discuss what some of the long-term effects of sanctions on Russia might be for the aviation and aerospace industries in Russia and around the world. We talk about Russian airlines and their flouting of lessor demands that their aircraft be returned and the effects that sanctions could have on global aerospace manufacturers. Useful links related to this episode * Text of the Cape Town Convent...

When Russian invaded Ukraine last week the aviation impacts were immediate and spread quickly. On this episode of AvTalk, Jason and Ian are joined by aerospace journalist John Walton to discuss the aviation-related impacts of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Beginning with the closure of Ukrainian airspace through flight bans on Russian aircraft to sanctions on Russia’s aviation industry, we break down how the war in Ukraine and the reaction by governments in Europe and North America is changing gl...

On this episode of AvTalk, updates on the aviation situation in Ukraine. Plus, Airbus goes big with an A380 flying test bed for hydrogen propulsion. Ukrainian airspace updates We run down which airlines are avoiding Ukraine and which are still operating. Note: this episode was recorded on Wednesday, 23 February prior to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Airbus & CFM announce hydrogen flying test bed Airbus and CFM Engines announced a flying test bed for a hydrogen-powered engine this week. A CFM...

On this episode of AvTalk, we take stock of the situation in Ukraine and its effects thus far on commercial aviation. The FAA removes Boeing’s ability to self-certify 787s and we review the Singapore Airshow order book. Civil aviation in Ukraine The situation in Ukraine remains tense and unpredictable and in that environment, some insurance providers ended coverage for airliners based in Ukraine. Airlines like Ukraine International Airlines and Bees Airlines have had to move leased aircraft ou...

On this episode of AvTalk, Edward Russell from Airline Weekly joins us to discuss the merger of Frontier and Spirit Airlines. Mesa Airlines adds another electric aircraft to its stable of investments. And Gabriel Leigh gives us the scoop on Finnair’s new cabin, including its audacious new business class seat. Frontier and Spirit to merge Frontier and Spirit Airlines will merge to create an über-Ultra-low-cost carrier. Airline Weekly/Skift journalist Edward Russell joins us to discuss the dynam...

On this episode of AvTalk, Boeing launches the 777X Freighter with Qatar Airways as the launch customer. And some Ethiopian Airlines staff have fled the country in incredible ways, stowing away on flights to Europe and the US. Boeing launches the 777X Freighter with Qatar Airways Qatar Airways will be the launch customer for the 777X Freighter, ordering 34 of the new aircraft with options for 16 more. The airline also placed a provisional order for up to 50 737-10 MAX aircraft. We look at Boei...

Last week’s rollout of C-Band 5G wireless in the US wasn’t a total disaster, but it’s still a giant mess. And the dispute between Airbus and Qatar Airways has reached new heights, with Airbus canceling Qatar’s order for 50 A321neo aircraft and Qatar re...

On this episode of AvTalk, we try to unpack what happened this week as C-band 5G wireless went live in the United States. And we talk with Matthew Wietstock from Western Michigan University about one of the paths young people can use to enter the aviation industry. The ‘5G’ fiasco US telecom companies turned on their C-band 5G transmitters this week and airlines were sent scrambling by the FAA trying to ensure their aircraft could operate safely. We discuss where this all started and what exac...

On this episode of AvTalk, we break down Airbus and Boeing order and delivery numbers for 2021, the FAA’s mysterious ground stop in the western US, and an improbable double crash in California. Order and deliveries Airbus and Boeing reported the yearly order and delivery figures this week. We pick out some of the interesting bits and run the numbers. A most peculiar ground stop The FAA ground stopped traffic in the western US and actually forced some aircraft to land during a brief period on...

On this episode of AvTalk, we’re joined by The Air Current’s Jon Ostrower to discuss the concerning departure of Emirates flight EK231 from Dubai in late December. Plus, Allegiant orders 100 737 MAX. Allegiant goes for the MAX US ultra-low cost carrier Allegiant Air signed with Boeing for 50 firm orders plus 50 options and all sorts of extras from Boeing. We break down the order and why Allegiant made the jump from an all-Airbus fleet. Airlink Jetstream hits a bird, a big bird An Airlink Jet...

On this final episode of AvTalk for 2021, we look back on some of our favorite conversations from the past year. Thank you to all our listeners, we truly appreciate the support. Running an airport in Antarctica We first hear from Sven Lidström of the Norwegian Polar Institute to learn about Troll Research Station in Antarctica and the station’s blue ice runway. | Listen to the original episode Breaking open the black boxes NTSB investigator Sean Payne walks us through the steps of an acciden...

On this episode of Avtalk, Airbus picks up another big order before the close of 2021, Qatar sues Airbus over peeling paint on its A350s, and John Pitts and Richard Whitwell return for part two of our conversation about jet fuel as we learn about some of the challenges facing the adoption of sustainable aviation fuel. Airbus’ big win Following Qantas’ big order to replace its domestic fleet, KLM-Air France has followed suit, selecting Airbus to replace the KLM and Transavia single-aisle fleets...

On this very full episode of AvTalk, we recount our travels back from Stockholm, go through the vast amount of news that came out this week—including breaking news BEFORE we recorded—and John Pitts and Richard Whitwell from eJet join us in part one of a two part interview to help us understand how the jet fuel system works around the world. Traveling travails Ian and Jason’s attempts to return home from Stockholm were complicated by everything from broken lavatories to frozen aircraft parts. H...

On this episode of AvTalk, we travel to Stockholm for a julbord, China’s aviation authorities put the 737 MAX on a path to return to service soon, and the A321XLR inches closer to flight. Julbord Jason and Ian visit Stockholm to join the Flightrdar24 team for Julbord. China greenlights the MAX Chinese regulators gave the 737 MAX their blessing late last week, issuing and airworthiness directive that puts the aircraft back on the path to service in one of its largest markets. The A220’s conf...

On this episode of AvTalk, we’re joined by United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby to discuss the airline’s push into sustainable aviation fuel and where he sees the industry going. And we finally get more details on the problems that have kept 13 Qatar Airways A350s grounded for months. Omicron variant leads to fresh border restrictions The discovery of Omicron, a new variant of COVID-19, has led to a fresh wave of border restrictions and new rules for travelers. Plane producer ponders peeling paint...

This week’s episode of AvTalk takes us back to the Baltic region for interviews with airBaltic’s CEO Martin Gauss and the airline’s chief pilot Gerhard Ramcke. Jason gets the week off and we mark the 50th anniversary of the hijacking of Northwest Orient Airlines flight 305. Northwest Orient Airlines flight 305 On November 24, 1971, ‘Dan Cooper’ boarded flight 305 bound for Seattle and jumped into aviation history. Catching up with airBaltic In March, we talked with airBaltic CEO Martin Gauss...

On this episode of AvTalk, we recap the new from the 2021 Dubai Airshow and some great news for Boeing and the 737 MAX. Dubai Airshow We recap the aircraft orders and other highlights from the Dubai Airshow. And check out our full show recap from Gabriel Leigh over on our YouTube channel coming out on Monday, 22 November. China moves forward on the MAX There’s finally some good news for Boeing as Reuters reports that Chinese regulators are satisfied with Boeing’s changes to the MAX and have ...

On this episode of AvTalk, the US is once again open to for travel. We sit down with Max Tremaine from Sherpa to learn about the restrictions still in place and what trends his company is seeing as more of the world reopens to travelers. Plus, Boeing and families of Ethiopian 302 crash victims reach a major settlement agreement. Boeing suits settled | Over the weekend, shareholders suing Boeing’s board of directors settled their suit, with $237.5 million to be paid to Boeing by the board’s ins...

On this episode of AvTalk, the Transair 737 is raised from the ocean floor, the FAA is concerned the radio may be too loud, and we’re sad to say, jet pack man isn’t real. Transair 810 recovered from the ocean floor | Transair 810, the 737-200 freighter that ditched south of Honolulu a few months ago, has been recovered. The NTSB has shipped the data recorders to its lab. A380s get the knife | A former Singapore Airlines A380 is being scrapped in Singapore and its not a pretty sight. And Emir...

Airbus chief test pilot Malcolm Ridley On this episode of AvTalk, we’re joined by Malcolm Ridley, Airbus’ Chief test pilot to learn more about what exactly a test pilot does besides wearing those sweet orange flight suits. We talk with Malcolm Ridley about his career path, some highlights of his time at Airbus, and his favorite part of the job. 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 ...

On this episode of AvTalk, we look forward to the 8th of November, when international air travel to the US reopens to those around the world. We also check in on ITA Airways first week. Plus, the A380 is staging a bit of a comeback. The US reopens to international travelers On November 8, the United States will reopen to international travelers. Those arriving in the United States will need to provide proof of vaccination and a negative COVID-19 test. We discuss how airlines are responding to ...

On this episode of AvTalk, we discuss the breakdown of Southwest Airlines’ operations over the past weekend—where it all began and how social media created a new problem for the airline. Plus, Air India finally has a new owner. Southwest’s breakdown From Friday 8 October through Monday 11 October, Southwest Airlines canceled thousands of flights because of operational issues emanating from Florida. We break down what we know about what caused the trouble to start and how multiple factors made ...