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On this week’s episode of AvTalk, United orders every Boeing plane they can get their hands on, Boom announces a trio of companies it says will help build an engine for its Overture supersonic jet, and we speak with Jim Fawcett, lead Flight Test Engineer at Airbus about the 13 hour A321XLR test flight earlier this week that also drew a giant “XLR” in the sky.
United orders all the planes
United Airlines placed a massive order with Boeing this week for 787 and 737 MAX aircraft. The carrier ordered 100 787s (plus options for 100 more), exercised options for 44 737 MAX, and ordered an additional 56 737 MAX—for a total of 200 firm orders and 100 options. It’s the largest single widebody order in US airline history.
BOOM hires a trio of companies to build it an engine
After being left engineless by Rolls Royce earlier this year, Boom has found a trio of companies to design and build what it is calling the Symphony engine for its Overture supersonic jet.
Airbus’ 13 hour test flight
Airbus’ A321XLR certification campaign continued this week with a 13 hour test flight over 9 countries in Europe, with a small detour over the Bay of Biscay to draw a large “XLR” in the sky. We hear from Jim Fawcett, lead Flight Test Engineer at Airbus to learn about the purpose of the flight (other than a bit of sky art) and what it’s like to be on a 13 hour flight to nowhere.
Delta ditches the sky dinghy
Delta, a pioneer of 50-seat jets, is ditching the last of them by summer 2023. While it’s good news for passengers who will be getting an upgraded aircraft, what does it mean for smaller communities whose only flights come in on the CRJ-200?
Emirates opening new city ticket offices
Emirates is opening new city ticket offices to bring their onboard experience to the ground. A novelty now, this was the norm up until not that long ago.
China Eastern gets the first COMAC C919
China Eastern took delivery of the first COMAC C919 last week. The aircraft is expected to enter service with the airline soon.
NASA’s SOFIA Telescope retired
The heavily modified 747SP flew for the final time this week, saying goodbye to Palmdale, CA and flying to Tucson, AZ and its new home at the Pima Air and Space Museum.
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