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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 it worse. We also discuss the role social media played in turning an airline operations story into something else entirely.
DOT to audit FAA staffing
The US Department of Transportation inspector general has initiated an audit of ‘staffing and training at FAA’s critical facilities’ to ensure that there are enough controllers. We discuss our predictions for the report’s conclusions.
Tata takes Air India
The Tata Group will take over Air India after outbidding rivals for the airline. The founder of Tata Group began what became Air India in 1932 and in 1953 the airline was nationalized. Now, in 2021, Air India will once again be a private airline back in Tata’s hands.
Bonza
Sensing an opportunity for low-cost flights in Australia, Bonza aims to take on existing carriers with no-frills, point-to-point flying.
NTSB job opening
The NTSB is hiring investigators, including one in the same division as Sean Payne, who we spoke with a few months ago. See how you can become an NTSB investigator.
Air New Zealand 787 vaccination site
Air New Zealand will turn one of its 787s into a vaccination site this weekend.
The L-1011 house
If your dream house includes a airline-themed cinema, we have the house for you.
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