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On this week’s episode of AvTalk, a confidential report hypothesizes cigarettes and leaking oxygen brought down EgyptAir flight 804, French investigators provide an update on Air France flight 11, and Boeing releases its first quarter earnings and guidance on its aircraft programs.
Cigarettes and Oxygen don’t mix
In May 2016, EgyptAir flight 804 crashed into the Mediterranean Sea en route from Paris to Cairo. Preliminary findings, based on evidence retrieved from the black boxes and analyzed by the French BEA, indicated the presence of fire onboard the aircraft. The Egyptian government subsequently declared that explosive residue had been found and turned the investigation over to judicial authorities. Now a confidential report developed by French experts and obtained by Italian newspaper Corriere Della Sera indicates the most likely cause of the crash was a fire initiated by one of the pilots smoking near a leaking emergency oxygen mask.
Air France 11 update
We discuss the update from the French BEA on the investigation into Air France flight 11, which had control issues on final approach to Paris earlier this month.
Russian safety downgrade
The FAA has downgraded Russia’s safety rating to category 2. We discuss what this means and the practical effects.
Aeroflot out of Sky Team
Following the suspension of S7 Airlines from One world, Aeroflot has now been suspended from the Sky Team alliance.
Boeing reports 1st Quarter results
Boeing reported its first quarter results this week, showing a few promising signs. But the big news was the confirmation that the 777X’s entry into service will slip to 2025.
Airbus can resell Qatar A321neos
A court gave Airbus the go-ahead to sell the 50 A321neos ordered by Qatar to other customers.
Snarled traffic in Poland
May 1st is the deadline for the Polish government and air traffic controllers to reach a deal to avert a system-wide reduction in flights in the country.
Update: a deal has been reached.
Low fuel in Johannesburg
Following floods in the region, railroads that supply fuel to Johannesburg are in need of repair. This has created fuel shortages at the airport leading to the cancellation of some flights. Other airlines are tankering fuel or making a fuel stop at other airports before Johannesburg.
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