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AvTalk Episode 164: JetBlue vs Spirit 2: this time it’s hostile

On this episode of AvTalk, CNBC airline reporter Leslie Josephs returns to update us on the the latest in JetBlue’s battle to take over Spirit Airlines. Plus, updates on the incredible landing by a passenger in Florida last week, and a new report out this week points to intentional action in the crash of China Eastern 5735.

Update on the Florida passenger landing

Last week a passenger landed a Cessna in Palm Beach after the pilot became incapacitated. This week we learned that the pilot was safely transported to the hospital and successfully treated for a serious medical condition and is expected to recover.

China Eastern 5735 black box assessment points to intentional act — US official

4:45 The Wall Street Journal reported this week that black box data has lead US officials to believe the crash of China Eastern 5735 to be an intentional act. We discuss the Journal’s reporting and the caveats to that assessment.

Brazilian regulator warns E175 operators to check their winglets

8:42 Weeks after an Embraer E175 lost a winglet over Alabama, Brazilian regulators are asking E175 operators to inspect their wingtips for cracking.

Southwest more involved in MAX pilot requirements than previously known — lawsuit

10:40 A lawsuit in Texas alleges that Southwest Airlines was more involved in the requirements for pilots transitioning to the 737 MAX from the 737NG than previously known.

ATR unveils the EVO

15:33 ATR took the cover off its updated turboprop aircraft this week. We cover what we know so far and what work is ahead to bring the aircraft to life.

JetBlue vs Spirit 2: this time it’s hostile

19:40 After Spirit rejected JetBlue’s offer to acquire the airline, JetBlue is back with a hostile bid to take control of the airline. CNBC airline reporter Leslie Josephs joins us to break down the status of the offer from JetBlue, the Frontier-Spirit merger agreement, and when we could get some clarity on what happens next.

Updates and bulletins

39:08 Pratt and Whitney 777s can return to service, FAA issues 787 and 777 autopilot bulletin, first customer C919 makes first flight.

That’s absurd

42:08 A captive audience has long meant airport prices are higher than elsewhere, but a $27 beer in New York led authorities to crack down on abusive pricing. We want to know, what’s the most you’ve ever paid for something at an airport where you knew you were being ripped off?

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