Episode 48: Aviation 2018: the good, the bad, and the weird

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2018 was a year of highs, lows, and head scratchers. We take you through the year that was and we also revisit some of our favorite interviews from last year.

What was new in 2018

We begin the show with new aircraft, either taking to the air for the first time in 2018 or achieving certification and entering service.

Featured interview

8:34 Jon Ostrower, editor-in-chief of The Air Current joined us to discuss Boeing’s plans for its New Mid-market Airplane (NMA), which will likely be unveiled at this year’s Paris Air Show.

Airlines no longer with us

39:00 We revisit some of the airlines that ceased operations in 2018. Brett Snyder at Crankyflier has a full list on his blog.

Accidents and incidents

43:18 We discuss some of the accidents and incidents that shaped the year, including Southwest 1380 and Lion Air 610.

Featured interview

1:01:44 UPS Airlines Captain Ken Hoke joins us to discuss his life as a cargo pilot flying for UPS Airlines and how that differs from passenger flying.

Let us know what you think

Like the podcast? Have suggestions for future shows? Let us know by leaving us a review on iTunes. Reviews on iTunes not only help us make a better show, they help more people find the podcast! Want to send us additional feedback, just email us.

2018 Aviation Year in Review

As 2019 begins, we look back on a decidedly mixed 2018 for aviation. Positively, a variety of new aircraft entered service and airlines added new and longer routes, bridging continents. Conversely, 2018 erased the previous year’s record streak of fatality-free jet airliner accidents. Here’s our 2018 aviation year in review. (more…)

Singapore Airlines Relaunches the World’s Longest Flight with the Airbus A350ULR

1782 days after stopping service, Singapore Airlines is relaunching the world’s longest flights today as it brings back SQ21/SQ22 service between Singapore and New York (EWR). With a Great circle distance of 15,336 km, it is almost 1,000 km further than the current longest flight between Auckland and Doha operated by Qatar Airways. The return service from New York to Singapore is also the longest flight by time, with a block time of 18 hours 45 minutes. (more…)

AvTalk Episode 41: Mistakes Were Made

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On this episode of AvTalk, Seth Miller joins us as he and Jason take in the Airline Passenger Experience Expo in Boston. We revisit some of the aviation mistakes made last week and with a Bloomberg report suggesting Emirates could take over Etihad, we try to envision what a merger between the two carriers might look like. (more…)

AvTalk Episode 33: Parts for Sale, Inquire Within

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On this episode of AvTalk, the first A380s to fly passengers find out their flying days are over. Heathrow moves one step closer to a third runway. Singapore Airlines officially announces the return of service between Singapore and Newark. And Captain Ken Hoke fills us in on how he gets gas for his airplane.

Parts for sale

In 2007, the first Airbus A380s entered commercial service with Singapore Airlines. Now just 11 years later the first two A380s to fly paying passengers (MSN 003 and MSN 005) are slated to be dismantled and sold for parts. After trying unsuccessfully to find a lessee for the two aircraft, aircraft owner Dr Peters Group decided that the sum of the parts is greater than the whole. We discuss how this might impact the A380 program and just what exactly will happen to the aircraft.

Tarbes LFBT the graveyard of the first A380 to be scrapped. How sad it is since I had the pleasure to fly with one of the first in 2005. pic.twitter.com/5wKHeXEmAF

— Wulf Höflich (@wulfruediger) June 6, 2018

Heathrow moves closer to a third runway

London’s Heathrow Airport moves one step closer to expansion with a third runway this week as the Northwest runway plan gained ministerial approval. We talk about the challenges that still lie ahead for London.

Canada’s Transportation Security Board issues report on WestJet low approach to Sint Maarten

We discuss the flight, Sint Maarten’s sometimes challenging conditions, and the TSB’s recommendations.

Flight track of WestJet 2652’s approach to St Maarten

Read the TSB’s full report (PDF)

Hamburg Airport goes dark for a day

Hamburg Airport suffered a power failure that forced the airport to suspend flight operations for the day last Sunday.

American Airlines flight damage by hail

American Airlines flight 1897 from San Antonio to Phoenix safely diverted to El Paso after flying through a hail storm.

NEW PHOTO: Here’s what damaged @AmericanAir flight 1897 from San Antonio looks like the daylight after it made an emergency landing in El Paso https://t.co/0joYZRNa1k (Photo Credit: Holly Rush) pic.twitter.com/ue40a3QonL

— CBS Austin (@cbsaustin) June 5, 2018

Singapore Airlines relaunches Singapore-Newark flights

Singapore Airlines announced it will resume non-stop service between Singapore and Newark using the new A350-900ULR beginning in October, marking the return of the world’s longest flight. We talk about the 15,000 km, 19 hour flight and what makes the A350ULR different.

Captain Ken Hoke fills up the tanks

Ken Hoke explains how much fuel is needed for a flight and who decides.

Let us know what you think

Like the podcast? Have suggestions for future shows? Let us know by leaving us a review on iTunes. Reviews on iTunes not only help us make a better show, they help more people find the podcast! Want to send us additional feedback, just email us.