On 29 May, Airbus began its 50th anniversary celebrations with a special formation flight in the skies above France. Sadly, the weather did not cooperate for a planned flypast in Toulouse. Taking part in the special flight were the A220, A319neo, A330-900, A350-1000, A380, and BelugaXL. The Airbus formation was also met by the French Air Force acrobatic team Patrouille de France. (more…)
AvTalk Episode 52: No, that seatback camera isn’t spying on you
On this episode of AvTalk, we review what we know about the crash of Atlas Air 3591, incredulously read through the Aeromexico Connect flight 2431 report, recap our correct predictions about the A380, and Jason and Jeremy Dwyer-Lindgren head to Florida for some rare planespotting.
On this episode of AvTalk, we discuss Airbus’ plans for the future of the A380, see which European low-cost carrier is no longer operating this week, tow a 747 across a field, and add some Flair to the podcast.
Airbus and All Nippon Airways unveiled ANA’s first fully painted A380 today in a ceremony in Toulouse. ANA has 3 A380s on order and each will wear a special ‘Flying Honu’ livery featuring the green sea turtle as ANA will employ them between Tokyo and Honolulu. (more…)
AvTalk Episode 36: Meet the new plane, same as the old plane
On this episode of AvTalk, we review the order book from the Farnborough Airshow to see who bought what and how many. Airbus rebrands the C Series, we climb aboard the A330neo for a route proving flight, and two Air China pilots are now out of a job. (more…)
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
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
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.
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First Commercially Operated A380s to be Dismantled
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 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. (more…)
British Airways and Chicago-O’Hare Airport Inaugurate A380 Service
On 4 May, British Airways inaugurated the first regular A380 service to Chicago, beginning daily service between London-Heathrow Airport and O’Hare International Airport. The first regular service by the A380 to Chicago comes 10 years after the aircraft entered service and two years after the Chicago airport first became A380 capable. (more…)
On this episode of AvTalk, we get an update on the investigation into the crash of Saratov Airlines flight 703, two airlines suffer engine incidents, we explain why London City Airport closed for a day, and we learn once and for all how to use a Metar. (more…)
Airbus released its 2017 order and delivery figures on Monday, delivering a company-record 718 aircraft. Most of the aircraft delivered by Airbus in 2017 were from the A320 family, which includes the A319, A320, and A321. 181 of the A320 family aircraft were New engine option (neo) variants. (more…)
