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.
On this episode of AvTalk, Indonesia finds the Lion Air 610 cockpit voice recorder, we look at the effects the US government shutdown is having on aviation, and our favorite roof top bar that’s also an airline announces last call.
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.
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.
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…)
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…)
On this episode of AvTalk, The Air Current editor-in-chief Jon Ostrower joins us to discuss the investigation into the crash of Lion Air 610 and the attention now being paid to Boeing’s Maneuvering Characteristics Augmentation System (MCAS). We also discuss Airbus’ plans for future aircraft development and the many incidents that occurred over the last two weeks, from Air Astana’s loss of control incident to runway overruns in Halifax and Gerorgetown. (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…)
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 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…)
Thar it flies! — the Airbus BelugaXL Makes First Flight
Airbus’ supersized whale took to the skies for the first time today in Toulouse, spending 4 hours 14 minutes above southern France. The BelugaXL will join the current Beluga fleet in moving Airbus aircraft components between production sites. The BelugaXL is 30% larger than the Beluga, enabling it to carry two A350 wings at a time rather than just one. (more…)
