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.

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…)

AvTalk Episode 30: Engine Trouble

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On this episode of AvTalk, we take an in depth look at Southwest flight 1380, including some of the media coverage after the accident. And we talk to Jon Ostrower about the new Emergency Airworthiness Directive requiring inspections of the CFM56-7B engine. We also see how engine issues are affecting the 787-9 and we try to best Airbus in a rebranding of the C Series. (more…)

AvTalk Episode 26: A 767 Full of King Cakes

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On this episode of AvTalk, we welcome UPS Airlines captain Ken Hoke for an extended conversation about life as a cargo pilot. We also discuss some recent deliveries, certifications, and another recent crash. (more…)

AvTalk Episode 24: A Big Win for Bombardier

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On this episode of AvTalk, we welcome back CNN aviation editor Jon Ostrower to discuss the surprise ruling by the ITC in the Boeing—Bombardier C Series tariff case. We round up some news from the past few weeks and we answer the age old question: how many plumbers does it take to fix a broken lavatory?

ITC rules in favor of the C Series

In a surprise ruling, the ITC voted in favor of the C Series, and against Boeing, in a trade dispute that has wide-ranging implications for the aviation industry. We invite CNN aviation editor Jon Ostrower back to the program to discuss what the ruling means for the industry and where Bombardier and Boeing go from here.

Plugged up plane plunges plumbers’ plans

We recap the past few weeks in aviation, including the Norwegian flight with 85 plumbers aboard that needed to return to Oslo… because the toilets stopped working.

Elsewhere, Alaska Airlines unveiled the first former Virgin America A320 to wear the Alaska livery, the 787-10 earned FAA certification, WOW Air sent and A321neo from Reykjavik to Los Angeles, and Mike Isler continues to have one of the best jobs in the world.

More @Delta air-to-air work with the Airbus A350 in California. No passengers on board, pre-coordinated flight. pic.twitter.com/NAFfWQ60Fz

— Mike Isler (@MikeIsler) January 30, 2018

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.

Following the Airbus A350-1000 Tour

Airbus is taking its A350-1000 on a multi-stop tour that began this weekend in Doha and concludes in Manila next month. Along the way, the aircraft will visit 12 destinations in Asia, Australia, and New Zealand before returning to Toulouse. Included in the tour is a stop at the Singapore Air Show in early February. (more…)

AvTalk Episode 23: Ground Stop

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On this episode of AvTalk we recap the meltdown at JFK Airport in New York after a blizzard that forced some flights to wait over 7 hours for a gate. A 737 tries to go swimming in the Black Sea. We review the 2017 Airbus and Boeing delivery numbers. And we remember a few moments from this week in aviation history. (more…)

Highlights from the Airbus 2017 Delivery Figures

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…)

The Most-Tracked Flights of 2017

As we close out the year, we look back on some of the most tracked flights of the year, which included wildfires, the Pope, and a giant airplane drawn in the sky. (more…)