AvTalk - Aviation Podcast

Episod

• 
  AvTalk Episode 380: A Whale of a time 24.07.2026 39min

  It’s episode 380, so the Airbus A380 is most certainly on the agenda. But first we’re checking in on the orders placed at this year’s Farnborough Airshow. Sir Tim Clark opines on the proper use of early build Boeing 777X frames. Then we get to learn about the important mission for Airbus’ A380 Flight Lab. Also, Ian will be at Oshkosh this weekend for the close of EAA AirVenture. Give him a shout if you’re going to be there. Elsewhere, TCAS does its job over the Atlantic, a Kalitta Air 777 drags its tail in Cincinnati, and passengers on an American Airlines flight from Boston to London go everywhere but London. Helpful links for this week’s episode * American Airlines flight 108 has a very bad week * Video of the PanAm DC-4 discovery * Airbus’ A380 flying test bed * Preliminary report on the crash of LEGO 747 and Space Shuttle Click here for a transcript of this week’s episode.
• 
  AvTalk Episode 379: This feels eerily similar 17.07.2026 47min

  On this week’s episode of AvTalk, a Ryanair (Malta Air) 737-800 suffers an uncontained engine failure after departing Thessaloniki, Greece, resulting in a shattered cabin window and a passenger partially sucked out of the cabin. We discuss the specifics on this accident and its similarities with Southwest 1380. German investigators release their preliminary report on the Lufthansa 787 that suffered a gear retraction last month in Frankfurt. In a first on Flightradar24, nine 7700 squawks happen near-simultaneously—we dig into what happened at Gatwick airport on Tuesday. And the bidding for easyJet heats up as Apollo Global Management bests Castlelake’s bid for the airline. Helpful links for this week’s episode * Ryanair uncontained engine failure * Southwest 1380 * Lufthansa 787 gear retraction in Frankfurt * Gatwick emergencies * easyJet bidders   Please check back soon for a transcript of this week’s episode.
• 
  AvTalk Episode 378: How the Farnborough Airshow comes together 10.07.2026 57min

  On this week’s episode of AvTalk, we’re headed to Farnborough for an inside look at how the airshow comes together. From state of the art aircraft tracking technology to making sure all of the toilets are working, Farnborough International director of operations Ben Gleenson explains what it takes to make sure the biannual airshow goes off without a hitch. Also on this week’s episode, what we know so far about the crash of a K2 Airways Cargo 737 off the coast of Pakistan. Castlelake and easyJet agree in principle to an acquisition. A new report highlights long-term issues with French air traffic control — and Ryanair wastes no time seizing the moment to call for reform. And a look at SpiceJet’s operations reveals a much darker picture than we imagined. Helpful links for this week’s episode * Visit the Farnborough Airshow * K2 Airways 737 crash data * New automated live streams available on Flightradar24   Please check back soon for a transcript of this week’s episode.
• 
  AvTalk Episode 377: About that low, low pass by the 777 03.07.2026 51min

  On this week’s episode of AvTalk, a pair of powerful earthquakes cause widespread damage and significant loss of life in Venezuela. We look at how aid is reaching the country and the impacts on commercial aviation. A low pass at Horseshoe Bay by a 777 is under investigation by the FAA. After a small aircraft crashed into the tallest tower in Beijing late last week, Chinese authorities are implementing further restrictions on general aviation flights in the country. An Electra Airways A320 operating from Warsaw to Tel Aviv on behalf of LOT accidentally squawked 7500 — signaling unlawful interference on the flight deck. Helpful links for this week’s episode * 777 low pass video and data * Accidental squawk 7500 Please check back soon for a transcript of this episode.
• 
  AvTalk Episode 376: Transferring that risk elsewhere 26.06.2026 52min

  On this week’s episode of AvTalk, airspace safety and efficiency take center stage as the NTSB begins an investigation into a close call in Boston. The US Coast Guard says changes to DC’s airspace have actually made helicopter operations in the region less safe. US congressional leaders remain at odds over competing aviation safety bills, but the real sticking point seems to be money. And the FAA announced this week its choice for developing AI-enabled airspace modernization tools. Plus, there are more problems with Airbus A380 wings, one airline is lowering fees (really), and World Cup special liveries abound. Helpful links for this week’s episode * World Cup special liveries * EASA A380 EAD * The Air Current reporting on US Coast Guard comments on DC airspace Check back soon for a transcript of this week’s episode.
• 
  AvTalk Episode 375: Progress, but to what end? 19.06.2026 46min

  On this week’s episode of AvTalk, Indian investigators issue a progress note, but don’t necessarily note their progress. After more than a decade of negotiations the European Parliament keeps its signature airline compensation legislation much the same. Qantas announces the first Project Sunrise route for its forthcoming Airbus A350-1000ULRs. And Spirt gets the go-ahead to auction off its assets, including its coveted slots at La Guardia Airport in New York. Helpful links for this week’s episode * Read the AAIB progress report * IATA’s Save a life, not a bag campaign * Reuters reporting on the Pope’s plane problems * Delta Material Services   Click here for a transcript of this week’s episode.
• 
  AvTalk Episode 374: 17 years without a license 12.06.2026 46min

  On this week’s episode of AvTalk, a Lufthansa 787 takes a bow in Frankfurt, the NTSB issues its preliminary report on the United 767 accident in Newark, and Canadian authorities charge a former Air Canada pilot with fraud and forgery after it was discovered he flew for the airline without ever having the appropriate license. We also check in on the IATA annual general meeting to see airlines looking hopeful about Boeing’s certification efforts, gloomy about sustainable aviation fuel, and stormy about the current (and future) price of jet fuel. Click here for a transcript of this week’s episode.
• 
  AvTalk Episode 373: Eight hours to nowhere 05.06.2026 53min

  On this week’s episode of AvTalk, SAS’s India relaunch doesn’t quite make it to India. The first Airbus A350-100ULR for Qantas’ Project Sunrise takes to the skies. Boeing is advancing the 737 MAX monthly production rate as it says it anticipates MAX 7 and MAX 10 certification by the end of the year. Violence flares in the Middle East with fresh strikes, including one that hit Kuwait Airport, killing one person and injuring dozens in the terminal. Swiss is parting out a pair of A220-100s and parking the rest to support its A220-300 fleet. Want to buy an MD-83? A former Far Eastern Air Transport frame is up for auction. Send us your questions about the Goodyear Blimp! Email us at podcast@fr24.com Click here for a transcript of this week’s episode.
• 
  AvTalk Episode 372: Just because you can, doesn’t mean you should 29.05.2026 31min

  We’re in Stockholm for a our semi-annual Flightradar24 crew meetup this week. Ian is joined by Gabe Leigh to discuss what’s it like behind the scenes capturing the stories of aviation professionals around the world. We review the recent incident where NTSB cockpit voice recorder data from UPS flight 2976 was used to recreate simulated audio. The NTSB removed the public docket system in order to prevent further such efforts. The preliminary investigation into the China Eastern A350 jet bridge collision in Shanghai finds a total brake failure on the aircraft. Qantas says its Project Sunrise A350-1000s are delayed again due to supply chain issues. And we recap our flights with the Flying Veterans Association  this week and our plan to get on one of the rarest flights in the world. Planning on visiting ILA Berlin this year? AvTalk listeners can receive 10% off trade visitor tickets using the code ILA26_flightradar on ILA Berlin’s ticketing site. Visit our YouTube channel for an all access pass to the best of the world of aviation professionals. Click here for a transcript of this week’s episode.
• 
  AvTalk Episode 371: “So that started this on the wrong trajectory to begin with” 22.05.2026 51min

  On this episode of AvTalk, we follow the NTSB’s thread as the agency holds two days of investigative hearings on the crash of UPS flight 2976, the MD-11 that crashed in Louisville after one of its engines separated from the wing. The FAA issues its first official response to the NTSB’S safety recommendations following the 2025 DCA mid-air collisions. And the NTSB calls for more realistic training of smoke in the cockpit scenarios after a 2023 incident. A Croatia Airlines A220 suffers a runway excursion during a rejected takeoff in Split. Indian investigators will travel to Seattle in June to be present for tests of 787 fuel cutoff switches at Boeing’s Pacific Northwest facilities. And WestJet is under investigation for what passengers are calling a deceptive practice of swapping flights to airplanes undergoing maintenance before cancelling those flights to avoid paying compensation.   Please click here for a transcript of this week’s episode.
• 
  AvTalk Episode 370: The man collecting Spirit’s pieces 15.05.2026 1j 16min

  On this week’s episode of AvTalk, we’re joined by Nomadic Aviation Group co-founder Steve Giordano to talk about what happens when you suddenly need to move dozens of aircraft in a very short amount of time. Steve and his crew have spent the past two weeks bringing former Spirit Airlines aircraft to the desert for storage following the collapse of the airline on May 2nd. What does it take to make sure those aircraft can be legally, safely, and efficiently moved from wherever they ended up when the airline shut down? Also on this week’s episode, a tragedy in Denver as a man intentionally entered the runway and was struck by a departing Frontier flight. FedEx returns the MD-11 to service, Lufthansa Group ups its stake in ITA Airways and orders new aircraft, while Air India formalizes its summer schedule reductions in the face of geopolitical and economic headwinds. The FAA says it will now add transponders to all of its airport ground vehicles, but the agency has been reminding airports that money is available to equip vehicles for the last 3 years. And to everyone’s dismay, MHIRJ’s chief says the CRJ-200 could fly for another 20 years. Helpful links for this week’s episode * An early look at the latest episode of Cockpit Casual featuring Steve and his team’s efforts moving former Spirit Aircraft, as well as a heartfelt goodbye from Spirit staff * Where former Spirit Airlines aircraft are located now * Frontier A321neo strikes person in Denver * NTSB two-day investigative hearing on UPS crash * New Zealand Q300 final report   Click here for a transcript of this week’s episode.
• 
  AvTalk Episode 369: Extra exits, bread trucks, and bankruptcies 08.05.2026 54min

  This week’s episode of AvTalk takes us from the highest highs to the lowest lows of the aviation industry. We begin with a major announcement mere minutes before our recording as AirAsia orders 150 A220s in a new, denser cabin configuration. Spirit Airlines succumbs to its long running financial difficulties and ceases operations. Newly released documents provide insight into the crash of a China Eastern 737 in 2022. And video from this week’s incident involving a China Eastern A350 in Shanghai raises more questions than it answers. Back in the US, a United Airlines 767 struck a light pole and damaged a delivery truck while landing in Newark. And you could become the world’s most well paid airplane valet. Please check back soon for a transcript of this week’s episode.
• 
  AvTalk Episode 368: Humanoids handling your bags? 01.05.2026 46min

  On this week’s episode of AvTalk, the NTSB’s preliminary report on the crash at La Guardia Airport in New York lays out the avenues of investigation and spurs the Port Authority to action. FedEx says it will put the MD-11 back into service in May, but the FAA still needs to weigh in. US low cost carriers are pitching the government on a $2.5 billion support package, while Spirit negotiates separately for an increasingly unlikely $500 million loan. Alaska Airlines launches its first European service, while American Airlines returns to Venezuela for the first time since 2019. American and Southwest roll out special liveries ahead of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Plus, this month in Tokyo, humanoid robots could soon be handling your bags. And we mark a special week at Flightradar24 as Fredrik Lindahl passes the CEO baton to Andreas Schorling. Helpful links for this week’s episode * NTSB preliminary report on LGA collision * Reporting on FedEx MD-11s via FreightWaves * Southwest’s Independence One * Welcoming Andreas Schorling as Flightradar24’s new CEO Click here for a transcript of this week’s episode.
• 
  AvTalk Episode 367: We’re worried about availability, not just cost 24.04.2026 55min

  On this week’s episode of AvTalk, Europe’s jet fuel supplies run low while airlines cut flights as we transition into the summer season. We’re joined by Steven Fox from NATS to learn more about how the UK’s air navigation service provider prepares for the influx of summer flights. TCAS plays an important role in the nature of our discussions as we discuss safety margins rather than mid-air collisions. And pilots of a Lufthansa flight act well before a situation in Bogota becomes unsafe. The back half of this week’s episode checks in on the financial state of the aviation industry, mainly in the US. Boeing and United Airlines report their earnings, while JetBlue reports getting a loan. And Spirit Airlines looks to the US government to help it avoid liquidation. And we take a surprisingly thorough look at the discussions over how many flights the FAA will allow at Chicago-O’Hare International Airport this summer. Not because the discussions were particularly insightful, but because who doesn’t love the classic board game Clue? Helpful links for this week’s episode * Boeing Q1 2026 earnings * Boeing anti-ice fix in flight testing * O’Hare flight reduction transcripts * The European Union’s AccelerateEU proposals Click here for a transcript of this week’s episode.
• 
  AvTalk Episode 366: An unserious proposal 17.04.2026 52min

  On this week’s episode of AvTalk, we make our annual trek to Hamburg for the Aircraft Interiors Expo where Jason is joined once again by PaxEx.aero’s Seth Miller. * Buttons, buttons, and more buttons * The Skynook concept American Airlines celebrates its 100th anniversary with a special flight and a new set of trading cards, while Lufthansa celebrates its 100th anniversary with a cabin crew strike. Many publications jumped on news this week that United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby suggested a merger between United and American Airlines. We take an icy look at this unserious proposal. A retiring Icelandair pilot decided to celebrate with a (very) low pass over Vestmannaeyjabær. The only problem: they didn’t have permission. Now the airline and authorities are investigating the stunt. The US House of Representatives passes a modified version of the ALERT Act, setting requirements for ADS-B In and ACAS-X equipage. The House and Senate will need to agree on compromise language between the ALERT Act the Senate-passed ROTOR Act if the bill is to become law. And a Senate committee advanced legislation that would update how the FAA handles pilot and air traffic controller mental health. And we go all the way back to Episode 78 as Air New Zealand’s SkyNest is finally set to make its debut.
• 
  AvTalk Episode 365: Bag fees, bag fees, bag fees 10.04.2026 52min

  On this week’s episode of AvTalk, we make a special trip to space and await Artemis II’s return to Earth. A tenuous cease fire in Iran leads to the first airspace re-openings, but a lack of jet fuel is affecting airports in Asia and Europe. US airlines are hiking bag fees across the board and United Airlines is introducing basic premium fares. And in Brisbane, one particular jet bridge really had it out for a pair of 737s. Helpful links for this week’s episode * How NASA’s Optical Communications System (O2O) works * NASA’s test cat “Taters” * Photos from the Artemis II mission * United Airlines’ new basic business class fares Thank you for listening! Whether this is your first episode of AvTalk or you’ve listened to every single episode, we appreciate you spending your time with us. If you’d like to help other people find AvTalk, please consider leaving a rating and review on the the platform of your choice. Happy tracking and thanks for listening! Please click here for a transcript of this episode.
• 
  AvTalk Episode 364: Emergency management mode 03.04.2026 56min

  On this week’s episode of AvTalk, airlines—and entire countries—outside of the Middle East are facing a reckoning as the high price and impending unavailability of fuel. The FAA is making changes to approaches in San Francisco, reducing the arrival rate even further than planned runway construction already will. A Delta A330 suffers an uncontained engine failure departing São Paulo. Major leadership changes are coming at Air Canada and IndiGo and Jason nominates Ian for IATA director general. And it’s a busy week for new special liveries. Helpful links for this week’s episode * SAS’ 80th anniversary livery * JetBlue’s Blueprint II * Lufthansa’s 100th anniversary employee livery Thank you for listening! Whether this is your first episode of AvTalk or you’ve listened to every single episode, we appreciate you spending your time with us. If you’d like to help other people find AvTalk, please consider leaving a rating and review on the the platform of your choice. Happy tracking and thanks for listening! Please check back soon for a transcript of this episode.
• 
  AvTalk Episode 363: Collision on the runway 27.03.2026 1j 2min

  On this week’s episode of AvTalk, we discuss what we know so far about the collision between flight AC8646 and an airport fire truck at New York’s La Guardia Airport. We walk through the sequence of events provided by the NTSB and analyze some of the initial areas where investigators are focusing their efforts. In Los Angeles, Jason is joined by Ned Russell and Jon Ostrower to recap the news from United Airlines’ big reveal, including new aircraft configurations, features, and a new aircraft name. Plus, it was the unscripted comments just as much as the scripted ones from United CEO Scott Kirby that got our attention. In the Middle East, Qatar Airways is parking a portion of its fleet while some countries in Asia are warning of a looming fuel shortage. Plus we check in on news orders for the Finnair fleet to find the airline still very much averse to the A320neo family. Helpful links for this week’s episode * La Guardia crash data * FAA issues new rules on helicopter separation Thank you for listening! Whether this is your first episode of AvTalk or you’ve listened to every single episode, we appreciate you spending your time with us. If you’d like to help other people find AvTalk, please consider leaving a rating and review on the the platform of your choice. Happy tracking and thanks for listening! Please click here for a transcript of this episode.
• 
  AvTalk Episode 362: Beware tall elk and low flying hog hunters 20.03.2026 55min

  On this week’s episode of AvTalk, more updates on the war in the Middle East, including the mid-air collision between two US Air Force KC-135s and an Iranian drone attack on a fuel facility next to Dubai International Airport. We take a gander at some wildlife related accidents and Atlas Air places the largest A350F order so far. A Tunisian appeals court increases the sentences of two airline executives convicted in hiring fraud. And LEGO is ready with another aviation set that we can’t wait to get our hands on. Helpful links for this week’s episode * Middle East war live blog * Beware elk and hog hunters * Spirit’s new plan * LEGO’s new DC-3 Thank you for listening! Whether this is your first episode of AvTalk or you’ve listened to every single episode, we appreciate you spending your time with us. If you’d like to help other people find AvTalk, please consider leaving a rating and review on the the platform of your choice. Happy tracking and thanks for listening! Click here for a transcript of this week’s episode.
• 
  AvTalk Episode 361: When saving money costs lives 13.03.2026 56min

  On this week’s episode of AvTalk, updates on the war in the Middle East and the widening effects on the aviation industry. We cover the new airspace restrictions in Azerbaijan, additional rescue flights by airlines in the region, and the pressing problem of skyrocketing fuels costs around the world. Also on this week’s episode, Air India Express loses a nose wheel in Phuket, while IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers abruptly resigns. Auditors in South Korea explain why the ILS antenna in Muan was constructed with a concrete wall. China is considering a large Boeing order to be timed with a state visit by US President Trump to Beijing. We review preliminary reports on the SAS attempted taxiway takeoff and the Bangor Challenger crash. And another search for the missing MH370 yields no results as we mark 12 years since the 777 disappeared. Helpful links for this week’s episode * Middle East updates live blog * Air India Express loses its nose wheel * SAS attempted taxiway departure report * Bangor crash preliminary report Thank you for listening! Whether this is your first episode of AvTalk or you’ve listened to every single episode, we appreciate you spending your time with us. If you’d like to help other people find AvTalk, please consider leaving a rating and review on the the platform of your choice. Happy tracking and thanks for listening! Please click here for a transcript of this week’s episode.