AvTalk - Aviation Podcast

Afleveringen

• 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 1u 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 1u 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.
• AvTalk Episode 360: War shuts down Middle East airspace 06.03.2026 43min

  On this week’s episode of AvTalk, we discuss the US-Israeli attack on Iran and Iranian response with an eye on the effects on commercial aviation. Airspace closures, flight cancellations, reroutes, diversions, and how airlines are coping with the rapid changes. Also on this week’s episode, another emergency evacuation with passengers carrying their baggage, the FAA steps in between United and American in Chicago, investigators issue their final report on LATAM’s 2024 inflight upset, and Lufthansa’s 100th anniversary livery 747 comes home to Frankfurt. Helpful links for this week’s episode * Middle East airspace closures live blog * GPS jamming map * Brett Snyder’s article on United vs American in Chicago * Lufthansa’s 100th anniversary 747 arrives in Frankfurt 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 359: Reading them the ROTOR Act 27.02.2026 42min

  On this week’s episode of AvTalk, after passing unanimously in the Senate, the US House of Representatives votes down the aviation safety-focused ROTOR Act, which was championed by the NTSB, pilots’ unions, and families of the victims of last year’s mid-air collision in Washington DC. The House will now turn to an alternate bill, the ALERT Act. We break down the differences between the bills and reaction to Tuesday’s vote. Elsewhere, Spirit Airlines says it has a plan to emerge from bankruptcy, cartel violence paralyzes a pair of Mexican airports early in the week, a big news from Really Cool Airlines (yes, that is their actual name). Helpful links for this week’s episode * Flights return to New York and Boston after the snow * NTSB fact sheet on differences between the ROTOR Act and the ALERT Act * Spirit’s plan to exit bankruptcy * Lufthansa’s 100th anniversary livery A380 * Aireon data now available on Flightradar24 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 358: Not how you want the day to go 20.02.2026 51min

  Plenty to discuss on this week’s episode of AvTalk: * More clarity on what exactly led to the closure of airspace above El Paso last week * A United Airlines flight from Lagos experiences an extraordinary series of events (UA613 leg 1 | UA613 leg 2) * ANA operates a 14 hour flight from Tokyo to Tokyo * An Arik Air 737 experiences an uncontained engine failure * A LATAM 777 rejects take off beyond V1 * The NTSB releases its final report on the DCA mid-air collision * Brussels Airlines unveils new Tintin 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!  
• AvTalk Episode 357: Frickin’ drones with frickin’ laser beams 13.02.2026 55min

  On this week’s episode of AvTalk, Ian is joined by Ned Russell in the studio as Jason and Jeremy Dwyer-Lindgren report from their outpost in the Caribbean. We try to understand what happened in El Paso on Wednesday morning and offer some thoughts on the FAA administrator’s actions to close airspace around the city. Cuba says it is out of jet fuel. This has led to flight cancellations by some airlines, but a few seem to still be able to top up before returning home. Lufthansa pilots strike for better compensation and investigators focus their sights on why a LATAM 777 suffered a tail strike on departure from Milan last year. Helpful links for this week’s episode * A photo of the Britten Norman Trislander * The El Paso NOTAM * Havana Airport departure and arrival boards * SAS taxiway departure * PT-MUG tail strike final 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!
• AvTalk Episode 356: Finally, a 25 hour rule 06.02.2026 53min

  On this week’s episode of AvTalk, the FAA finalizes the rule mandating 25-hour recordings on cockpit voice recorders. Confusion ensues after President Trump says he’s decertifying “Canadian made” aircraft. Air India and Indian investigators probe a fuel cutoff switch incident aboard a Boeing 787 in London. And the Singapore Air Show brings some interesting orders. 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 355: Systemic failures 30.01.2026 53min

  On this week’s episode of AvTalk: * The NTSB holds its board meeting to determine the probable cause of the mid-air collision above the Potomac River last January * UPS announces it has retired its MD-11 fleet * A Bombardier business jet crashes attempting to depart Bangor, Maine * Airlines are modifying their routes and schedules to avoid tensions in the Middle East * A massive winter storm forces airlines to cancel more than 20,000 flights * A British Airways A350 loses a wheel departing Las Vegas * JetBlue livery contest 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! Check back soon for a transcript of this episode.
• AvTalk Episode 354: Want to buy a 747SP? 23.01.2026 43min

  On this week’s episode of AvTalk, the US issues a set of NOTAMs warning of military activity in a large swath of the North Pacific. The NTSB issues an update on the UPS MD-11 crash, focusing on additional materials analysis performed on a bearing from the engine pylon mount. An ATR 42 operating for the Indonesian government crashes while attempting to land in Makassar. And a United A321neo loses a nose wheel during a hard landing in Orlando. Plus, you could be the proud new owner of a VIP configured 747SP. Helpful links for this week’s episode * NTSB investigative update on UPS MD-11 crash * EASA CZIB on Iran * Video of United A321neo hard landing * United converts 787 order * FAA says MAX delays not our fault * New Addis Ababa Airport trailer * Want to buy a 747SP? 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!
• AvTalk Episode 353: Boeing has a banner year 16.01.2026 37min

  On this week’s episode of AvTalk, Boeing and Airbus report their final tallies for orders and deliveries in 2025 and it was Boeing’s best year since 2018. Allegiant is buying Sun Country in a shake up of the ultra low-cost market in the US. Delta comes full circle and orders up to 60 787s. And a pair of reports from British accident investigators highlight the importance of good procedure on the flight deck. Helpful links for this week’s episode * Air France flight 191 * Allegiant announcement on Sun Country merger * Boeing 2025 orders and deliveries * Airbus 2025 orders and deliveries 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!