AvTalk Episode 152: Hydrogen on the A380

What this episode covers

On this episode of AvTalk, updates on the aviation situation in Ukraine. Plus, Airbus goes big with an A380 flying test bed for hydrogen propulsion. Ukrainian airspace updates We run down which airlines are avoiding Ukraine and which are still operating. Note: this episode was recorded on Wednesday, 23 February prior to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Airbus & CFM announce hydrogen flying test bed Airbus and CFM Engines announced a flying test bed for a hydrogen-powered engine this week. A CFM Passport engine will be attached to the rear fuselage of Airbus A380 MSN 001 and will begin flying by the middle of the decade. We discuss the announcement and the next steps for Airbus and CFM. Downfall reviewed Jason and Ian both had the chance to watch the new Netflix documentary Downfall about the two 737 MAX crashes and the design of the aircraft. We share our thoughts for those who have been following since the beginning and those who may be new to aviation. Sir Tim Clark speaks his mind, again Emirates president Sir Tim Clark is again speaking his mind. We discuss some of the highlights in his recent interview with journalist Andreas Spaeth. Joby prototype crashes A Joby eVTOL prototype suffered a crash last week and the NTSB is investigating. Joby won’t say much more than that. Let airlines fail, says UK think tank The Institute of Economic Affairs, a UK think tank argues in a new report that airlines should have been left to fail during the pandemic. We offer some thoughts on that report. You can read it for yourself here. Let us know what you think (and let your friends know too!) Thank you so much for listening! Like the podcast? Have suggestions for future shows? Let us know by leaving 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. And tell that friend who asked you for a podcast recommendation that AvTalk is the one they want to listen to next.