AvTalk Episode 171: The smoldering summer of suck

What this episode covers

On this episode of AvTalk, Chinese airlines place a massive Airbus order, a holey Emirates A380, and the smoldering summer of suck rolls on as airlines continue to scramble to trim flights and resize their schedules. Chinese airlines order 300 Airbus aircraft Chinese airlines combined for an order of nearly 300 Airbus A320neo family aircraft. We discuss who ordered what and when the airlines will start taking delivery. The holey Emirates A380 An Emirates A380 en route from Dubai to Brisbane suffered a blow tire in the main landing gear. That blown tire punctured a panel on the wing root fairing. The initial reporting of the event by non-specialist media unfortunately created the impression that the incident left a hole in the fuselage. Ian rants a bit. SAS files for bankruptcy SAS pilots are on strike. The airline is canceling 50% of its flights each day. They’ve filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in the United States. How SAS got to this point and what might happen next. The summer of suck “Everyone sucks right now,” says Jason. And he’s not wrong. We discuss continuing schedule removals, like British Airways cancellation of 10,000 additional flights through August and Air Canada’s 15% summer trim. Plus upcoming strikes, computer glitches, and other operational challenges are making this summer’s travel season a most unpleasant experience for everyone involved. United Airlines 737-9 MAX lands on wrong runway A United 737-9 MAX arriving in Pittsburgh from Chicago landed on the wrong runway after experiencing multiple computer failures. The aircraft arrived safely and was back in service for its next flight. We discuss what we know so far about the NTSB’s investigation. Spirit’s win in Newark Spirit Airlines picked up 16 runway timings at Newark. But it’s a win that could all be for naught. 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. Click here to download a transcript of this episode.