AvTalk Episode 174: Spirit turns its lonely eyes to Blue

What this episode covers

On this week’s episode of AvTalk, one chapter of the saga of Spirit Airlines comes to a close and another begins. We review the second quarter results for Boeing and Airbus and note some common themes. And we’re joined by Matt Chaifetz, CEO of Contour Airlines, to discuss the airline’s unique position as a public charter carrier offering mostly essential air service flights on well-appointed Embraer jets. Spirit turns its lonely eyes to Blue Spirit shareholders voted down Frontier’s merger proposal, setting the stage for a tie up with JetBlue. 41 is an interesting number Jason apologizes for his utter wrongness as Qatar orders 25 + 25 737 MAX on the last day of the Farnborough Airshow. Plus, Condor’s post-show A320neo family order is very specific. A good Q2 for Airbus and Boeing, but similar challenges ahead Boeing and Airbus each reported decent earnings this week, but the warning from both major aircraft manufacturers was the same: the supply chain is the limiting factor. Contour Airlines CEO Matt Chaifetz Contour provides Part 135 public charter service to cities around the United States, mostly as part of the Essential Air Service program. We talk with Contour CEO Matt Chaifetz about the airline’s unique-for-now model, how the airline is dealing with pilot hiring, and some of the unexpected benefits for passengers. NTSB releases AA300 final report In April 2019, an American Airlines A321 departing New York (JFK) rolled to the left and struck an airport sign and the ground with its left wing. The pilots decided to return to JFK shortly after takeoff and the flight landed safely. The NTSB has released its long-awaited final report and it describes an incident that came close to being much, much worse. We break down the reports conclusions. Southwest attempted to thwart investigations In a new report by the Department of Transportation sent to the US Office of Special Counsel, the department investigated whistleblower complaints about the relationship between Southwest Airlines and the FAA, alleging that Southwest attempted to hamper investigations into its use of aircraft purchased outside the US, among other actions. TCAS for the win Two Pakistan International Airlines flights were en route over Iran when PK211 was cleared to descend into the path of PK286. Both aircraft received TCAS resolution advisories, with PK211 instructed to climb and PK286 instructed to descend. SpiceJet’s double trouble Indian regulators have limited SpiceJet’s flights to half its schedule for eight weeks. The Indian DGCA will also closely monitor SpiceJet’s activities after a series of incidents. How to turn the A400M into a fire truck Airbus has tested a modular fire fighting kit for the A400M. The roll on-roll off module can drop 20 tonnes of water in 10 seconds. 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.