AvTalk Episode 194: What do you do on a 13 hour test flight?

What this episode covers

On this week’s episode of AvTalk, United orders every Boeing plane they can get their hands on, Boom announces a trio of companies it says will help build an engine for its Overture supersonic jet, and we speak with Jim Fawcett, lead Flight Test Engineer at Airbus about the 13 hour A321XLR test flight earlier this week that also drew a giant “XLR” in the sky. United orders all the planes United Airlines placed a massive order with Boeing this week for 787 and 737 MAX aircraft. The carrier ordered 100 787s (plus options for 100 more), exercised options for 44 737 MAX, and ordered an additional 56 737 MAX—for a total of 200 firm orders and 100 options. It’s the largest single widebody order in US airline history. BOOM hires a trio of companies to build it an engine After being left engineless by Rolls Royce earlier this year, Boom has found a trio of companies to design and build what it is calling the Symphony engine for its Overture supersonic jet. Airbus’ 13 hour test flight Airbus’ A321XLR certification campaign continued this week with a 13 hour test flight over 9 countries in Europe, with a small detour over the Bay of Biscay to draw a large “XLR” in the sky. We hear from Jim Fawcett, lead Flight Test Engineer at Airbus to learn about the purpose of the flight (other than a bit of sky art) and what it’s like to be on a 13 hour flight to nowhere. Delta ditches the sky dinghy Delta, a pioneer of 50-seat jets, is ditching the last of them by summer 2023. While it’s good news for passengers who will be getting an upgraded aircraft, what does it mean for smaller communities whose only flights come in on the CRJ-200? Emirates opening new city ticket offices Emirates is opening new city ticket offices to bring their onboard experience to the ground. A novelty now, this was the norm up until not that long ago. China Eastern gets the first COMAC C919 China Eastern took delivery of the first COMAC C919 last week. The aircraft is expected to enter service with the airline soon. NASA’s SOFIA Telescope retired The heavily modified 747SP flew for the final time this week, saying goodbye to Palmdale, CA and flying to Tucson, AZ and its new home at the Pima Air and Space Museum. 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. Please click here for a transcript of this episode.