BUBBLES IN THE AIR – THE KEY TO THE RETURN OF AVIATION

Royal Jordanian CEO Stefan Pichler is the main guest on this week’s podcast, the former Jazeera Airways and Air Berlin chief explains how the “bubble effect” is the key to restarting passenger flights.In his discussions with host Alan Peaford, he talks about how O&D (origination and destination) flights from A-B will be the first to come back but predicts delays to the return of the long-haul connecting traffic. Strategic planning throughout the value chain is a challenge, so say the least. For example, which do you defer: fleet renewal or the retirement of older aircraft? Chuck Grieve is with IBA, the independent group of aviation analysts where he hopes to get answers to that and other questions.And while no one in air transport wants to talk about new aircraft entering service, the defence industry does. We talk to Eduardo Munhos from Leonardo about the basic trainer cum light fighter jet, the M345 which achieved certification this week and the Leonardo sales team can’t wait to pack their Gucci bags and head down to Africa where they see a potential demand for the new jet.Plus the highlights from the week’s news from across Africa and the Middle East