In this episode, co-hosts Max Flight and Mary Kirby discuss the crisis of confidence that Boeing is grappling with in the wake of the MAX grounding; whether pilots should receive fresh MAX simulator training before the type is re-introduced into revenue service; and the conundrum faced by passengers who are afraid to fly the aircraft. They also consider the wisdom of Southwest Airlines’ single-fleet strategy, and explain why The Air Current’s recent report that Southwest management has kicked the proverbial tires on the Airbus A220 is giving some passengers reason to celebrate.
Next, another Boeing aircraft has found itself in the news headlines. The New York Times is reporting that the FAA received whistleblower complaints from workers at Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner plant in South Carolina, ranging from allegations of finding tools and debris inside new 787s to employees facing pressure to put speed over safety. Max outlines the claims, and Boeing’s response, and both he and Mary discuss whether the report underscores the need for change at the FAA, whose oversight and certification processes are already under scrutiny following the two MAX crashes.
Lastly, in a topic not related to Boeing specifically, but one that speaks to the US regulatory environment - a lawsuit has been filed by the legal action group Democracy Forward on behalf of Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) which might finally prompt the DOT to issue rulemaking on accessible lavatories for single-aisle aircraft. The lawsuit is being warmly received by disability advocates, who have long been pushing for accessibility on aircraft. Mary provides on update on where industry stands on the issue, and both she and Max make the case for why the current paradigm needs to change.
Podcast 074: Ready to fly, but has COVID reset PaxEx expectations?
Podcast 073: Building travel confidence with masks on, change fees off
Podcast 072: The future of travel in a post-pandemic world
Podcast 071: Coronavirus and MAX grounding level one-two punch
Podcast 070: Considerations as PaxEx suppliers assess MAX production pause
Podcast 069: How big data is shaping every aspect of aviation
Podcast 068: Mulling MAX re-entry as Dickson takes the helm at FAA
Podcast 067: Deciphering the messaging from Airbus and Boeing in Paris
Podcast 065: Max Flight and Mary Kirby on why there is no-MAX flight
Podcast 064: A220 stretch considerations and IFE ad deliberations
Podcast 063: Why the Boeing 777X will be the most modern airliner in the world
Podcast 062: Will mass shootings impact travel to the United States?
Podcast 061: Breaking down the passenger wins in FAA reauthorization
Episode 060: Inflight peanuts, animals and innovations, oh my
Episode 059: Fifty-year pilot John O. Graybill on flying private safely
Episode 058: Unpacking sexism at AGM, guns in carryon, pot in transit
Episode 057: Airline content trends and new lav concepts revealed
Episode 056: Flight Chic talks trends in advance of AIX
Episode 055: AirFi CCO talks fast deployment of portable wifi boxes
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