AvTalk Episode 166: You can’t stick that plug there

On this episode of AvTalk, we’re joined once again by journalist John Walton to understand the problems we’re seeing at airports mainly in Europe as passengers are waiting hours to check in and clear security. We also discuss KLM’s newly announced Premium Economy cabin and some baffling design choices by the airline. Tara Air Twin Otter crashes in Nepal A Tara Air Twin Otter flying from Pokhara to Jomsom in Nepal lost contact with air traffic control about 12 minutes after take off. The aircraft was flying through poor visibility when it impacted a mountainside. Boeing’s 787s getting back on track Lufthansa announced this week it expects to put its first 787 in service by the end of the summer and there’s reason to be optimistic this time around. The FAA has issued a new airworthiness directive for the quality issues that have stopped Boeing from delivering the 787 since late 2020. Airport queues are a disaster Independent aviation journalist John Walton joins us to discuss the multiple airport meltdowns we’re seeing as summer travel kicks into high gear. Where are the bottlenecks, what can be done about them, and what you can do if you’re traveling to make your journey as stress free as possible. KLM’s new Premium Economy cabin We also chat with Walton about KLM’s new Premium Economy cabin and some of the rather baffling design choices they’ve made when it comes to keeping your device charged up during your trip. South African airline Comair halts flights South African carrier Comair, which operates flights for British Airways and separately as Kulula, has suspended flights due to lack of operating funds. The airline has previously suspended flights multiple times during the pandemic. Qatar-Airbus judge asks everyone to work together A ruling by the judge in the case between Qatar Airways and Airbus has led to another round of recriminations between the two parties, as well as a message from the judge that they should be working together to get the Qatari Civil Aviation Authority to view the issue as cosmetic and not as an airworthiness issue. Norwegian orders the MAX, again Norwegian is ordering the 737 MAX again, but this time it’s just replacing its existing fleet. FAA wants to revoke Rhoades Aviation’s certificate The FAA has concluded its investigation in Rhoades Aviation, the airline operating Transair flight 810 that crashed into a bay south of Honolulu last year. The agency is proposing to revoke the airlines operating certificate. 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.