AvTalk Episode 185: Wheel’s Away!

On this episode of AvTalk, a Boeing Dreamlifter loses a wheel, the fate of the 737-7 and -10 MAX remains firmly on the ground, and we welcome back Airline Weekly editor Edward Russell to fill us in on Delta and Joby’s new agreement for eVTOL operations. Boeing Dreamlifter loses a wheel On departure from Taranto, Italy a Boeing Dreamlifter lost a wheel—as in, the entire wheel hub assembly and tire fell off the aircraft. The aircraft continued its departure and safely arrived in Charleston, South Carolina later in the day. The MAX extension — will they, won’t they? Which pilot unions are in favor of a 737-7 and -10 MAX certification extension, which are against, and why it may not matter at this point. First MAX flight in China since 2019 MIAT Mongolian Airlines takes the honor of the first 737 MAX passenger service in China since the worldwide grounding of the aircraft in March 2019. Delta and Joby strike a unique deal Delta and Joby have a new unique arrangement, which could eventually be great news for Delta’s best customers. Calm down, Lufthansa isn’t banning AirTags After reports surfaced earlier this week that Lufthansa was banning Apple AirTags, there was pearl clutching and hand wringing galore amongst travel publications. It turns out to be all for naught as Lufthansa says they never said they were banning AirTags. MC-21 flies after conversion to PD-14 engines The Russian MC-21 flew for the first time this week after undergoing an engine conversion from Pratt and Whitney PW1400 engines to domestically produced PD-14 engines. Listeners fill us in Listeners of last week’s episode helpfully filled us in on a few topics. First, our friends at Boarding Pass have info on where the six LOT 737 MAX are coming from. And then a listener clued us in on some major merger news that Ian and Jason had both missed a few years ago and how that affected St. Louis. 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 check back shortly for a transcript of this episode.