On this episode of AvTalk, we look at the preliminary report from the crash of Pakistan International Airlines flight 8303. We also discuss the recent disturbing news about fraudulent pilot licenses in Pakistan and the response of authorities around the world. Meanwhile, the 737 MAX has begun certification flights with the FAA and July is set to bring a variety of changes to airline fleets and schedules.
PK8303 preliminary report
We dissect the preliminary report from Pakistan’s AAIB to discuss what we know so far about the crash.
‘Fake’ pilot licenses in Pakistan
In his briefing on the preliminary report from PK8303, Pakistan’s aviation minister announced 262 out of 860 pilots in Pakistan had ‘fake’ pilot licenses. 150 PIA pilots have been grounded so far and the European regulator EASA has now banned PIA from operating to European destinations through the end of 2020.
737 MAX takes major step towards recertification
Boeing and FAA conducted the long-awaited certification test flights for the 737 MAX this week, a major milestone in the aircraft’s long road back to commercial service. While the flights these mark an important chapter in returning the MAX to the skies, there are still many steps to be completed before the plane can carry passengers.
Airbus to cut 15,000 jobs
Airbus is planning to cut 15,000 jobs through 2021, cutting 5,000 employees each from Germany and France, 1700 in the UK, 900 in Spain, and the balance to come from locations around the world.
Chinese Big 3 take delivery of their first ARJ21s
Air China, China Southern, and China Eastern all took delivery of their first COMAC ARJ21s this week.
French BEA to analyze the data recorders from PS752
Iran will send the data recorders from the downed Ukrainian 737 to French air investigative authority BEA for analysis beginning the week of 20 July.
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