On this episode of AvTalk, we review what we know so far about the crash of Sriwijaya Air flight 182. We also look at the state of aviation industry as we begin 2021. And our first 737 MAX update of the year has little to do with the airplane itself.
Sriwijaya Air 182
Sriwijaya Air flight SJ182 crashed shortly after take off from Jakarta on 9 January 2021. We review what we know so far about the crash and the state of the investigation.
COVID’s continuing effects on aviation
From dismal traffic numbers to rolling ATC facility closures to general uncertainty in the market, we take a look at COVID is continuing to have an effect on the aviation industry.
Norwegian cuts long-haul
Norwegian announced this week it would not return to long-haul flying, removing the 787 from its fleet.
Madrid gets snow — a lot of snow
Madrid was hit with a massive snow storm this week, at one point halting operations at MAD for 50 hours.
Qatar blockade lifted
Qatar’s neighbors have lifted the blockade they imposed in June of 2017, once again allowing Qatari aircraft access to their airspace. With restored access to Saudi Arabian airspace, Qatar Airways flights to the south and west no longer require and hours-long deviation.
737 MAX update
GOL, American Airlines, Copa, and Aeromexico now have the 737 MAX back in service. But the biggest update so far this year is the deferred prosecution agreement between Boeing and the US Department of Justice. We discuss the terms of the agreement. We also discuss Jon Ostrower’s recent article on the inclusion of MCAS in the 737 MAX, which asks, “was MCAS really necessary at all?”
Airbus and Boeing orders and deliveries in 2020
We run through the planes that Airbus and Boeing got out the door in 2020 and look at what the backlog can tell us about how each manufacturer is approaching the next few years.
Let us know what you think
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