On this episode of AvTalk, American Airlines announces a major cabin refit and the end of international first class, prices for flights departing Russia skyrocket after Putin announces the mobilization of reservists, and electric aircraft makers have a mixed week.

American Airlines’ unveils cabin refresh

American Airlines will restyle its premium cabins on long-haul aircraft, with roll out coming in 2024. New business class suites and premium economy seats will come to new delivery 787-9 and A321XLRs first. American will also refit its 777-300ER fleet, which means the end of international first class on the last major US airline.

American’s CEO wants others users to contribute more to ATC

American Airlines’ CEO Robert Isom says he wants other airspace users, like business jets and rocket launch companies, to contribute more the budget for air traffic control.

Flights out of Russia selling out

Finding a flight out of Russia on short notice was nearly impossible this week after Russian announced a mobilization of reservists. Flights that had available seats skyrocketed in price.

Boeing meets with Chinese regulators on MAX

Boeing executives met with Chinese regulators a few weeks ago in China to discuss progress on restarting 737 MAX flights there.

Electric progress, electric peril

Electric aircraft maker Heart Aerospace is upgauging from a 19-seat, all-electric aircraft to a 30-seat electric hybrid. This new design has already garnered them investment and an order for 30 aircraft from Air Canada. In the US, Eviation’s Alice electric aircraft could make first flight as early as next week, coming on the heels of a 50 aircraft letter of intent from GlobalX. And Larry Page backed electric air taxi start up is shutting down.

FAA denies Republic’s 1500 hour rule exemption

Republic won’t be able to provide their pilots with a restricted ATP at 750 hours. The only surprise is how quickly the FAA denied Republic’s request.

United forgets to inspect some of its 777-200s

United failed to inspect some of its 777-200s wing leading edge panels, leading to canceled flights at the beginning of the week. The inspections are not related to earlier Pratt & Whitney engine issues on those aircraft and United says most inspections have now been completed.

Ethiopian Airlines pilot quits by leaving the country

The captain of the Ethiopian Airlines flight that overflew Addis Ababa at 37,000 feet because both he and the first officer were asleep flew out of the country later that day and quit via email. The captain, who is a Bolivian national, flew on an Ethiopian Airlines flight out of the country later the same morning after waking up on the flight deck and then safely landing.

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Please click here for a transcript of this episode.

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