AvTalk Episode 214: Covered in bees!

On this week’s episode of AvTalk, a swarm of bees delays a Delta flight to Atlanta. Go First declares bankruptcy and places the blame at Pratt and Whitney’s feet. And Ian wants to drive ZeroAvia’s HyperTruck.

Covered in bees!

An Atlanta-bound Delta Air Lines A320 was delayed in Houston thanks to a swarm of bees taking up residence on the wingtip fence. This twitter thread perfectly captured the unfolding scene.

Do not pass Go, do not collect $200

Indian low-cost carrier Go First filed for bankruptcy protection this week, laying blame squarely at the feet of Pratt & Whitney engine issues. The airline has suspended flights from May 3 through May 5 and sued Pratt & Whitney for nearly $1 billion.

Airbus first quarter earnings report

Airbus reported first quarter earnings this week. The manufacturer is holding to its rate increases for the A320neo family as well as its wide bodies. Introduction of the A321XLR is still scheduled for Q2 2024, but the A350 freighter has now slipped slightly to 2026.

Air Moldova halts operations

Air Moldova halted operations after the government refused to provide a cash injection. The airline was operating with only two of its three owned aircraft with one being stuck in Verona for the past few months due to maintenance issues. The airline was also operating a number of wet leased aircraft.

Flydubai unveils another new cabin

Flydubai unveiled what is perhaps the nicest single aisle business class seat in the sky with its third seat configuration in as many years.

Vanessa Hudson named Qantas CEO

Qantas named current CFO Vanessa Hudson as incoming CEO replacing  Alan Joyce, who scheduled to retire from the airline in November.

Alaska Airlines and ZeroAvia partner for largest hydrogen plane yet

Alaska airlines and ZeroAvia are partnering to create the largest zero emmission, hydrogen powered aircraft in the world. Alaska Airlines donated a Dash 8-Q400 to the project.

Norse is heading south for the winter

Norse is branching out with new routes beginning in the winter season to Thailand, Barbados, and Jamaica.

Order up!

We recap a few notable orders from this week, including orders by Hainan Group airlines for COMAC C919 and ARJ21s and Azal Azerbaijan Airlines firms up an order for 8 787-8s.

Thank you for listening!

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