AvTalk Episode 223: That’s a bad look Scott

On this week’s episode, we give United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby some friendly advice, JetBlue tries to make nice with the DOJ by not appealing the ruling invalidating the Northeast Alliance, and Ian has some choice words for one news outlet regarding their coverage of a recent incident.

Scott Kirby’s private jet in the middle of a meltdown

United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby chartered a private jet last week in the middle of United Airlines’ operational meltdown. We discuss if and why that matters. We also look into how United got back on track after multiple days of high rates of cancellations and delays and what it is doing to fix some of those issues.

JetBlue says it won’t appeal NEA decision

JetBlue announced Wednesday that it will not appeal a judge’s ruling invalidating its Northeast Alliance with American Airlines. JetBlue says it will work with American to unwind the NEA over the coming months. American, however, says it will continue to pursue an appeal.

Delta’s Haneda slot gamble doesn’t pay off

The US DOT told Delta that if it wants to serve Tokyo-Haneda from another gateway it is going to have to go through the proper process. The DOT denied Delta’s request to serve HND from any US gateway instead of those already allocated.

Aeroflot captain sentenced to prison for actions in SuperJet hard landing and fire

The captain at the controls of an Aeroflot SuperJet that suffered a hard landing and subsequent catastrophic fire in 2019 has been sentenced to six years in prison by a Russian court.

Another round of sensational reporting on an aviation incident

An Aegean Airlines A320 suffered a slow depressurization incident en route from Thessaloniki to Barcelona early this week. The crew diverted safely to Naples after an emergency descent. Most coverage of the incident was breathless hyperbole, but one article in particular gets Ian a little ranty.

Speaking of depressurization…

Indian investigators released their final report on the pressurization incident involving a SpiceJet 737 in 2021. The aircraft failed to pressurize during flight and the crew’s inaction led to the captain’s momentary incapacitation due to Hypoxia.

Air cargo market still cooling after superheated pandemic

Air Cargo carriers are still navigating rough skies following strong tailwinds at the height of the pandemic. Cargo demand is down while costs have increased. And one cargo airline in particular deserves a close eye.

Air Inuit to welcome 737-800 Combis

The Canadian airline will replace its 737-200s with a trio of 737-800 Combis in the near future.

VivaAerobus signs for 90 more A321neos

The airline’s order book with Airbus now stands at 170 aircraft.

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Please click here for a transcript of this episode.