In this episode, co-hosts Max Flight and Mary Kirby consider whether the aviation industry is poised for a faster-than-expected recovery given the extraordinary pent-up demand for air travel. They discuss IATA’s latest survey, which suggests that people will fly once they receive the COVID-19 vaccine.

But has the pandemic reset our passenger experience expectations?

Next, Cathay Pacific’s decision to let first and business passengers remove their masks when sleeping in the lie-flat position has generated a mixed response from readers. Some reckon that it makes common sense, others see it as classist and unfair. Mary and Max explore both sides of the argument.

Finally, aviation seems to be largely in agreement that, in a post-COVID world, its eco-credentials must improve. Myriad new ideas have been tabled to date including new turboprops, blended wing body aircraft, hybrid electric aircraft, plus new turbofans and synthetic fuel, not to mention exploratory studies into hydrogen-powered aircraft. A former executive for Pratt & Whitney, Max shares some insight into the challenges of going green, and some of his favorite ideas.

In this episode, co-hosts Max Flight and Mary Kirby discuss how the COVID-19 crisis has dramatically altered PaxEx, and whether some changes – like the axing of change fees by US legacy airlines – will be permanent.

They also consider how the inflight connectivity landscape is being reshaped in the face of sector consolidation and heightened passenger expectations, and share their thoughts on how the broader aviation industry will recover from the pandemic.

In this episode, co-hosts Max Flight and Mary Kirby break down how COVID-19 is rapidly changing virtually every touchpoint of #PaxEx, and consider whether air travel will be forever altered at the airport and in-flight.

In this episode, co-hosts Max Flight and Mary Kirby discuss how the novel Coronavirus – also known as COVID-19 – is affecting the aviation industry and airline passengers, and they highlight how major airline associations are responding to the situation.

COVID-19 surfaced in Wuhan, China, but quickly spread and has now been detected in 60 locations internationally, according to the CDC. Global infections number an estimated 90,000, and Coronavirus-related deaths are being reported around the globe. The fallout has been swift. The transportation industry is taking a major hit, as airlines slash services, including to places beyond China, and offer change-fee waivers. It comes at an already challenging time for the industry, which has seen the Boeing 737 MAX grounded for a year.

Next, Air New Zealand has announced it is exploring a bunkbed-style option for long-haul economy class travel. The concept is called Economy Skynest, and it would offer six bunk beds in a capsule monument in the economy cabin. Sleeping berths are not a new concept in aviation, but they are certainly having a moment right now. Max and Mary explore why Skynest is such a compelling design, but also why it and similar concepts add complexity to the booking process.

Last but not least, despite Coronavirus-fueled challenges to aviation and more broadly to the global exhibition industry, the Aircraft Interiors Expo in Hamburg is still on the calendar to go ahead as scheduled as of today, though the organizer, Reed, continues to monitor the situation. One of the highlights of the Aircraft Interiors Expo every year is the Crystal Cabin Award ceremony, which honors #PaxEx innovation. Max talks about some of his favorite ideas from the list of CCA finalists, and Mary details some of the big themes heading into the show.

In this episode - available on Apple Podcasts and Google Podcasts – co-hosts Max Flight and Mary Kirby explore how Boeing’s decision to suspend 737 MAX production creates uncertainty for its supply chain, including a raft of #PaxEx companies, and indeed the US economy as a whole. Analysts now suggest that Boeing may have to provide some financial support to suppliers. 

Max shares his opinion on the three steps that must happen before the MAX re-enters revenue service, including a revamp to Boeing’s safety culture.

Meanwhile, with safety top of mind, many passengers don’t relish the idea of boarding a MAX even when it is recertified. That is the hard fact. But purely from a comfort standpoint, the MAX hasn’t showered itself in glory either. Before the grounding, it was perhaps best known for being the aircraft with lavatories so tiny that some passengers had difficulty entering and exiting, and even executing proper hygiene. Might some airlines seek to improve comfort on the MAX once it is recertified?

Next, Spirit Airlines has unveiled a brand new cabin on its new Airbus A320neo. The cabin features new Acro slimline seats which are being heralded as offering far better “useable legroom” for passengers. Mary got a chance to sit in this seat recently, and explains what to expect. She also provides an update on Spirit’s inflight connectivity program, which has seen a further delay due to antenna problems.

Last but not least, the Flight Shame movement has picked up stream. Originating in Sweden, the movement discourages air travel, particularly for short-haul trips.

In a bid to step up their eco-credentials, airlines are enacting a wave of green initiatives. Some have invested in sustainable fuel plants and committed to use greater percentages of biofuel. Others are seeking to eliminate single use plastics on board or dramatically reduce wastage through the help of technology. But one operator, budget carrier Wizz Air attracted headlines recently when it called for a global ban on business class in the name of reducing the carbon footprint of flying business.

Max and Mary consider whether Wizz Air’s proposal is legitimate or a marketing stunt, and Mary wonders whether the carrier has considered the needs of passengers of size and reduced mobility.

In this episode – available on Apple Podcasts and Google Podcasts – co-hosts Max Flight and Mary Kirby explore why the combination of ATPCO and Routehappy is bringing a new level of transparency to flight shopping. They're using big data to ensure passengers understand pre-flight what to expect in-flight in terms of #PaxEx amenities (seats, wifi, IFE, power, etc) which in turn empowers passengers to select products that best suit their needs.

Next, Max asks the question: “What do you think about an air show that won't allow a mother to bring in the breast milk and formula necessary to feed her infant?” He goes on to explain some of the challenges faced by nursing mothers, even in spaces that are supposed to be inclusive. Mary makes the case for freeing the nipple. And both Max and Mary laud the airlines and airports that are accommodating breastfeeding mothers on the ground and in the air.

Last but certainly not least, an international team of experts – the Joint Authorities Technical Review (JATR) panel - has criticized Boeing’s design of the MCAS system on the 737 MAX, citing the airframer's use of data from previous aircraft configs, among other concerns. It also found that the FAA delegated a high amount of approvals to Boeing’s designated certification representative. Meanwhile, Boeing’s board has removed the title of chairman from CEO Dennis Muilenburg. Max and Mary share their thoughts on the latest, troubling revelations. They consider why the FAA has farmed out so much oversight, why airframers are able to rely on legacy data, and why the issue has such a far-reaching impact.

In this episode – available on Apple Podcasts and Google Podcasts – co-hosts Max Flight and Mary Kirby consider whether the swearing-in of Stephen Dickson as administrator of the US Federal Aviation Administration is a positive development. A long-time industry veteran with nearly 40 years of experience including as a fighter pilot, Dickson recently retired from service as the senior vice president-flight operations for Delta Air Lines, where he was responsible for the safety and operational performance of Delta’s global flight operations, as well as pilot training, crew resources, crew scheduling and regulatory compliance. 

Dickson's appointment comes at a critical time, when the Boeing 737 MAX grounding is in its fifth month. He has vowed that safety is his highest priority and that the MAX will not return to commercial service until he's completely assured it is safe to do so. But his appointment is not without its controversy, as a popular Boeing 777 pilot says she was grounded after reporting safety concerns to Delta management including Dickson. 

Next, airlines and PaxEx stakeholders have shared color around how the protracted MAX grounding has negatively impacted their businesses. One common theme is that capacity is tight for operators, especially those who are dependent on the MAX. Mary and Max discuss the fallout, from airlines' financial woes and operational disruptions to the knock-on effect to PaxEx suppliers, which say airlines are reluctant to take other aircraft types out of service for retrofits as a result of the capacity constraints. Max and Mary also consider the environmental impact of the MAX grounding, as airlines use gas-guzzling older jets to fill the void.

Last but certainly not least, the big APEX EXPO and co-located AIX, Americas show is scheduled to take place from 9 September to 12 September in Los Angeles. Mary tells us about the PaxEx themes emerging in advance of the show, which will feature a truly diverse day-one conference with many top-level women executives slated to speak.

Firstly, the 737 MAX, and Boeing’s response to its worldwide ban on safety grounds, was expected to dominate the 53rd Paris Air Show, and it did. John, who covered the airshow from nose to tail for Runway Girl Network, reported that Boeing was in apology mode throughout the event. He describes what the mood like at the Boeing chalet and during Boeing press conferences, and highlights Boeing's seemingly new "global certification" messaging. Max, Mary and John also discuss how the MAX colored the entire airshow, and why many travelers are still expressing fear of flying the type.

Next, Philippine low-cost airline Cebu Pacific announced in Paris that it will install 460 seats in an all-economy configuration aboard the A330-900neo, representing a new maximum-passenger figure for the A330. John details the work undertaken by Airbus and Cebu to accomplish this high-density feat and explains why he believes the product makes sense for Cebu’s specific market. And Mary highlights the mixed messaging from Airbus over the years – the airframer once floated the notion of a ‘comfort standard’ for aircraft seats, but is increasingly pushing high-density configurations, including for the A350. This represents a notable pivot from the airframer, and will ultimately mean a devolution in widebody #PaxEx.

Last but certainly not least, Airbus used the occasion of the Paris Air Show to launch the A321XLR program, which then proceeded to rack up an impressive list of orders, including from American Airlines. The aircraft is positioned to address the middle of the market, and airlines are eyeing transatlantic nonstops for this narrowbody. But since the announcement was made, there has been renewed discussion on social media about whether passengers really want to fly in narrowbodies on longhaul routes. John, Max and Mary share where they stand on the issue, and consider how Boeing can compete, either with the NMA or something entirely different.

In this episode, co-hosts Max Flight and Mary Kirby discuss the crisis of confidence that Boeing is grappling with in the wake of the MAX grounding; whether pilots should receive fresh MAX simulator training before the type is re-introduced into revenue service; and the conundrum faced by passengers who are afraid to fly the aircraft. They also consider the wisdom of Southwest Airlines’ single-fleet strategy, and explain why The Air Current’s recent report that Southwest management has kicked the proverbial tires on the Airbus A220 is giving some passengers reason to celebrate.

Next, another Boeing aircraft has found itself in the news headlines. The New York Times is reporting that the FAA received whistleblower complaints from workers at Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner plant in South Carolina, ranging from allegations of finding tools and debris inside new 787s to employees facing pressure to put speed over safety. Max outlines the claims, and Boeing’s response, and both he and Mary discuss whether the report underscores the need for change at the FAA, whose oversight and certification processes are already under scrutiny following the two MAX crashes.

Lastly, in a topic not related to Boeing specifically, but one that speaks to the US regulatory environment - a lawsuit has been filed by the legal action group Democracy Forward on behalf of Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) which might finally prompt the DOT to issue rulemaking on accessible lavatories for single-aisle aircraft. The lawsuit is being warmly received by disability advocates, who have long been pushing for accessibility on aircraft. Mary provides on update on where industry stands on the issue, and both she and Max make the case for why the current paradigm needs to change.

In this episode – available on Apple Podcasts and Google Podcasts – co-hosts Max Flight and Mary Kirby discuss the number one #PaxEx news story making headlines – the grounding of the entire world fleet of Boeing 737 MAX aircraft after the tragic crash of an Ethiopian Airlines Boeing 737 MAX 8 six minutes after takeoff from Addis Ababa, killing all 157 people on board.

After Mary breaks down the timeline of events that led to the United States’ decision to ground the MAX, after most countries had already done so, Max and Mary explain why, irrespective of the findings of the investigation of the Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 crash, passenger fear and public perception is valid. An industry that ignores passenger fear does so at its peril.

Max and Mary also look at the Maneuvering Characteristics Augmentation System [MCAS] – the technology at the heart of the discussion around MAX safety - and consider whether the relationships between major US corporations and the FAA have grown too cozy.

In this episode – available on Apple Podcasts and Google Podcasts – co-hosts Max Flight and Mary Kirby discuss whether Airbus is seriously considering stretching its A220, and what that might mean to the passenger experience and the future of the Airbus A319.

Next, the National Transportation Safety Board has issued its Most Wanted List, detailing its safety recommendations for 2019-2020. Among the action items the NTSB would like to see prioritized over the next two years, the board is calling on the FAA to address the gap in safety requirements between commercial airlines and those operating under Part 135 for air tour, air medical service, air taxi charter or on-demand flights. While it’s true that NTSB recommendations are just that – recommendations, this particular recommendation is noteworthy. Max explains why.

Last but not least, airlines are looking at creative ways to partner with brands. In recent weeks, American Airlines has announced an arrangement that sees the carrier offer Apple Music for free to passengers on all aircraft equipped with Viasat high-speed Internet. In China, a carrier called Lucky Air teamed with McDonald’s on a very different kind of promotion for the Chinese New Year - the airline slapped McDonald’s brand throughout its aircraft, engaged in inflight trivia games with its passengers, and provided giveaways linked to the promotion. Now the inflight entertainment and connectivity industry is looking to place personalized, targeted advertising in front of airline passengers. Mary recently attended the APEX TECH conference in Los Angeles, where programmatic advertising for IFEC was a big topic of discussion. She updates us on their plans, and Max and Mary consider the impact on #PaxEx.