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 cl ..read more

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 ..read more

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 ..read more

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 ..read more

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 ..read more

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 necess ..read more

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 s ..read more

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, Philippin ..read more

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, anot ..read more

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 inve ..read more