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#PaxEx Podcast: How big data is shaping every aspect of aviation

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Welcome to Episode 69 of the #PaxEx Podcast, which tracks how the airline passenger experience is evolving in a mobile, social, vocal world.

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.