Aviation certainly faced its share of challenges in 2019 – from the worldwide grounding of the Boeing 737 MAX to the decision by Airbus to end production of the double-decker A380 widebody, which is renowned for being a passenger-pleasing aircraft.
But there was also much to celebrate during the year, including the industry’s efforts to improve accessibility. Aviation journalist and aircraft interiors expert John Walton welcomed guests each month to RGN’s In Conversation podcast to discuss the hot topics in aviation.
Below are the Top Five In Conversation podcasts for 2019.
Runway Girl Network editor Mary Kirby and journalist Marisa Garcia joined John at the Aircraft Interiors Expo in Hamburg to debrief on the world’s largest and most important #PaxEx trade show. The big surprise this year was the impact of the 737 MAX on the industry, including passenger experience suppliers. A transcript of this podcast is also available.
2. In Conversation: Goodbye to the A380 and hello to airplane meals
What do we lose when we lose the A380? John and his guest, Inflightfeed’s Nik Loukas, explored why passengers love this aircraft, and why airlines haven’t been as keen. And they consider what airlines can do to replicate the passenger experience on the popular superjumbo aboard their smaller aircraft.
3. In Conversation: the Mitsubishi SpaceJet with Isaac Alexander
The Mitsubishi SpaceJet is a very delayed but very promising aircraft. John and his guest, #AvGeek Isaac Alexander, discussed how the newly named M100 and M90 compare with the MRJ70 and MRJ90 in the 70-odd and 90-odd passenger space, and how the new Safran ECOS family-based cabin stands up. A transcript of this podcast is also available.
4. In Conversation: ATR with Zuzana Hrnkova
ATR’s vice president and head of marketing Zuzana Hrnkova joined John to talk about the past, present and future of the turboprop airframer. Among the intriguing topics discussed, Hrnkova detailed ATR’s work to bring induction loop technology for deaf and hard of hearing passengers on board. A transcript of this podcast is also available.
5. In Conversation: Nicole Noack of IAMA
Head of the Independent Aircraft Modifier Alliance Nicole Noack joined John for an in-depth conversation about the fascinating world of aircraft maintenance. They discussed why IAMA exists and how their work will affect the passenger experience. A transcript of this podcast is also available.
Related Articles:
- PaxEx stakeholders detail impact of Boeing 737 MAX grounding
- Airbus ends A380 production with Emirates swap to A330neo & A350
- Safran aims ECOS bin technology at SpaceJet, other aircraft
- Mitsubishi talks PaxEx as it renames MRJ to SpaceJet, announces M100
- ATR highlights applications of hearing loops, braille to remove barriers
- Why IAMA is working to bring transparency to aircraft retrofit market
