#PaxEx Podcast

First, there have been a number of notable collisions at airports in recent months. Last fall, a Qantas aircraft collided with a catering truck on the apron at Sydney airport. Early this month, an empty Sunwing aircraft that was being towed struck a WestJet aircraft that was carrying passengers and crew, who were then evacuated via the slides. In this episode, Mark tells co-hosts Max Flight and Mary Kirby about safety protocols that govern movement of vehicles at the airport, and describes the incident investigation that follows any collision.

Next, Gate Gourmet in Australia recently completed onboard trials with Virgin Australia of a new dry ice product, called EcoSlice. A synthetic dry ice, EcoSlice is a potential game-changer for the industry. Mark talks about this innovative product, explains its safety and environmental credentials, and shares how it supports a positive passenger experience.

Last but not least, Gate Gourmet has entered into a joint venture agreement with Asiana Airlines which will strengthen the gategroup’s position at Incheon airport in South Korea, and position the company as the sole inflight caterer for Asiana at Incheon. Mark explains why this 30-year agreement is considered a key milestone for the company, and why it is turning to IoT and automation for a new catering facility at the airport.

Firstly, Mitsubishi Aircraft has told Flightglobal that two additional aircraft will join its MRJ regional jet’s flight test campaign. Isaac has been following the MRJ program closely. He catches us up on the latest developments, explains why it’s a “tough road” for Mitsubishi right now, mulls why the firm hasn’t taken the opportunity to do a cabin interior reboot, and explains why Japan is on an internal time clock to complete the test program.

Next, aerospace accelerator start-ups are growing quickly and hosting a variety of meet and greets for people interested in learning more. Isaac recently attended an accelerator roadshow event sponsored by AeroInnovate in Wisconsin. He reports on his experience, explains how some of the accelerators are being funded, and details some of the notable players in the market.

Last but not least, a number of #PaxEx conferences and exhibitions will be held around the world in 2018, starting with International CES in January in Las Vegas. Mary tells us what #PaxEx trends she’s keeping an eye on at these shows, and where RGN will have a presence.

First, the Teal Group is forecasting that business aircraft deliveries won’t return to 2008 peak levels until 2021. But as new deliveries have stagnated, we know that older aircraft are being refurbished with various #PaxEx upgrades. Chapman has a unique perspective on this topic since ASI Group serves the business aviation market with a variety of low-cost solutions, including a system that uses Bluetooth and Iridium to deliver voice, SMS and email. He tells co-hosts Max Flight and Mary Kirby that ASI Group has managed to “bend and twist Bluetooth” to become a network onboard, and explains why the Iridium’s next generation NEXT constellation and aero service is hotly anticipated in this market.

Next, ASI Group is also bringing a new Bluetooth-based, Iridium NEXT-powered e-commerce platform to airlines. The ffly system, which is being pitched as an alternative to wifi connectivity on board, is said to be capable of connecting every passenger with a single Bluetooth hotspot, and can be installed at little or no cost. The offering sounds almost too good to be true, but Chapman reveals on the show that it has already been whitelisted by Lufthansa Systems, and will be rolled out by other IFEC players to boot.

Last but not least, broadband connectivity is increasingly considered the cost of doing business for the world’s premier airlines. And the competition for aircraft tails has grown fierce, with several companies waging battle for supremacy. Certain industry stakeholders are now predicting consolidation, reasoning that there are simply too many players, and that some are suffering financially. Chapman shares his thoughts on the matter, and whether he forecasts a shake-out in the industry.

Firstly, some passengers with pet allergies are growing increasingly concerned about the number of service and emotional support animals in the cabin. And passengers with food allergies, particularly severe nut allergies, continue to bemoan the presence of peanuts and other nuts on board many airlines. Becca lays out the challenges she faces when traveling with an allergic child, and gives ideas on how allergic passengers – and indeed airlines – can be prepared.

Firstly, some passengers with pet allergies are growing increasingly concerned about the number of service and emotional support animals in the cabin. And passengers with food allergies, particularly severe nut allergies, continue to bemoan the presence of peanuts and other nuts on board many airlines. Becca lays out the challenges she faces when traveling with an allergic child, and gives ideas about how allergic passengers – and indeed airlines – can be prepared.

Next, WestJet has taken delivery of its first Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, which comes with Boeing’s new Sky Interior as well as Panasonic Avionics wireless entertainment. The aircraft is expected to enter service on 9 November. While Becca hasn’t flown on the MAX yet, she did experience two very different types of #PaxEx when traveling last month on WestJet to and from the APEX EXPO in California. She tells us how the carrier managed to both impress and depress with a single round-trip, and this leads us into a deeper discussion about why airlines are going double- and even triple-sourced for IFEC.

First, the Daily Beast has conducted an investigation into aircraft seat testing, and found that much of the data is woefully out of date. Flyers Rights has been tracking the seat safety and seat testing topic for some time. Kendall gives her thoughts on the findings of the Daily Beast report, and also highlights a separate report suggesting that the aircraft seat crunch is creating an environment ripe for sexual assault on board.

Next, Flyers Rights recently won a judicial victory, when the Federal Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit ordered the FAA to reconsider its decision not to place a moratorium on further seat size reduction. This is a major coup for Flyers Rights, and could spur change in the passenger experience. Kendall talks to co-hosts Max Flight and Mary Kirby about the next steps, and why Flyers Rights is fighting for minimum seat pitch and seat width standards of 28 inches and 18 inches, respectively. Mary makes the case for why the FAA should be transparent about its test data.

Last but not least – and this is a topic that the Airplane Geeks podcast has been regularly addressing – a House bill that would privatize air traffic control has proven quite controversial within industry. Though the bill has garnered a lot of news headlines, The Seattle Times is reporting that the prospects of a bill passing the Senate now appear quite slim. Kendall explains Flyers Rights' stand on the issue, and why the organization fears privatization could impact aviation safety.

First, Gogo recently revealed that equipage of its 2Ku inflight connectivity system to aircraft only takes two days. John explains how the firm achieved this remarkable install time and why it's good news for the multiple airlines which are rolling out the broadband offering.

Next, Delta Air Lines will soon be flying the Airbus A350, becoming the first North American operator of the type! This aircraft will feature a passenger-pleasing 9-abreast configuration (which is standard). And it was fitted with 2Ku by the Airbus Corporate Jet center, before being delivered to the airline. Savvy travelers are excited about this aircraft. John informs us about what some of the #PaxEx will be like on board the A350 with 2Ku, and talks about Gogo's latest stats on passengers' smart phone/tablet versus laptop usage in-flight.

Last but not least, global connectivity provider iPass recently announced it is offering very cost efficient plans that cover connectivity across airports, hotels and in-flight on Gogo-fitted US domestic aircraft and on some Panasonic Ku-fitted international aircraft. Co-hosts Max Flight and Mary Kirby talk to John about why seamless connectivity across all touchpoints of the passenger experience is so important, and why there are still opportunities to improve.

First, Panasonic recently unveiled its NEXT inflight entertainment and connectivity system, which will debut in full on the Boeing 777X. Co-hosts Max Flight and Mary Kirby get the low-down from Jon about what this platform ecosystem will mean for the passenger experience.

Next, we hear a lot about how nose-to-tail connectivity on aircraft will improve operations (and indeed safety). Panasonic is on the forefront of aircraft e-enablement; Jon gives us update on some of the progress being made, and how are airlines benefitting.

Finally, it’s no secret that #PaxEx suppliers benefit from gaining what’s called “linefit offerability” with airframers, as it means that their systems and services are offered as part of the airframer’s catalogue, and can be installed for airlines on the production line. But Runway Girl Network has observed some confusion in the market. Since we have Jon on the show, he discusses the difference between what constitutes “linefit” versus “retrofit”, and explains why we’re seeing aircraft roll off the line with antenna radomes atop their fuselages, but no antennas under the hood. "One of the things which I think probably isn't fully understood is the level of qualification and certification that you have to go through to get approval from an airframer for linefit is above the level of qualification and certification required for retrofit because airframers tend to have higher levels of expectations of how that system should interact, be integrated with their aircraft," says Norris.

As industry is well aware, all aircraft that operate in US airspace will need to have a certified ADS-B out system by January 1, 2020. Jane shares why owners and operators need to be planning now, and provides an update on how industry is progressing in meeting this FAA mandate. "Hope is not a strategy," she warns the general aviation community, whose pace of equipage has lagged.

Next, as a trusted aircraft modification house in Canada, Flying Colours is regularly in BizAv industry news, as it transforms business aircraft interiors for various aircraft types. Co-hosts Max Flight and Mary Kirby ask Jane about what trends she is seeing in business aircraft interiors, and what unique requests Flying Colours fields from clients. "It's very personal," says Jane. And new materials, including carbon fibre, are emerging to replace the traditional wood furniture on board aircraft.

Last but certainly not least, Jane recently hosted a Women in Aviation in Africa panel in Lagos, which proved extremely interesting. Jane tells us what she learned from fellow panelists, and why the skills that women bring to the table - including "the ability to perhaps think emotionally intelligently about the situation" - are valued in Africa.

Amidst a broader weakness in business jet demand, Gulfstream Aerospace brought its impressive G500 test aircraft to the big EBACE business aviation show in Geneva. Paul got a chance to see it first-hand and shares his impressions with co-hosts Max Flight and Mary Kirby.

Next, the Embraer Lineage was also on display at EBACE and this one wowed our guest. Paul explains the unique design concepts that were developed for this jet. Operators can ask for a gentleman’s club-type interior, apparently.

Finally, while at EBACE, Paul learned that L-band capacity is being freed up for smaller #BizAv platforms as Inmarsat’s Ka-band connectivity service is spreading amongst larger operators. That means that passengers on more small aircraft can enjoy a better inflight connectivity experience. Paul reports what he learned from sources.

First, a blind woman says she was recently booted off an American Airlines flight after she requested a slightly roomier seat in order to be able to accommodate her service dog. Mika, who flies up to 75 segments per year, tells us if these types of situations are common, and considers whether #PaxEx has gotten better or worse for blind passengers through the years. Mika urges listeners to check out The Blind Side Podcast, which interviewed the passenger in question, Sue Martin. And he highlights a story from 2013, when passengers really stood up to support a commuter with pre-merger US Airways, who was escorted off a plane with his guide dog.

Next, The Guardian has a report on how disabled passengers still face discrimination by airlines. It highlights several instances where passengers’ mobility devices were damaged, and their owners had to fight to be compensated (RGN previously covered the story of Athena Stevens, who waged battle with BA over a broken mobility device). Anti-discrimination laws in the US differ from those observed by European airlines. Co-hosts Max Flight and Mary Kirby talk to Mika about whether the European Commission should follow the United States’ lead and ensure airlines pay the full cost when mobility equipment is damaged on domestic flights. The talking point leads Mika, Max and Mary into a deeper conversation about how airports and airlines can improve the passenger experience for disabled passengers.

Finally, Mika shares his thoughts on the DOT’s plan to issue a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) this summer aimed at improving accessibility of aircraft lavatories and inflight entertainment. The NPRM will propose a variety of measures that were agreed by a committee comprising airlines, persons with disabilities, flight attendants, aircraft manufacturers, motion picture studios and other #PaxEx stakeholders. It sounds like a step in the right direction; we ask Mika if he likes what he's hearing from the DOT. He lays out in no uncertain terms what the blind community will expect to emerge from the NPRM.

"If you can't access the menu of an [inflight entertainment or connectivity] system, you're done," he says.

First, passengers on foreign airlines headed to the United States from 10 airports in eight Majority-Muslim countries have been prevented from carrying laptops and tablets under a new directive by the Trump administration. The UK later issued a similar ban. John has been tracking this story ever since news emerged; he brings us up to speed on the details of these bans and what they mean for passengers. And he joins co-hosts Max Flight and Mary Kirby in considering the safety implications, as well as broader implications for the aviation industry.

Next, Cathay Pacific is grappling with some very real problems with the business class seats on its new Airbus A350-900s. The fit and finish of the product is nothing shy of shocking, and John Walton highlighted the issues in a recent piece for RGN. He shares the details of his personal experience with Max and Mary, and reveals the feedback received by Cathay and what measures the carrier is now taking. We also discuss the problems in the context of seatmaker Zodiac Aerospace's long-running delivery woes, and in the face of a planned acquisition by Safran.

And last but not least, the big Aircraft Interiors Expo in Hamburg is coming up soon. And we’re expecting a torrent of #PaxEx content to emerge from the show. John breaks out his crystal ball to share his predictions about the products and trends that will emerge. And Mary reveals what #PaxEx innovation tops her wishlist for economy class.

Firstly, it’s Oscars season and several of this year’s higher profile Oscar nominees are currently playing on inflight entertainment (IFE) screens or streaming to passengers’ mobile devices. Tomas emphasizes how the non-theatrical window of release - enjoyed by airlines, ships and others - is shrinking, and notes that passengers can now download certain early window movie content on their own devices in advance of their flight. He also tells us about some of the Oscar-nominated titles he's recommending to passengers.

Next, the glitz and glamour of Hollywood can seem oddly trivial in light of the surreal drama unfolding on the political stage these days, but that drama seems to be inspiring actors and comedians to a new level of excellence with SNL being, perhaps, one of the most visible examples. Co-hosts Max Flight and Mary Kirby join Tomas in considering whether we're seeing a renaissance in the arts, and what this means for airlines' TV and short-subject programming. And, as tensions are flaring on the ground and in-flight, should airlines exercise caution about their IFE content choices?

Last but not least, The New York Times has published an article predicting the demise of in-seat IFE systems, at least on narrowbody aircraft in the near-term. In the context of the discussion about the shrinking non-theatrical window of release for airlines, Mary, Max and Tomas consider the business model for in-seat IFE on short- and long-haul flights; address why carriers and their content service providers must consider careful and creative content curation to differentiate from what passengers can access on the ground; and highlight how some airlines are cleverly evolving with the times by supporting second screen apps to enable passengers to interact with the IFE system in a more personalized fashion. Plus, will Hollywood ultimately smash its own windows? We discuss.

First, United Airlines has announced it will retire its Boeing 747s from scheduled service sooner than previously planned. The carrier’s last 747 will stop flying for United in the fourth quarter of this year. Co-hosts Max Flight and Mary Kirby talk to Paul about what makes this aircraft so iconic to passengers and #AvGeeks the world over. and all three share their fond memories associated with the Queen of the Skies.

Next, Paul was recently interviewed for a CNN article about how a baggage handler became trapped in the cargo hold of a regional jet flying for United Airlines from Charlotte, North Carolina to Washington Dulles. The man was ultimately unharmed, but as a long-time ramp agent, the incident surprised Paul. He reveals what protocol ramp agents follow to ensure co-workers stay safe, and why there is a focus on ramp agents' health at some airlines. Paul also divulges some of the interesting things that airlines carry for passengers in the cargo hold, and provides tips to passengers on what not to do when they pack their suitcases.

Last but not least, Lufthansa Technik, the massive MRO arm of Lufthansa Group, is gearing up to host the #LHTAvDays for media again. Paul attended this special event in Germany in the past, and tells us what he learned about Lufthansa Technik's role in the airline passenger experience.

First, GE Aviation has launched a Configuration Data Exchange for the aviation industry, working in partnership with Capgemini, for which Michael is affiliated. This exchange aims to drive asset productivity and maintenance optimization across the aviation ecosystem, which in turn will have knock on benefits for the passenger experience. Michael explains why, as more aircraft data is moved across any channel – on the ground or in-flight – operators need to know how to process the data and make it meaningful.

Next, satellite operator Iridium is hotly anticipating the launch of its NEXT generation constellation in a couple of weeks. It believes NEXT will “lead the way” in helping airlines meet the Global Aeronautical Distress and Safety System mandates outlined by ICAO. Co-hosts Max Flight and Mary Kirby ask Michael if airlines will show a preference for “position report” flight tracking solutions supported by Iridium NEXT or gravitate towards space-based ADS-B, which will be facilitated by payloads on those satellites. Michael also discusses the market share race between Inmarsat and Iridium in providing safety services for the cockpit.

Last but not least, Delta Air Lines has banned a passenger for life after he engaged in a loud, vulgar tirade about Donald Trump in front of passengers. The passenger’s rant was caught on tape, and so too was the crew’s lack of action. Max, Mary and Michael share their thoughts on Delta's response to this unfortunate event.

Welcome to Episode 040 of the #PaxEx Podcast. Our guest for this episode is Chris Kjelgaard, an aviation and travel-industry reporter and editor with more than three decades of experience. In addition to serving as Editor of various print and online magazine titles, he has written for dozens of aviation trade and consumer magazines and websites and has been interviewed many times by television, radio, print and online media on aviation and travel topics. He is also a contributing editor to Runway Girl Network.

First, some British travellers vowed to boycott travel to the US if Trump won the election, according to The Telegraph newspaper. Now that Trump is President-elect, #PaxEx Podcast co-hosts Max Flight and Mary Kirby join Scotland-born Chris Kjelgaard in considering the impact to travel and tourism.

Next, we discuss one of Max's favorite topics – aircraft engines. Chris has written a piece for Runway Girl Network about how CFM International is concentrating on making sure that the newly developed successor to the legendary CFM56 – the new LEAP engine - will be just as successful. Having interviewed GE Aviation’s LEAP manufacturing program director, Cristina Seda-Hoelle about the ramp up - following entry into service on the A320neo - Chris brings listeners up to speed on how CFM is pumping up the volume for this remarkable program.

Last but not least, Copa Holdings’ brand new Colombian subsidiary Wingo is positioning its passenger experience, sales and ticket-distribution strategies to appeal to travelers who it believes “want to enjoy a fresh, friendly and unpretentious flight experience”. Chris interviewed the airline’s general leader Catalina Bretón about the carrier’s plans. We consider whether Wingo will be able wing its way into the hearts of passengers.

Firstly, listeners will no doubt have heard about the replacement Samsung Galaxy Note 7 that exploded on a Southwest Airlines 737 recently. Since then, the DOT has banned all Note 7s from aircraft. The incident serves as yet another reminder that inflight PED smoke and fire events are on the rise in aircraft cabins. John has written extensively about what crew should do in the event of a fire, and he shares what he has learned on the topic. He also weighs in on why airlines are augmenting their usual procedures with the adoption of fire containment kits (Delta and Alaska Airlines are two customers of these bags).

John also recently penned a deep dive piece about American Airlines’ decision to dump its patented business class seat on the 787-8 and some refitted 777-200ER aircraft due to problems with embattled seatmaker Zodiac. Co-hosts Max Flight and Mary Kirby pepper John with questions about the big #PaxEx lessons learned from American's "Concept D" experience.

Last but certainly not least, high-speed rail is attracting attention again in the US with some states trying to move forward with projects, including the latest high-speed rail effort in Fresno. Japan is known for excelling in high-speed rail, and John knows the system like the back of his hand. He shares some #PaxEx ideas from Japan that US rail operators should consider.

Firstly, Nik has been featured in an article on Traveller.com where he rates the world’s best and worst inflight meals. In this episode, he tells co-hosts Max Flight and Mary Kirby what makes or breaks an inflight meal, and explains his criteria for rating meals. “I love an airline that has a story attached,” he says.

Next, Runway Girl Network recently highlighted the changes being seen on board Indian carriers – they’re moving in a healthier direction and featuring more Indian comfort foods in economy class. Nik discusses how inflight food is evolving around the world, and shares the regional trends he is observing. And Mary considers the health food trend in the context of airlines’ continued adoption of high-density aircraft seating configurations.

Last but not least, Nik is getting ready to pull back the curtain on how airlines source, prepare and deliver meals to passengers. He’s working on a full-length documentary film called “The Inflight Food Trip” to reveal a world that few passengers ever see. Nik talks about about the drivers behind the project and how passengers can support and get involved.

Firstly, Boeing has released its 2016 Pilot & Technician outlook, which sees a collective need for over 2 million crew and technicians over the next 20 years to keep pace with demand. But the airframer has included flight attendants in its outlook for the first time ever, explaining, “they are essential to not only safety and comfort of the passengers, they are true differentiators for airlines and their business models”. The Airline Guys discuss why it’s so important for airlines to be completely honest about what the job of a flight attendant entails as they seek to fill an estimated 800,000 cabin crew positions over the next 20 years. And we consider how crew members play a pivotal role in the passenger experience.

Next, a Kentucky man faces jail time after allegedly assaulting flight attendants on a Lexington-Charlotte flight. Unruly passengers pose a real threat to the safety of flight attendants and fellow passengers, and alcohol is often a contributing factor. Whiskey is understood to have played a role in this particular incident. Co-hosts Max Flight and Mary Kirby talk to the Airline Guys about what airlines and other #PaxEx stakeholders can do to mitigate the problem. Is it time for far stricter penalties? “The slap on the wrist isn’t going to help correct the problem,” notes Darin.

Last but not least, we talk to the Airline Guys about their own latest news – the launch of Quick Turn, a new video series that features casual, personal interviews with industry leaders. “Basically it’s a way for someone who has impact on a team or organization to tell us who you are in a very quick way. It’s a way for someone to become relatable to the organization in which they lead,” explains Sylvester. The first Quick Turn interview – with none other than Delta CEO Ed Bastian – is quirky and original, and the Airline Guys tell us to expect more of the same.

It’s no secret that the American rail system compares unfavorably with many other countries, which have adopted high-speed rail and modern infrastructure. But we are seeing some #PaxEx improvements in US rail. For instance, Amtrak has unveiled a new two-floor Chicago Metropolitan Lounge for premium class travelers and those in its loyalty program. In this episode, co-hosts Max Flight and Mary Kirby talk to Jason about his lifelong experience of riding the NY rails, and whether passengers will embrace the types of changes we’re seeing.

Next, a new word is entering the #AvGeek lexicon. The word #humpspotter sounds profane but it’s not. Airlines around the world are fitting their aircraft with satellite-supported connectivity, and the humps atop these aircraft comprise the antenna system and radome. Jason is possibly the most avid aviation humpspotter in the world. We discuss the hump proliferation, how Jason tells them apart, and what it all means for #PaxEx.

Last but not least, it won’t surprise you that Jason’s humpspotting work has a serious purpose; he is helping to populate one of the best #PaxEx databases in the world in the form of Routehappy. But Routehappy is much more than that, and has been in the news a lot lately for its work in powering merchandising content for flights and inking deals with Delta, United and Sabre of late. Jason tells us about the direction the firm is headed, and what these arrangements mean for passengers.

In a departure from our usual #PaxEx coverage, this podcast focuses on issues affecting women in aviation. Firstly, President Barack Obama has signed the Women Airforce Service Pilot Arlington Inurnment Restoration Act, ensuring that WASPs will once again be allowed to have their ashes interred at Arlington National Cemetery. Benet has been tracking this story for some time. She explains why WASPs were ever denied this right in the first place and how bipartisan support played a key role in righting this wrong.

Next, breastfeeding pilots at Frontier Airlines have filed a discrimination lawsuit, alleging that the carrier does not provide proper accommodations for them to pump their milk while on the job. Will the case be precedent setting? Co-hosts Max Flight and Mary Kirby discuss the possibilities with Benet, and highlight areas where airlines can make the balance of career and family a little less challenging for parents.

Last but not least, Air France management recently came under fire from its flight attendants’ union for requiring them to wear headscarves as it resumed services to Tehran. Then the Airplane Geeks podcast came under a bit of fire on social media for discussing the issue without including a woman’s opinion. In a bid to add more women's voices to the conversation, Benet and Mary weigh in, and underscore why the word "choice" is fundamental to the equation.