AvTalk Episode 76: The Coronavirus Response

On this episode of AvTalk, we discuss the Coronavirus response, as authorities and airlines try to stop its spread. Kobe Bryant and his daughter are among those killed in a helicopter crash in California this past weekend. And Boeing’s 777X takes flight for the first time.

Coronavirus repsonse

Travel to and from China is being sharply curtailed as authorities and airlines work to stop the spread of the Coronavirus that originated in Wuhan in December. We discuss what airlines are doing thus far and what kind of impact an extensive reduction in flights in China could have.

Note: this episode was recorded on Tuesday, 28 January, before many airlines announced their suspension of flights to cities in China.

Kobe Bryant among those killed in helicopter crash

Basketball legend Kobe Bryant and his daughter were among those killed in a helicopter crash in California this past weekend. We discuss what data we have and what we don’t know.

Boeing’s 777X makes first flight

In a turn of good news for Boeing, the 777X successfully completed its first flight on 25 January. We talk about what the 777X means for Boeing right now and which airlines are keen to see it enter service.

Money, money, money

Air India is trying to sell itself, LOT Polish Airlines parent company PGL purchased Condor, South African Airways is parking A340s to save money, and Airbus agreed to a settlement in the investigation into major fraud committed by the company.