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Richard Aboulafia gives us his insights on the Boeing “middle-of-the-market” airplane, pilotless airliners, a comeback for Midwest Express, ATC privatization, United Technologies Corporation interest in Rockwell Collins, seat pitch, Russian and Chinese airliner programs, the Mitsubishi MRJ, and the HondaJet.
Guest
Richard Aboulafia
Richard Aboulafia is Vice President of Analysis at Teal Group. He manages both commercial and military consulting projects, and he analyzes broader defense and aerospace trends. Richard’s insights appear on television and radio programs, and in almost every major publication through his columns, his articles, or because he is being quoted. Richard writes and edits Teal Group’s World Military and Civil Aircraft Briefing forecasting tool that covers over 135 aircraft programs and markets.
Aviation News
New Boeing plane moves closer to reality, and North Charleston campus could build it
A Boeing “middle-of-the-market” commercial plane (or 797) would fill the gap between the 737 and the twin-aisle 787. It would compete with the Airbus A321.
Pilotless Airliners Could Save Carriers Billions, UBS Says
Swiss Bank UBS performed an analysis and concluded that pilotless airliners could improve safety, they could save airlines as much as $35 billion per year, but would the public accept such a plane?
Group working to bring back Midwest Express Airlines
The Midwest brand disappeared in 2010 when Republic Airways Holdings, the parent company of Midwest Airlines merged that airline with Frontier Airlines. Now, a group of business and airline professionals have plans to bring the brand back. The Midwest Express website asks, “Remember when flying was hassle-free? It can be again!”
Sully’s misleading statements on US ATC reform
Previously, we pointed out Alliance for Aviation Across America videos featuring “Sully” Sullenberger arguing against ATC privatization. Karen Walker, the Editor-in-Chief at Air Transport World, thinks Sully is using his status to mislead people.
General Electric: Time to Worry About United Technologies & Rockwell Collins?
Reportedly, United Technologies Corporation (UTC) is interested in buying avionics and information technology systems company, Rockwell Collins.
American’s Terrible New 737 MAX Is Now On Sale
American Airlines has 100 Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft on order, and looks to a high density configuration.
Airline Story of the Week
Conrad Rond: A positive airlines story
Southwest Airlines helps a couple who went to the wrong airport.
Mentioned
The Northeastern Pennsylvania Air Show
National Aviation Day, NASA’s 10 Favorite Ways to Celebrate National Aviation Day, and 6 Ways to Celebrate National Aviation Day.
The Prebuy Guys, and the Airplane Intel Podcast
Southern California Logistics Airport, Victorville, CA, USA (KVCV) – May 2017 from aviation photographer Paul Filmer:
A few of the Victorville photographs by Paul Filmer. Click for more.
Russian surveillance plane soars over the Pentagon, Capitol and other Washington sites. See also Treaty on Open Skies.
The man behind the camera and the Ken Hackman flyer.
AirVenture 2017 photos from listener Richard:
AirVenture 2017 Slideshow-Videos from Mike Smith:
Credit
Intro music courtesy Brother Love from his Album Of The Year CD. Outtro by Bruno Misonne from The Sound of Flaps.
