Episode 058: Unpacking sexism at AGM, guns in carryon, pot in transit

06/10/18 • 28 min

First, gender equality in the aviation industry was a major topic of discussion at the recent International Air Transport Association annual general meeting in Sydney. And as many of you will have heard, Qatar Airways chief, and newly appointed IATA chair, Akbar Al Baker had a shocking “open mouth, insert foot” moment when he suggested that the job of CEO can only be held by a man. Harriet, who was present at the AGM, shares her thoughts on what transpired, and on IATA’s efforts to be more inclusive of women, including in the C-Suite. Co-host Mary Kirby makes the case for why IATA should issue a formal apology.

Next, the Transportation Security Administration continues to confiscate record numbers of firearms at airport security checkpoints, despite warning travelers that they cannot bring guns in their carry-on bags. Incredulously, more than a few passengers try to fly with loaded weapons. Harriet, who has been tracking this story, considers if anything can be done to ensure passengers don’t pack heat when they fly. And co-host Max Flight chimes in as a gun owner.

Last but not least, Harriet’s Stuck at the Airport blog is known for giving passengers great advice on how best to make the hours fly by at airports. Harriet delivers a fresh list of clever new installations, entertainment options and concessions at airports. And Harriet, Max and Mary weigh in on the topic of traveling with cannabis now that some states have legalized its recreational use.

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Episode 057: Airline content trends and new lav concepts revealed

First, APEX Media has published a number of interviews from the APEX MultiMedia Market, an annual event where the world’s leading airlines choose the content line-up for their inflight entertainment systems, and ergo, their passengers. A number of airline content trends emerged at the show, and accessible entertainment – for the deaf, hard of hearing and visually impaired - was one of those hot topics. Maryann, who attended this sold-out event in Paris, delivers her biggest takeaways.

Next, APEX was once again prominently featured at the record-breaking Aircraft Interiors Expo in Hamburg. The association helped to launch a new event, called Passenger Technology Solutions, and hosted a variety of sessions about transforming passenger data into personalized experiences. Maryann was on the show floor, interviewing #PaxEx industry stakeholders. She shares her thoughts on the most exciting IFEC news from the Expo, highlighting the rapid growth of the portable wifi sector.

Last but not least, aircraft lavs are having a moment. New lavatory innovations are being brought forward by aircraft interiors specialists and even university students. One idea from Jamco calls for a sort of communal bathroom on board. It would feature a row of closed toilet stalls and a central sink area. Maryann explains some of the new lav concepts to co-hosts Max Flight and Mary Kirby, and this leads the group into a broader discussion about new modular lavatories on narrowbodies, how they've been received by passengers, and how their rollout is occurring in parallel with airlines' adoption of high-density seating configurations.

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Episode 059: Fifty-year pilot John O. Graybill on flying private safely

First, while the business aviation market has grappled with a softening for the last several years, business aircraft charters are on the rise, especially with younger travelers. Given John’s background and new book, he tells co-hosts Max Flight and Mary Kirby about the safety considerations for booking private aircraft, the type of pilot behaviors that could lead to a crash, and why he warns about propeller aircraft.

Next, in the commercial airline space there is a well-reported debate over pilot shortages, but in business aviation, it is a reality. John shares his thoughts on how the business aviation sector can retain the best pilots.

Last but not least, the FAA recently confirmed it has no intention of setting baseline aircraft seat space standards for commercial flying. The agency told consumer advocacy group Flyers Right that it doesn’t see an imminent safety concern, and will not initiate rulemaking. John, Max and Mary discuss the latest developments, and consider whether government should regulate seat size on airlines.