Aviation Week's Check 6 Podcast

UK Election Kicks Off Britain-Focused Defense Month

In the defense industry, all eyes are on the UK in July for RIAT and Farnborough. Aviation Week's Robert Wall, Tony Osborne and Craig Caffrey kick off the conversation with a special episode about the British elections and what they (and those in France) mean for A&D.

Another Eventful Week At Boeing

Aviation Week's Joe Anselmo, Sean Broderick and Jens Flottau unpack a week that started with a unique media briefing at Boeing's Renton facility and ended with the purchase of Spirit AeroSystems.

What's Up With NGAD?

U..S. Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall cast doubt on the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) fighter program in an interview with Aviation Week. Listen in as editors Brian Everstine, Steve Trimble and Robert Wall break down what we know—and what we don't know.

Check 6 Revisits: Supersonic From Bongo To Boom

Aviation Week editors go back through the archives to the origins of supersonic flight, revisiting key programs and exploring the issues that are still challenging high-speed aircraft designers today. Check 6 Revisits delves into Aviation Week's more than 100-year archive. Subscribers can explore our archive here and read key Aviation Week articles relating to this podcast here:  Letter from Oklahoma City resident on Project Bongo (AW&ST, March 2, 1964, p. 98) Sonic Boom Report Expected...

What's Behind The Widebody Order Buzz?

Airlines are on the verge of placing hundreds of orders for widebody jets. Listen is as Aviation Week Network's Joe Anselmo, Jens Flottau, Lori Ranson and Daniel Williams discuss what’s behind the impending order boom. Read Jens' article here: Multiple Airlines Prepare Large Widebody Orders

MRO Podcast: How AI Is Transforming The Aftermarket

Check 6 will be back with a regular episode next week. Today we are sharing an episode of Aviation Week's MRO Podcast. Listen in to hear Aviation Week Network editors James Pozzi, Lindsay Bjerregaard and Michael Bruno discuss the novel applications MROs are finding for generative AI and the technology’s workforce implications. Read Lindsay's article: AI Fever Sweeps MRO, But Will Excitement Last? You can follow the MRO Podcast wherever you get Check 6.

The F-35 Has A Case Of Long COVID

Listen in as Aviation Week editors Robert Wall, Steve Trimble and Tony Osborne discuss the GAO's recent report on the F-35 and explain what's hampering the now $2 trillion program.

Are Airlines' Net Zero Goals Unrealistic?

In 2021 airlines pledged to hit net zero carbon emissions by 2050. Aviation Week experts debate their progress so far and what approach should be taken going forward ahead of airline CEOs convening in Dubai for IATA's AGM at the start of June.

How Can We Solve Aviation's Big Contrails Problem?

Eliminating contrails would cut aviation's climate impact by half, but can it be done? Aviation Week editors Guy Norris, Thierry Dubois and Graham Warwick are joined by NASA scientist Richard Moore who shares the latest research on a problem that some consider to be the low-hanging fruit of sustainability. A full transcript of this podcast will be available here. Read Guy's story about the last flight of NASA's DC-8 and see video of it chasing contrails here.

Check 6 With Accenture: Artificial Intelligence Comes To Your Aerospace Company

According to new Accenture reports this year, Gen AI is poised to provide the most significant economic uplift and change to work since the agricultural and industrial revolutions, and it will lead to a reinvention of work with more—not less—human-centric work processes. In this sponsored podcast Aviation Week talks with Accenture aerospace and defense practice leaders on how aerospace and defense businesses are using AI now.

Will Embraer Step Up To Challenge The Duopoly?

The last company to take on Airbus and Boeing was crushed, but market conditions could be ripe for another challenger. Bank of America analyst Ron Epstein joins Aviation Week's Joe Anselmo, Jens Flottau and Guy Norris to discuss what Embraer might do. Aviation Week subscribers can read more: Airbus, Boeing And Embraer Begin Defining Next Narrowbodies Embraer CEO: Next Development Program Decision To Come ‘In A Couple Of Years’ Opinion: Industry Must Make Developing A New Aircraft Affo...

Europe’s Air Taxi Startups On The Brink

Investors have ploughed billions of dollars into eVTOL ventures but now many are running out of cash. Listen in to hear Aviation Week's Jens Flottau share what he found on recent visits to Lilium and Volocopter. SMG Consulting's Sergio Cecutta also joins to break down the AAM funding environment and the advantage Chinese startups have.   

Check 6 Revisits: 7J7, Boeing’s Lost Airliner

Boeing never built the 7J7, but its legacy continues to be felt to this day. Listen in to hear how technology once studied for the highly advanced program could re-emerge on the company’s next new airplane almost 40 years later. Aviation Week editors Guy Norris, Steve Trimble and Christine Boynton are joined by former Boeing 7J7 program manager Peter Morton to delve into the program.  Designed in an era of spiraling fuel costs, the 7J7 was ahead of its time. The program marked a profound...

Shielding The Skies: Missile Defense In A Changing World

Aviation Week editors Brian Everstine, Steve Trimble and Tony Osborne assess the recent performance of Israel’s air and missile defense umbrella and discuss new missile defense technology needed to address potential and evolving threats.

787 Allegations: Boeing Over A Barrel

Boeing acknowledges that production-quality issues meant the first 1,000 or so 787s delivered did not meet its specifications. But it insists the productions issues have been corrected, and that the in-service fleet is not at risk.  A Boeing engineer has come forward to challenge these claims, sparking a new round of scrutiny for the beleaguered manufacturer. Aviation Week Network's Jens Flottau, Sean Broderick and Graham Warwick break it all down.

How To Fix Boeing

Industry analysts Ron Epstein and Richard Aboulafia join Aviation Week's Joe Anselmo and Michael Bruno to discuss the momentous challenges facing Boeing’s next leader—and who that leader might be. Read: The Quarter When Boeing Broke

China's Reclusive Stealth Bomber

The paper trail on the secretive Xian H-20 had gone cold for a couple years, but recent comments from a PLAAF general suggest the program is coming along. Aviation Week Network's Guy Norris, Steve Trimble and Matt Jouppi dissect what was said and look at where the bomber would fit in China's air force structure.

Making Sense Of Boeing's Leadership Shake-Up

On March 25 Boeing signaled the departures of President and CEO Dave Calhoun, Chairman Larry Kellner and Stan Deal, president of its Commercial Airplanes division. Aviation Week's Joe Anselmo, Michael Bruno, Jens Flottau and Guy Norris break down the seismic leadership changes and what they mean for the company's future.

Deep Dive Into SpaceX's Latest Starship Flight Test

Listen in as former Space Shuttle program manager Wayne Hale joins Aviation Week's Irene Klotz and Guy Norris to unpack Starship's third flight test.

Will China Take The Lead In AAM?

Having seized the pole position in electric vehicles, Chinese industry is racing ahead in advanced air mobility. SMG Consulting's Sergio Cecutta joins Aviation Week's Joe Anselmo, Graham Warwick and Ben Goldstein to discuss how the market is developing. Read Ben's latest story: Autoflight’s CarryAll eVTOL To Be Certified Imminently, CEO Says Subscribe to Aviation Week Intelligence Network's AAM Report here

Why Did Boeing Pull A U-Turn On Spirit Aerosystems?

Talks to acquire troubled aerostructures supplier Spirit Aerosystems hold big implications for Boeing—and Airbus. Aviation Week's Joe Anselmo, Michael Bruno, Jens Flottau and Steve Trimble break it down.

Check 6 Revisits: Birth Of The Blackbird, YF-12 Reveal And What May Be Next

On the 60th anniversary of an LBJ press conference, Aviation Week editors revisit the moment Lockheed’s YF-12 was revealed for the very first time, and discuss what similarities that unveiling might have with recent developments of today... Check 6 Revisits delves into Aviation Week's more than 100-year archive. Subscribers can explore our archive here and read Aviation Week's coverage of the "A-11" in the March 9, 1964, edition of the magazine: A-11 Proven In Reconnaissance Missions Rea...

Why Heli-Expo Has Gone Vertical

While Heli-Expo's organizers have moved to embrace eVTOLs, updates on a number of rotorcraft programs have stolen the headlines. Listen in to hear from Aviation Week's Guy Norris and Tony Osborne on the ground in Anaheim, California.

Comac Steals The Show At Singapore—Should Boeing And Airbus Be Worried?

Listen in as Aviation Week's Joe Anselmo, Christine Boynton, Chen Chuanren, Jens Flottau and Guy Norris at Singapore Airshow discuss Comac's starring role, the C919's prospects in today's market and what this could mean for the Airbus-Boeing duopoly.

What Defines Program Excellence In A&D? Program Managers Share Their Thoughts

Listen in as Aviation Week Network's Program Excellence Editor Mike McClary talks to two 2023 finalists from Honeywell and Skunk Works respectively as well as a reviewer from Raytheon about what goes into a winning submission. Nominations for the 2024 Aviation Week Program Excellence Awards are open through March 30. Click here to find out more.

Lessons From F-16's Origins 50 Years Ago

A father of the design and development of the F-16 explains the unique philosophy and processes used to bring the most popular fighter of the post-Vietnam era from an idea to a finished product. Listen in as Gen. Michael Loh speaks to Aviation Week's Steve Trimble.

The Outlook With PwC: M&A Trends: Driving Value in Aerospace and Defense Deals

Listen in to this sponsored episode as PwC's Sarah Senyo and Michael Holland discuss current aerospace and defense M&A trends, and insights related to driving deal value and synergies. Learn more here: Aerospace And Defense: US Deals 2024 Outlook

Airbus' Next Clean-Sheet Narrowbody—What We Know So Far

As Boeing's 737 program has dominated the headlines, more details are emerging about Airbus' plans for a new clean-sheet narrowbody, but when could it launch and will it generate significant emissions savings? Aviation Week editors are joined by Sash Tusa, an analyst with Agency Partners and regular guest columnist, to discuss.

At Supplier Conference, Boeing Is All The Buzz

Aviation Week Network's Joe Anselmo sits down with AeroDynamic Advisory's Richard Aboulafia, Aviation Week's Michael Bruno and Bank of America's Ron Epstein to discuss aerospace suppliers and investors—and what the new MAX woes could mean for their businesses.

Where Is Aerospace Heading? AIAA SciTech Provides Clues

Boeing’s MAX 9 Fiasco

As bad as it is for Boeing, it could have been a lot worse. Listen in as our editors discuss the Alaska Airlines midair blowout.

Deloitte On AAM | Sponsored By Deloitte

In this sponsored episode Deloitte’s Lindsey Berckman and Ajay Chavali share their insights into the rapidly growing advanced air mobility sector and where it’s heading.

Why Workforce Is Aerospace’s New Year’s Hangover

An Aviation Week/Siemens survey uncovers some disturbing trends as big labor negotiations loom. Aviation Week editors are joined by special guest Todd Tuthill, vice president of aerospace and defense at Siemens Digital Industries Software.

Overcoming Supply Chain Challenges | Sponsored By Siemens

In this sponsored podcast leaders from Siemens explain how aerospace companies can embrace digital transformation and invest in market intelligence to manage their supply chain. They break down the results of a Siemens supply chain survey conducted by Aviation Week. Watch Siemens' full webinar here.

Eight Surprises In 2023, Eight Predictions For 2024

As the year draws to a close, listen in as editors from across the Aviation Week Network reflect on 2023 and share what they think lies ahead in 2024.

Did Boeing Turn The Corner In 2023?

As Boeing elevates a possible successor to CEO Dave Calhoun, industry guru Richard Aboulafia joins Aviation Week's Joe Anselmo, Guy Norris and Sean Broderick to discuss the company's 2023 and its path forward. 

Check 6 With Accenture: How 2023 And 2024 Will Be Better And Worse For A&D

The year that ends Dec. 31, 2023, will hold some surprising results for the aerospace and defense industry, and the year ahead in 2024 will too.  In this sponsored podcast Aviation Week talks with experts from Accenture’s aerospace and defense practice as they review exclusive results from their latest Commercial Aerospace Insight Report and Accenture’s own survey of C-suite executives.

Lifting The Veil On Area 51's Secret Flight-Test History

A new scholarly book takes the wraps off the secret flight-test history of the U.S. Air Force facility in the Nevada Test and Training Range like no one ever has before. Listen in as Aviation Week editors Guy Norris and Steve Trimble discuss with author Peter Merlin.  Merlin's voluminous work is titled Dreamland: The Secret History of Area 51 and has been published by Schiffer. More information can be found here.

On Its 25th Birthday, Was The International Space Station Worth It?

Former NASA chief Dan Goldin oversaw creation of the station. What does he think of it now? He speaks to Aviation Week's Joe Anselmo and Irene Klotz a quarter of a century on from the U.S. Unity module docking with Russia's Zarya module to form the ISS.

Why India Won't Replace China In Commercial Aviation

India's airlines have ordered thousands of aircraft this year, but economic realities will keep it from replicating Beijing's growth miracle anytime soon.

Dubai Airshow—Boom Times Are Back

Emirates leads a long list of commercial aircraft orders announced at Dubai Airshow, but the fortunes of Airbus and Boeing differed.  Listen in as Aviation Week editors Christine Boynton, Guy Norris and Jens Flottau talk about the key developments in commercial aviation from the show.

Defense Highlights At Dubai Airshow

Impressive fly-by-wire F-15 flying, unique displays from around the world and the absence of Israel are all discussed by Aviation Week editors Guy Norris, Tony Osborne and Steve Trimble at Dubai Airshow.  To read all our coverage download our ShowNews app.

Building A Resilient Defense Industrial Base

Aviation Week editors take a break from Day 2 of the A&D Programs conference in Washington to tease out the intractable issues facing the industrial base—and some of the programs that are getting it right.

San Francisco To Tokyo—In One Hour!

A new rocket engine for military uses could be repurposed for Mach 9 air travel. Listen in as Aviation Week's Joe Anselmo and Graham Warwick talk with the founders of far-out startup Venus Aerospace, which has already raised more than $40 million from investors.

Has China's Aviation Market Lost Its Luster?

As U.S. companies rethink their presence amid heightened political tensions, some in Europe are doubling down on the Chinese market. Listen in as Aerodynamic Advisory's Kevin Michaels joins Aviation Week editors to discuss how Western planemakers and suppliers are adjusting to the shifting geopolitical situation.

Can Business Aviation And Sustainability Co-Exist?

As NBAA BACE show opens, industry coalesces around a new campaign to reach net zero. Will it work? Listen in as Aviation Week's Joe Anselmo, Guy Norris and Lee Ann Shay discuss.

Inside The Tradeoffs That Created The F-35

Tom Burbage, the former executive vice president of Lockheed Martin’s F-35 program during its first decade of development, discusses what it took to get the world’s largest and most complex fighter program off and running with Aviation Week's Jen DiMascio and Michael Bruno.

Why Airbus Is Shaking Up Its Leadership

As Christian Scherer takes up the mantle of Airbus Commercial Aircraft business CEO, Aviation Week's Joe Anselmo, Jens Flottau and Tony Osborne are joined by Agency Partners' Sash Tusa to discuss why Airbus is making the change.

Explaining ‘Replicator’—A Plan For Thousands Of Drones

Capital Alpha Partners’ Byron Callan and Sam Bendett from the Center for Naval Analysis join Aviation Week editors Jen DiMascio and Steve Trimble to discuss challenges with the Pentagon’s initiative to manufacture masses of uncrewed vehicles learned from the war in Ukraine and posed by the Indo-Pacific theater.

The Case For A New Boeing Airplane

Bank of America’s Ron Epstein talks with Aviation Week's Joe Anselmo, Graham Warwick and Michael Bruno about the business and technical implications of his call for Boeing to act fast.