FlightGlobal Focus

FlightGlobal

FlightGlobal Focus is your essential podcast for trusted aviation insight. Tune in twice weekly: Friday for a concise news briefing and Monday for in-depth analysis on a rotating agenda spanning airlines, defence and aerospace. Stay informed with expert coverage from the team at FlightGlobal.

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75 episodes
Updated Yesterday

Episodes75

Newest first

Yesterday · 21 min
IATA's new director general and the sustainability challenge she faces
IATA has appointed its first female director general and its first leader in more than 40 years to come from outside the airline industry. This week, Graham Dunn and Kerry Reals from FlightGlobal's Airlines team discuss the sustainability challenge facing Saadia Zahidi, and how her background at the World Economic Forum could prove to be a real advantage.
July 27 · 39 min
Farnborough review: a week of orders, innovation and airpower
From the sidelines of the 2026 Farnborough air show last week, our editors and reporters break down the stories that dominated this year's exhibition. From commercial aircraft and engine orders to hybrid-electric technology development and defence announcements, we tell you all you might have missed.
July 20 · 29 min
FlightGlobal at Farnborough: what to expect as 2026 edition opens
This year's Farnborough air show kicks off as airlines grapple with the fallout from the Middle East conflict. Meanwhile, governments around the world are seeking to dramatically expand the production of defence equipment amid geopolitical volatility. The entire FlightGlobal team is at Farnborough this week to cover the news as it happens. In this episode, find out what the key themes are this year, in defence, aerospace and airlines. FlightGlobal's Americas defence reporter Ryan Finnerty joins defence managing editor Greg Waldron, Asia airlines editor Alfred Chua and aerospace managing editor Jon Hemmerdinger this week.
July 14 · 13 min
How Rolls-Royce is putting its Trent 1000 troubles behind it
One of two engine choices for the Boeing 787, the Trent 1000 has faced durability challenges as thrust demands have increased across the Dreamliner fleet. However, the manufacturer has been working hard on a series of enhancements that it is now rolling out, leading to dramatic improvements to time on wing. In an interview with Murdo Morrison, Rachel Walker, senior vice-president for the Trent 1000, explains how the programme is progressing, and why Rolls-Royce is convinced it is already changing perceptions of the product.
July 13 · 27 min
All eyes on EasyJet as airline earnings season kicks off
This week, we discuss EasyJet and look at the ongoing acquisition attempts of the European low-cost operator. Plus, we examine the key issues and themes as airlines prepare to report their financial results. FlightGlobal’s Europe airlines reporter Kerry Reals and contributing airlines editor Graham Dunn join Asia airlines editor Alfred Chua to discuss these developments.
July 6 · 31 min
Inside Horizon Aircraft’s unique path of a bringing hybrid VTOL to market
Horizon Aircraft CEO Brandon Robinson joins FlightGlobal Focus to explain why he views Horizon's somewhat unique hybrid VTOL strategy as a winner. Unlike rivals pursuing short-range, battery-powered air taxi concepts, Horizon is targeting regional missions with its hybrid-electric Cavorite X7, an aircraft designed to carry six passengers on flights up to 400nm. Robinson insists the X7's enclosed lift fans and turbine-electric architecture will provide operational flexibility and lower operating costs than helicopters while sidestepping limitations facing all-electric VTOLs.
June 29 · 33 min
A sit-down with Boeing's head of defence
Steve Parker has been at the helm of Boeing Defense, Space & Security since 2024, first on an interim basis and later as the permanent chief executive officer. A Boeing insider of more than 30 years, Parker stepped into the role at a time of tremendous uncertainty for the company. Its fighter manufacturing business was looking shaky, the world was questioning whether helicopters still had a role in modern combat, and poorly structured, fixed-price contracts from the 2010s were generating billions of dollars in losses. Nearly two years later, the picture couldn’t be more stark. Demand for precision munitions is booming. There is renewed interest in existing platforms like the AH-64E attack helicopter and F-15EX fighter, and Boeing secured a massive contract to produce the new F-47 sixth-generation fighter. Boeing has also emerged as a leader in the development of uncrewed jet aircraft like the MQ-28 Ghost Bat fighter and MQ-25 Stingray tanker. FlightGlobal’s managing editor for defence Greg Waldron sits down with Steve Parker to discuss the company’s turnaround and what to expect from Boeing over the next few years.
June 22 · 28 min
IATA AGM: Airlines confront costs, engine woes and limits of green ambitions
Airline executives arrived at this year's AGM with a growing list of problems that transcend borders: higher fuel costs tied to Middle East instability, severe engine shortages, aircraft delivery delays and mounting questions about the viability of sustainable aviation fuel.
June 15 · 23 min
Boeing nears 777-9 and Max approvals as key Russian programmes clear certification
Boeing appears to be regaining momentum after years of manufacturing and certification setbacks, expecting 737 Max 7 and 10 certifications this year followed soon after by the 777-9's approval. Meanwhile, Russia's import-substitution strategy advances with key approvals, while Honeywell Aerospace reveals a strategy refresh ahead of its planned 29 June spin into a standalone publicly traded firm.
June 8 · 30 min
Sensing victory: why airborne early warning contests are heating up
With Canada having shortlisted Saab's GlobalEye and the US administration seemingly back on board the Boeing E-7 Wedgetail programme, we assess the latest developments in the airborne early warning sector. How might additional nations – and the NATO alliance – look to bolster their surveillance capabilities, and could China gain an information advantage as it develops its own advanced platforms? FlightGlobal's European defence editor hosts a discussion looking at the global state of play for airborne early warning, with Americas defence reporter Ryan Finnerty and Asia defence editor Greg Waldron.
June 1 · 26 min
Executive interview: Chris Raymond, CEO Boeing Global Services
With an annual turnover of almost $21 billion, Boeing Global Services' activities span everything from aircraft maintenance and fleet support for commercial and military customers, to parts and distribution, manufacturing cabin products and delivering training. FlightGlobal Focus sat down with BGS CEO Chris Raymond to discuss the affects of ongoing Middle East instability, soaring fuel costs and the resulting potential for fleet adjustments and new aircraft sales. Plus, we look at latest developments involving Boeing's integration of the former Spirit AeroSystems business in Belfast, Northern Ireland, and a recent deal to deliver enhanced support for the UK military's fleets of Apache and Chinook helicopters.
May 25 · 21 min
Inside propulsion: Hydrogen trials, Russian engine updates and Leap durability promises
From Rolls-Royce’s hydrogen tests to Russian powerplant developments and GE Aerospace’s push to address Leap engine durability shortcomings, we break down the conventional and unconventional tech shaping aviation propulsion.
May 18 · 30 min
Embraer looks to challenge the C-130's dominance in the tactical transport market
The global market for military airlift has long been dominated by just a few options. Lockheed Martin’s C-130 has been a mainstay for decades, now representing 20% of the military cargo fleet worldwide. Airbus captures around 10% of the market with its C295 and A400 together, while Boeing’s larger C-17 represents 6% of the active global inventory. Leonardo’s C-27J doesn’t even make the top 10 list by market share, falling below China’s Y-8 and out-of-production designs from former Soviet manufacturer Antonov. But recently a new contender has been scoring win after win in competitions for new military airlifters. After launching operations in 2009, orders for Brazilian manufacturer Embraer's C-390 have started pouring in from around the world, now with 12 customers spread across Europe, Asia, Latin America and, most recently, the Middle East. FlightGlobal's defence team discusses Embraer's strategy in developing the C-390, with choices like opting for a jet-powered design over a turboprop.
May 11 · 29 min
Spirit collapse, fuel prices cast pall ahead of IATA's annual conference in Rio
As airline executives prepare to gather in Rio for IATA’s Annual General Meeting, soaring fuel prices, worries of fuel shortages and the collapse of Spirit Airlines have intensified concerns about the industry’s position. Carriers globally are cutting capacity and hiking fares, while US discounters are navigating particularly pressured business models.
May 4 · 21 min
From cabin comfort to cost crisis: signals from the show floor
What this spring’s biggest aerospace shows reveal about the future of flight — and how a sudden fuel shock might change the picture.
April 27 · 37 min
The US Air Force has graduated its last class of new A-10 pilots
After years of noise about wanting to retire the famous Fairchild Republic A-10 ground attack fighter, the US Air Force now says it has graduated the last class of new pilots assigned to fly the "Warthog". But just weeks later, the Pentagon announced that the A-10's. retirement is being pushed back to at least 2030. It's just the latest example of the titanium-enclosed jet beating the odds on bureaucratic survival. Has the end really come for the Warthog or can the plane famous for its battlefield survivability once again stave off the end from Washington? Americas defence reporter Ryan Finnerty speaks with the commander of the 357th Fighter Squadron that trains new A-10 pilots and retired air force Colonel Kim "KC" Campbell, whose combat service in the Warthog over Iraq has made her arguably the most famous A-10 pilot. Show Notes: Kim Campbell profile in Flight International, 2023: https://www.flightglobal.com/fixed-wing/2023/06/rough-air-over-baghdad-a-10-pilot-kim-campbell-flies-into-aviation-history/ US Air Force begins first A-10 retirements: https://www.flightglobal.com/fixed-wing/2023/04/usaf-begins-long-sought-a-10-retirements/ The A-10 returns to combat in Iran: https://www.flightglobal.com/fixed-wing/2026/03/a-10-returns-to-combat-hunting-iranian-vessels-in-strait-of-hormuz/ A-10 "Sandy" mission over Iran: https://www.flightglobal.com/archive/2026/04/iran-rescue-mission-featured-155-aircraft-refuelling-over-enemy-territory-and-one-lost-a-10/ The armed crop duster that could replace the A-10: https://www.flightglobal.com/fixed-wing/2025/02/us-air-force-dubs-new-oa-1k-armed-crop-duster-skyraider-ii-ahead-of-first-delivery/
April 21 · 19 min
Fuel costs overshadow airline earnings season
This week we discuss rising jet fuel prices related to the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz in the Middle East, and look at how global carriers are responding to the crisis heading into the summer air travel season.
April 13 · 19 min
Runways to radio waves: LaGuardia crash highlights failed safety nets, US airlines brace for altimeter replacements
The deadly 22 March collision involving an Air Canada Express CRJ900 exposed holes in overlapping aviation safety networks. Meanwhile, the entire US aerospace industry is coming to terms with a pending requirement to replace all altimeters on all aircraft to prevent interference from new 5G cellular networks, a multi-billion-dollar effort.
April 6 · 27 min
Europe takes on a bigger share of NATO defence spending and the US loses an E-3 to Iran
The annual report from NATO's secretary general is out and it shows some notable trends. More than a year of threats and berating from US President Donald Trump seems to have spurred European governments to take on a greater share of financial responsibility for collective defence. Figures for 2025 indicate Europe and Canada now account for 48% of NATO spending versus only 40% in 2024. Meanwhile in the Middle East, the US Air Force lost a Boeing E-3 Sentry airborne warning and control aircraft while on the ground in an Iranian long-range strike. The incident calls into question the ability of the USAF to execute its agile combat employment strategy for protecting aircraft on the ground. FlightGlobal's European defence editor joins Americas defence reporter Ryan Finnerty to discuss spending trends in Europe and the future of the crucial airborne early warning mission set.
March 30 · 19 min
Adding fuel to fire: How are airlines managing fuel price uncertainty?
It is a month since the Iran conflict started, and a more far-reaching impact is beginning to take root, centred around the volatility of fuel prices. With fuel being the single largest expense for any airline, any spike in pricing will ultimately impact profitability. FlightGlobal’s head of airlines, Lewis Harper, joins Asia-Pacific airlines editor Alfred Chua to discuss what operators are doing to tackle the issue, and what the longer-term implications are.