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

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March 23 · 15 min
The only way is up: Vertical flight on show and Airbus lands a heavyweight of freight
With the proliferation of eVTOL projects, vertical take-off and landing is no longer the exclusive privilege of helicopters. Participants in this specialist sector of the aviation industry have been demonstrating their latest products and developments at the Verticon 2026 exhibition in Atlanta. FlightGlobal’s European aerospace editor Dominic Perry discusses the highlights of the show and asks whether electric air mobility is just smoke-and-mirrors or a realistic prospect. And as Airbus secures the most significant order yet for its A350F, air transport editor David Kaminski explains why the deal represents more than just a set of healthy numbers in the new freighter’s backlog.
March 17 · 41 min
Epic Fury or Epic Blunder? Dissecting the US-Israeli air war over Iran
It’s been more than two weeks since US President Donald Trump launched military action against Iran. Dubbed Operation Epic Fury, the air and naval campaign has featured more than 200 fighter aircraft, all three of the US Air Force’s bomber types, and two aircraft carrier strike groups, plus the entire Israeli air force. Despite facing that armada, Iran remains defiant, effectively halting ship traffic through the Strait of Hormuz and disrupting vital energy flows. The inability of air power to achieve political and strategic goals appears to have caught the Trump Administration by surprise, despite numerous examples from history that have shown the limitations of air campaigns. FlightGlobal's managing defence editor Greg Waldron joins Americas defence reporter Ryan Finnerty to discuss the latest developments in the war and what we may see next.
March 9 · 22 min
How important is the Middle East to the global airline industry?
With the Iran conflict grounding aircraft, closing airports and stranding passengers, we assess the health of the Middle East airline industry going into this crisis – and the potential impact of a prolonged war. FlightGlobal’s head of airlines, Lewis Harper, joins Asia airlines editor Alfred Chua to discuss the key data and developments.
March 4 · 15 min
Balance of power: Weighing engine concepts for the next-gen narrowbody
When Airbus and Boeing commit to new single-aisle designs to replace their ubiquitous narrowbodies, the most anticipated decision will be the choice of propulsion. Engine manufacturers Pratt & Whitney and CFM International are focusing on separate strategies, pitching the conventional and conservative ducted fan against the radical open rotor. Each concept has its supporters and detractors. Each holds appeal and carries risk. FlightGlobal's Americas aerospace editor Jon Hemmerdinger joins air transport editor David Kaminski-Morrow to discuss a power struggle which will potentially reshape the engine sector and the broader aerospace industry.
February 23 · 22 min
The Twists and Turns of India's Many Fighter Modernisation Efforts
Of all the head scratching military procurement programmes across the world, few are more confounding than India's haphazard efforts at fighter aircraft modernisation. Cancelled development efforts, shifting requirements, and struggling attempts at domestic production have all combined to stymie several attempts at modernising the Indian air force. The geopolitical pressure is on, following last year's air battle between India and Pakistan, and New Delhi is once again attempting to recapitalise its fleet — both with new Rafale fighters from Dassault and another crack at domestic aircraft production. FlightGlobal's managing editor for defence Greg Waldron joins Ryan Finnerty to discuss what's in store for India's latest attempt at a tactical revamp.
February 16 · 11 min
Japan’s airlines grapple with tricky demographic trends
FlightGlobal’s airlines team take a look at the impact a rapidlyageing population in Japan is having on carriers such as ANA and JapanAirlines. Touching on topics such as networks and fleets, they also considerhow trends differ – sometimes in favour of airline growth – in other markets.
February 9 · 6 min
Chinese aircraft take centre stage at the Singapore airshow
In this special episode of FlightGlobal Focus, we give you a brief summary of everything that happened at the 2026 Singapore airshow, which took place in the island city-state last week. China took centre stage at the show, with major appearances by the country's military and commercial aircraft. Highlights included flying displays by Chinese-made J-10C fighters and the new C919 passenger jet. A model of China's new J-35A stealth was also on display, generating significant interest among several military delegations. Asia airlines reporter Alfred Chua recaps all that, plus a review of new orders placed at the Singapore air show.
February 2 · 22 min
What to expect at the Singapore airshow and World Defense Show
With 2026 now in full-swing, FlightGlobal's defence editorial team is crisscrossing the globe to report from some the world's most important military trade shows and exhibitions, where international deals are made and leading manufacturers debut their latest hardware. In February we'll be attending the biannual Singapore airshow and the World Defense Show in Saudi Arabia, at a time when regional powers in the Indo-Pacific and Middle East are all expanding their defence capabilities. Flight's Asia defence editor Greg Waldron gives a preview of what to expect in Singapore, and some helpful tips for navigating southeast Asia's premier military conference. Meanwhile, our Europe defence editor Craig Hoyle shares his experiences from Saudi Arabia, as the Kingdom hopes to continue expanding the World Defense Show in Riyadh.
January 26 · 16 min
Reflections on 2025 order and delivery figures
FlightGlobal’s aerospace team explains last year’s order and delivery figures from Airbus and Boeing, adding deeper context and detail to the headline numbers.
January 21 · 23 min
What does 2026 have in store for airlines?
IATA forecasts that the global airline industry will achieve its highest-ever profits in 2026. But risks to the outlook remain significant, not least amid troubling geopolitical developments around the world. In this episode, FlightGlobal’s Alfred Chua and Lewis Harper discuss the outlook for airlines over the next 12 months.
January 13 · 25 min
Breaking down the US raid on Venezuela
In the wake of the successful US military raid to depose Venezuelan strongman Nicolas Maduro, our defence team looks at how the Pentagon pulled off the audacious and risky operation that saw special operations helicopters fly into downtown Caracas to deliver an assault force. FlightGlobal's Ryan Finnerty, Craig Hoyle and Greg Waldron discuss the raid, how it compares to previous actions in Iran and Somalia, and what the operation means for the future of helicopters in combat.
Dec 22, 2025 · 53 min
2025 airlines in review - the best and worst of the year
Welcome to FlightGlobal Focus, your essential podcast for trusted aviation insight. We publish new episodes twice weekly: join us on Friday for a concise news briefing and on Monday for in-depth analysis covering airlines, defence or aerospace. Stay informed, stay ahead and get expert coverage from the team at FlightGlobal. Pioneering aviation insight. A note from Amber Elias: This is my last episode of FlightGlobal Focus. It has been a pleasure creating this podcast series and hosting it in 2025. In this episode, Amber Elias is joined by Lewis Harper, Alfred Chua and Howard Hardee. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Listeners can get a discount for a new subscription to Airline Business with the code ABPODCAST and to FlightGlobal with the code FGPODCAST (terms and conditions apply). If you have any questions, comments or suggestions, please email ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠podcast@flightglobal.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ For sponsorship and commercial opportunities, please email ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠podcast@flightglobal.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ First Flight is a production of FlightGlobal, an award-winning aviation media company, and is executive produced by Amber Elias. Audio editing by Lucy Johnson.
Dec 19, 2025 · 42 min
2025 aerospace in review - the best and worst of the year
Welcome to FlightGlobal Focus, your essential podcast for trusted aviation insight. We publish new episodes twice weekly: join us on Friday for a concise news briefing and on Monday for in-depth analysis covering airlines, defence or aerospace. Stay informed, stay ahead and get expert coverage from the team at FlightGlobal. Pioneering aviation insight. In this episode, Amber Elias is joined Jon Hemmerdinger, Dominic Perry and David Kaminski-Morrow. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Listeners can get a discount for a new subscription to Airline Business with the code ABPODCAST and to FlightGlobal with the code FGPODCAST (terms and conditions apply). If you have any questions, comments or suggestions, please email ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠podcast@flightglobal.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ For sponsorship and commercial opportunities, please email ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠podcast@flightglobal.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ First Flight is a production of FlightGlobal, an award-winning aviation media company, and is executive produced by Amber Elias. Audio editing by Lucy Johnson.
Dec 17, 2025 · 53 min
2025 defence in review - the best and worst of the year
Welcome to FlightGlobal Focus, your essential podcast for trusted aviation insight. We publish new episodes twice weekly: join us on Friday for a concise news briefing and on Monday for in-depth analysis covering airlines, defence or aerospace. Stay informed, stay ahead and get expert coverage from the team at FlightGlobal. Pioneering aviation insight. In this episode, Amber Elias is joined by Greg Waldron, Craig Hoyle and Ryan Finnerty. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Listeners can get a discount for a new subscription to Airline Business with the code ABPODCAST and to FlightGlobal with the code FGPODCAST (terms and conditions apply). If you have any questions, comments or suggestions, please email ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠podcast@flightglobal.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ For sponsorship and commercial opportunities, please email ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠podcast@flightglobal.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ First Flight is a production of FlightGlobal, an award-winning aviation media company, and is executive produced by Amber Elias. Audio editing by Lucy Johnson.
Dec 12, 2025 · 26 min
Bombardier Global 8000 enters service, Etihad cuts orders, Boeing MQ-28A advances, Qatar names new CEO, B-2 stealth bomber returns to frontline, Pentagon creates reverse-engineered Shahad-136 drone
Welcome to FlightGlobal Focus, your essential podcast for trusted aviation insight. We publish new episodes twice weekly: join us on Friday for a concise news briefing and on Monday for in-depth analysis covering airlines, defence or aerospace. Stay informed, stay ahead and get expert coverage from the team at FlightGlobal. Pioneering aviation insight. In this episode, Amber Elias is joined by Ryan Finnerty. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Listeners can get a discount for a new subscription to Airline Business with the code ABPODCAST and to FlightGlobal with the code FGPODCAST (terms and conditions apply). If you have any questions, comments or suggestions, please email ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠podcast@flightglobal.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ For sponsorship and commercial opportunities, please email ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠podcast@flightglobal.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ First Flight is a production of FlightGlobal, an award-winning aviation media company, and is executive produced by Amber Elias. Audio editing by Lucy Johnson.
Dec 8, 2025 · 15 min
Why Latin America is becoming aviation’s next big growth market
Welcome to FlightGlobal Focus, your essential podcast for trusted aviation insight. We publish new episodes twice weekly: join us on Friday for a concise news briefing and on Monday for in-depth analysis covering airlines, defence or aerospace. Stay informed, stay ahead and get expert coverage from the team at FlightGlobal. Pioneering aviation insight. In this episode, Lewis Harper is joined by Howard Hardee. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Listeners can get a discount for a new subscription to Airline Business with the code ABPODCAST and to FlightGlobal with the code FGPODCAST (terms and conditions apply). If you have any questions, comments or suggestions, please email ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠podcast@flightglobal.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ For sponsorship and commercial opportunities, please email ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠podcast@flightglobal.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ First Flight is a production of FlightGlobal, an award-winning aviation media company, and is executive produced by Amber Elias. Audio editing by Lucy Johnson.
Dec 5, 2025 · 9 min
2025 safety in review, North Korea’s propaganda parade, China Airlines to acquire 18 widebody jets, Airbus A320s grounded for computer systems failure
Welcome to FlightGlobal Focus, your essential podcast for trusted aviation insight. We publish new episodes twice weekly: join us on Friday for a concise news briefing and on Monday for in-depth analysis covering airlines, defence or aerospace. Stay informed, stay ahead and get expert coverage from the team at FlightGlobal. Pioneering aviation insight. In this episode, Amber Elias is joined by David Kaminski-Morrow. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Listeners can get a discount for a new subscription to Airline Business with the code ABPODCAST and to FlightGlobal with the code FGPODCAST (terms and conditions apply). If you have any questions, comments or suggestions, please email ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠podcast@flightglobal.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ For sponsorship and commercial opportunities, please email ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠podcast@flightglobal.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ First Flight is a production of FlightGlobal, an award-winning aviation media company, and is executive produced by Amber Elias. Audio editing by Lucy Johnson.
Dec 1, 2025 · 43 min
The future of helicopters in combat
Welcome to FlightGlobal Focus, your essential podcast for trusted aviation insight. We publish new episodes twice weekly: join us on Friday for a concise news briefing and on Monday for in-depth analysis covering airlines, defence or aerospace. Stay informed, stay ahead and get expert coverage from the team at FlightGlobal. Pioneering aviation insight. In this episode, Ryan Finnerty is joined by Craig Hoyle and Greg Waldron. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Listeners can get a discount for a new subscription to Airline Business with the code ABPODCAST and to FlightGlobal with the code FGPODCAST (terms and conditions apply). If you have any questions, comments or suggestions, please email ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠podcast@flightglobal.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ For sponsorship and commercial opportunities, please email ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠podcast@flightglobal.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ First Flight is a production of FlightGlobal, an award-winning aviation media company, and is executive produced by Amber Elias. Audio editing by Lucy Johnson.
Nov 28, 2025 · 12 min
Rostec Sukhoi Su-57 fighter updates, Lockheed Martin F-35s to Saudi Arabia, Douglas DC-3 hazardous piloting, SmartLynx closes, Lufthansa’s centenary livery, MH-47G helicopters to USSOCOM
Welcome to FlightGlobal Focus, your essential podcast for trusted aviation insight. We publish new episodes twice weekly: join us on Friday for a concise news briefing and on Monday for in-depth analysis covering airlines, defence or aerospace. Stay informed, stay ahead and get expert coverage from the team at FlightGlobal. Pioneering aviation insight. In this episode, Amber Elias is joined by Greg Waldron, FlightGlobal’s defence managing editor. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Listeners can get a discount for a new subscription to Airline Business with the code ABPODCAST and to FlightGlobal with the code FGPODCAST (terms and conditions apply). If you have any questions, comments or suggestions, please email ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠podcast@flightglobal.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ For sponsorship and commercial opportunities, please email ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠podcast@flightglobal.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ First Flight is a production of FlightGlobal, an award-winning aviation media company, and is executive produced by Amber Elias. Audio editing by Lucy Johnson.
Nov 24, 2025 · 15 min
What the 2025 Dubai airshow tells us about airframers and the aerospace industry
Welcome to FlightGlobal Focus, your essential podcast for trusted aviation insight. We publish new episodes twice weekly: join us on Friday for a concise news briefing and on Monday for in-depth analysis covering airlines, defence or aerospace. Stay informed, stay ahead and get expert coverage from the team at FlightGlobal. Pioneering aviation insight. In this episode, Dominic Perry is joined by David Kaminski-Morrow. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Listeners can get a discount for a new subscription to Airline Business with the code ABPODCAST and to FlightGlobal with the code FGPODCAST (terms and conditions apply). If you have any questions, comments or suggestions, please email ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠podcast@flightglobal.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ For sponsorship and commercial opportunities, please email ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠podcast@flightglobal.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ First Flight is a production of FlightGlobal, an award-winning aviation media company, and is executive produced by Amber Elias. Audio editing by Lucy Johnson.