AvTalk Episode 385: “Looking into” that low flypast

On this week’s episode of AvTalk, we discuss the low Airlink flypast in Cape Town, what’s been lost in the discussion so far, and what the South African civil aviation authority has to say about it.
Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy warns airlines to avoid Russian airspace as drones play an ever increasing role in the war between Russia and Ukraine. German authorities blame Russia for the recent explosive-laden drone in Leipzig.
The FAA is moving to fire a pair of controllers who left the La Guardia tower early on the day of the crash between an Air Canada CRJ and ARFF truck. But the situation isn’t as straightforward as it seems.
South Korean officials move to charge seven officials from the transport ministry with falsifying documents after the Jeju Air crash in Muan.
And US airlines continue the race to be as premium as possible.
Helpful links for this week’s episode

* Airlink’s low flypast: video, data, airline statement, South Africa CAA statement
* La Guardia Controllers left the tower early
* JetBlue’s new first class
* American Airlines’ new premium heavy 777-300ER
* Chinese airlines swing to losses in the first half of 2026
* Airline Atlas, the new map prints powered by Flightradar24 data

 

Click here for a transcript of this week’s episode.