FAA Administrator Rumors; Supply Chain Isn't Really Improving

In this week’s VIP Seat podcast, we talk about:

2024: One of the Worst Years for Global Aviation

December of 2024 saw the loss of almost 250 passengers and will be one of the deadliest months on record in aviation - one to war, Azerbaijan Airlines, and the tragic overrun of Jeju Air in South Korea. The number of incidents including those that haven’t resulted in fatal accidents has been alarming; while US air carriers were spared from fatal crashes, other accidents in Brazil, Japan, and elsewhere have led to a terrible year for aviation safety.

eVTOL Insolvency Woes Continue

Volocopter, a German startup, has filed insolvency proceedings, marking more financial issues in the eVTOL industry. Just weeks ago, Lillium, another German company, announced bankruptcy plans and laid off 1,000 workers. In a shred of good news, Llilium announced a new team of investors may allow them to hire those workers back and keep the eVTOL maker afloat.

Supply Chain Will Still Face Barriers in 2025

The key to success in 2025 will be adaption, says our guest this week, Suresh Narayanan of JetsMRO. Post-COVID airlines and business aircraft operators have been plagued with long lead times and lengthy repair periods; while it isn’t getting any worse, it isn’t improving all that much either. Instead of relying on manufacturers for in-stock parts, operators may need to seek more creative solutions to keep aircraft in service.

Canyon De Chelly Bans Air Tours

The Air Tour Management Plan (ATMP), a partnership between the FAA and the National Park Service is shutting down air tours in yet another national park, this time in Arizona. “Other national parks where such commercial flyovers essentially are or will be banned in coming years include Badlands National Park and Mount Rushmore National Memorial in South Dakota, Glacier National Park in Montana, and Bandelier National Monument in New Mexico” (ABC).

Alex Wilcox Rumored to Be On the Shortlist for FAA Administrator

After battling commercial airlines over the last few years, the CEO and Founder of JSX has supposedly had multiple interviews for the role. If selected, it could significantly impact the regulation of Part 135 aviation and 121 airlines. If nothing else, airline executives who have been on the attack against operators like JSX are likely uncomfortable with the idea…to say the least…

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