Our guest for this episode is Paul Thompson, an aviation and travel journalist for Airways Magazine and Travel Pulse, and a 15-year airline industry veteran.
First, United Airlines has announced it will retire its Boeing 747s from scheduled service sooner than previously planned. The carrier’s last 747 will stop flying for United in the fourth quarter of this year. Co-hosts Max Flight and Mary Kirby talk to Paul about what makes this aircraft so iconic to passengers and #AvGeeks the world over. and all three share their fond memories associated with the Queen of the Skies.
Next, Paul was recently interviewed for a CNN article about how a baggage handler became trapped in the cargo hold of a regional jet flying for United Airlines from Charlotte, North Carolina to Washington Dulles. The man was ultimately unharmed, but as a long-time ramp agent, the incident surprised Paul. He reveals what protocol ramp agents follow to ensure co-workers stay safe, and why there is a focus on ramp agents' health at some airlines. Paul also divulges some of the interesting things that airlines carry for passengers in the cargo hold, and provides tips to passengers on what not to do when they pack their suitcases.
Last but not least, Lufthansa Technik, the massive MRO arm of Lufthansa Group, is gearing up to host the #LHTAvDays for media again. Paul attended this special event in Germany in the past, and tells us what he learned about Lufthansa Technik's role in the airline passenger experience.