Aviation Week's Check 6 Podcast
Aviation Week & Space Technology editors take a look at some of the bigger-picture issues in the world of aerospace and defense.
Episodes
Has The A220 Been A Winner For Airbus? And Should They Stretch It?
Ten years after the C Series entered service, editors are joined by Richard Aboulafia to assess the success of what is now the A220 and explain why a decision to stretch it or not is such a conundrum for Airbus.
Inside DC's Reimagined Air & Space Museum
As Washington DC's Air & Space Museum turns 50, its director Chris Browne tells Aviation Week about its newest galleries and gives a sneak peek of what's on display ahead of their opening on July 1. Watch a video version of this episode on YouTube
The Rapidly Changing World Of Aerospace Test Cells | Sponsored By ACS
Is your legacy test infrastructure the biggest bottleneck in your electrification program? In this sponsored podcast ACS breaks down why "purpose-built" test cells are failing to keep pace with the pace of innovation—and how moving to a modular, flexible design is the key to accelerating the path to certification. Learn more here
Why Airbus And Boeing's CEOs See The Future Differently
Editors discuss what Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg and Airbus CEO Guillaume Faury said in exclusive interviews that feature in the next issue of Aviation Week & Space Technology magazine.
What's Next For CCAs After U.S. Air Force Downselect?
Aviation Week's Robert Wall, Steve Trimble and Brian Everstine explore the U.S. Air Force's award of Collaborative Combat Aircraft production contracts to Anduril and General Atomics. Thank you to our sponsor, GE Aerospace. GE Aerospace is uniquely positioned to support the Defense sector, providing reliable high performance, innovative military engines, systems and services. Learn more at geaeros
MD-11 Crash—What Clues Were Missed?
Aviation Week's Sean Broderick and Guy Norris join Joe Anselmo to discuss new details released by the NTSB into the fatal crash of a UPS MD-11 last November including flaws in a Boeing safety analysis. Read Sean's story here, available for free through 2026: UPS Accident Probe Finds Trail Of Missed Clues
What's Next For The Luftwaffe After FCAS Collapse?
Aviation Week editors at the ILA Berlin Air Show ask what's next for the German Air Force fighter fleet after the collapse of the multinational FCAS program.
How Big Is The Crisis Facing Airlines?
Airline leaders from around the world converged on Rio last weekend for the IATA AGM at a time when the fallout from the Iran war is hitting the industry hard.
Why German Aerospace Is Booming
Aviation Week editors discuss how Europe is reshaping its military and commercial aviation sectors amid growing security concerns.
A Defining Moment For Blue Origin
As Blue Origin races to close the gap on SpaceX, a huge explosion on the launchpad has dealt the company a significant setback. Editors discuss how Blue will respond and implications for the broader launch market.
SpaceX—To The Nasdaq And Beyond
Editors discuss SpaceX's pitch for what will be the biggest IPO ever and what it could mean for the company.
Another Delay For 777X—How Bad This Time?
Bank of America analyst Ron Epstein joins Aviation Week editors to discuss the 777X program's long-term outlook after news that it will likely not be certified until 2027, and how Airbus will respond. Thank you to our sponsor, Siemens. When aerospace leaders need trusted engineering and design solutions, they turn to Siemens comprehensive solutions. From design to delivery, our solutions support
Orient Express—Traversing Europe's Defense Landscape
From the cancellation of RIAT to Turkey's newly announced ICBM, Aviation Week's Robert Wall and Tony Osborne navigate the evolving European defense scene. Thank you to our sponsor, GE Aerospace. GE Aerospace is uniquely positioned to support the Defense sector, providing reliable high performance, innovative military engines, systems and services. Learn more at geaerospace.com/military-defense
Does Boeing Need China Anymore?
Editors are joined by guest columnist Scott Mikus, director of Melius Research covering aerospace, to discuss Boeing's strategic position in China following a 200-aircraft order from Beijing that disappointed Wall Street.
Are X-Planes Worth The Xtra Effort?
Aviation Week editors Guy Norris, Robert Wall and Graham Warwick discuss the state of X-planes, how they have historically performed and what challenge the next X-plane program should take on.
Twenty Years Ago He Was Bigger Than Elon Musk—Has Aerospace Learned From His Failure?
Vern Raburn's attempt to mass-produce low-cost airplanes was a flop. Was Eclipse the forerunner to today's air mobility ventures? Guest columnist Richard Aboulafia and retired editor Fred George join Aviation Week's Joe Anselmo and Graham Warwick to explore Raburn's legacy after his passing in late April. --- At Space Tech Expo USA, the Space Tech Challenge Awards, Roundtables, and STAR Pavilion
Space Planes, Space Control and Space Domain Awareness
Aviation Week editors discuss how space control is front and center for the U.S. Space Force, allied services and adversaries.
How Joby And Unither Are Pushing AAM Toward Real Operations
Aviation Week's Graham Warwick and Ben Goldstein examine Joby Aviation's piloted New York City demonstrations and Unither Bioelectronics' hydrogen-electric Robinson R44 flights in Quebec as advanced air mobility moves closer to real-world deployment.
Missiles, Marines, Missile Defense And More
Aviation Week editors discuss just how much missiles have become central to the Pentagon's modernization strategy, the status of Golden Dome's Space-Based Interceptor effort, and what we observed at the Modern Day Marine expo in Washington. --- Thank you to our sponsor, GE Aerospace. GE Aerospace is uniquely positioned to support the Defense sector, providing reliable high performance, innovative
How's Business At Airbus And Boeing?
Aviation Week's Joe Anselmo, Michael Bruno, Jens Flottau and Guy Norris discuss recent earnings updates from Airbus and Boeing that saw the duopoly shrug off the Gulf War but note persisting supply chain issues. A freighter battle between the two is also heating up.
Dissecting Developments On MV-75, F/A-XX, B-21 And More
Editors reflect on a busy period for defense, sharing insights on Quad-A, Sea-Air-Space, Aviation Week's MALMS, the latest Pentagon budget figures, and everything else you need to know on air and missile modernization.
Aero Friedrichshafen Steps Up
Editors discuss developments in European business aviation after this week's Aero Friedrichshafen and the cancellation of the EBACE show.
At Space Symposium, NASA is Cool Again
Listen in as our editors discuss the buzz over Artemis II, the push for multiyear milspace predicaments and the return of nuclear reactors.
Quarterly Qhaos—How Hard Will Geopolitics Hit Commercial Aviation?
U.S. first-quarter earnings are typically a non-event, but not this year. Aviation Week editors look ahead to updates from airlines and OEMs and share what they will be watching for.
Reflections On The Dude 44 Rescue And Other Iran War Lessons
Aviation Week editors discuss the recent rescue operation of the Dude 44 F-15E crew, which marks a significant advancement in military innovation. --- From today's challenges to tomorrow's demands, Parker is helping shape the future of aerospace and defense. Email: DSD-info@parker.com.
Understanding The Revolution In Inflight Connectivity
Aviation Week editors covering commercial aviation and space convene to discuss how and why airlines are increasingly offering fast inflight Wi-Fi for free. Listen in to here Jens Flottau, Christine Boynton, Thierry Dubois and Robert Wall break it down.
Unpacking Trump's Gargantuan Military Air And Space Budget
Aviation Week's Joe Anselmo, Brian Everstine, Vivienne Machi and Steve Trimble delve into the winners and losers in the White House's $1.5 trillion defense spending plan. --- Today's aerospace and defense programs demand speed, precision, and resilience. A long-time trusted partner in the industry, Siemens empowers organizations to design, build, and sustain next-generation systems faster. Learn m
Can NASA's X-59 And Boom's Overture Really Deliver A New Era Of Supersonic Travel?
As NASA begins X-59 envelope expansion and Boom develops its first high speed engine, civil supersonic activity is at its highest since the retirement of Concorde in 2003. Aviation Week editors discuss the latest developments and the challenges that lie ahead.
NASA's New Moonshot
The new administrator shakes up the space agency with plans for lunar base and sunsetting SLS. Aviation Week's Joe Anselmo and Irene Klotz speak with Redwire Space President Michael Gold about the developments.
A Tale Of Two FALS—Airbus In Mobile And Boeing In Charleston
Editors are joined by AeroDynamic Advisory Managing Director Richard Aboulafia to discuss the progress of airliner production by Airbus in Alabama and Boeing in South Carolina.
What's Under The Ever-More Expensive Golden Dome—From Patriots To Hobbits
Aviation Week editors discuss the increase in projected Golden Dome costs and what the fiscal 2027 Pentagon budget request may tell us about the umbrella program.
The Impact Of The Iran War On Airlines
Conflict and fuel prices have battered air transport, but U.S. carriers are surprisingly confident. Aviation Week's Joe Anselmo, Christine Boynton, Jens Flottau and Lori Ranson discuss how the Iran war is affecting airlines in different regions and look ahead to potential ripple effects.
High-Energy Laser Weapons Reach New Heights
Aviation Week editors Robert Wall and Steve Trimble discuss the evolution of laser weapons that are now getting their first battlefield kills and are destined for new applications.
Heavy Lift And eVTOLs Put The 'Vertical' In Verticon
Aviation Week's Guy Norris and Tony Osborne are joined in Atlanta by vertical flight veteran Mike Hirschberg of H2 Advisors to discuss the highlights of this year's Verticon rotorcraft expo.
Rolls-Royce Wants A Piece Of The Next-Gen Narrowbody Market
Some 14 years after exiting the single-aisle engine market, Rolls-Royce is trying to get back into it, unveiling a new engine concept called the UltraFan 30—but can it break the CFM-Pratt duopoly? Editors are joined by guest columnist Scott Mikus, director of Melius Research covering aerospace, to discuss the dynamics in next-generation single-aisle propulsion.
How Iran War Tests Air Power, Gulf Hubs
Aviation Week's Robert Wall, Jens Flottau and Steve Trimble discuss the military operation in Iran, how it has disrupted commercial air travel and consider the ramifications for aviation.
High On CCAs, B-21, Space & More—The AFA Warfare Debrief
Listen in as Aviation Week's Robert Wall, Brian Everstine, Vivienne Machi and Guy Norris reflect on program updates and other highlights from the AFA Warfare Symposium. Thank you to our sponsor L3Harris. L3Harris' Red Wolf and Green Wolf deliver an unfair fight by combining speed, extended range and lethality through kinetic and non-kinetic effects: https://www.l3harris.com/all-capabilities/l3har
Aviation And Trump's Tariffs, Round Two
Aviation Week's Joe Anselmo, Michael Bruno and Jens Flottau are joined by consultant Kevin Michaels to break down President Trump's latest tariffs and where the pain will be felt in the aerospace supply chain.
Fuel Up For AFA Warfare Symposium
Editors preview AFA Warfare Symposium, setting the scene for key topics that will be on the agenda in Colorado. They touch on new leadership and shifting priorities, modernization efforts, and key programs like on-orbit refueling and tanker development.
Airbus Points The Finger At Pratt & Whitney
Editors are joined by Richard Aboulafia to discuss airliner production after Airbus shared its delivery targets for this year and Boeing updated its suppliers.
How Europe Learned To Start Worrying And Love The Bomb
Editors are joined by Agency Partners' analyst Sash Tusa to discuss the fallout of the Munich Security Conference and Saudi Arabia's World Defense Show. Key Topics: Overview of Recent Defense Events The Future of FCAS and European Defense Cooperation Germany's Nuclear Ambitions and European Security Insights from the World Defense Show in Saudi Arabia Saudi Arabia's Defense Industrialization Effo
Jared Isaacman On NASA's Future
NASA is under new leadership with Jared Isaacman. Listen in as he answers questions from Aviation Week's Irene Klotz after eight weeks on the job in this special episode presented by Editor-in-Chief Joe Anselmo. --- Nominations are now open for the Space Tech Challenge Awards—could your solution be a winner? Find out more and apply here https://spacetechchallenge.aviationweek.com/ The Space Tech C
From TacAir To Transports—Defense At The Singapore Airshow
Aviation Week's Robert Wall, Chen Chuanren and Brian Everstine report from the Singapore Airshow, sharing what they've been hearing about different military programs in the evolving geopolitical environment.
Commercial Aviation Insights From The Singapore Airshow
Listen in as Aviation Week's Guy Norris, Jens Flottau and Adrian Schofield sit down at the end of Day Two of the 2026 Singapore Airshow to break down what has—and hasn't—happened in commercial aviation at the event.
Unpacking The Pentagon's New Strategy—Greenland, Golden Dome And Budget Implications
Listen in as Aviation Week's Robert Wall, Brian Everstine and Steve Trimble break down the Pentagon's new National Defense Strategy and what it means for the budget.
Shot Down—What the FCC's UAS Ban Means
The Trump administration has started the clock on a near-total ban of foreign UAS and parts in the U.S. The surprise blanket ban has the potential to dramatically effect American customers and contractors alike—and not necessarily in a good way. Listen to Aviation Week's Michael Bruno and Bill Carey who are joined by The Drone Girl, Sally French, to explain what is happening and what it means.
What Did SciTech Reveal About The Future Of Aerospace?
Listen in as Aviation Week's Guy Norris and Graham Warwick report back from their annual pilgrimage to AIAA SciTech, sharing news of future aerospace technologies they learned about at the aerospace research forum. They also hear from Clay Mowry, the head of AIAA.
Innovate, Compete, Win: Aviation Week's Space Tech Challenge 2026
Aviation Week's Robert Wall and Garrett Reim are joined by Russ Matijevich, space industry veteran and a judge in the Space Tech Challenge Awards. Nominations are now open for the awards—could your solution be a winner? Find out more and apply here: https://spacetechchallenge.aviationweek.com/ The Space Tech Challenge Awards connect execution-ready innovations with the government agencies, prime c
Does Airbus Deserve a B+ or a C-?
Airframers' 2025 delivery totals are in. Aviation Week's team grades Airbus, Boeing and the smaller OEMs on their production performance last year.
Trump Vs. Defense Industry
Analyst Byron Callan joins Aviation Week editors to discuss U.S. President Donald Trump's attack on contractor profits and his plan to boost defense spending by 50%. Find out more about Aviation Week's Defense Conference here
Is The GCAP Fighter The F-35's International Successor?
Watch as Richard Aboulafia joins the podcast to discuss how 2026 is shaping up to be a pivotal year for two next-generation fighter programs conceived in Europe: FCAS and GCAP. Subscribers can read Richard's column on the Global Combat Air Program here Find out more about Aviation Week's Defense Conference here
Flubs & Forecasts 2025-26 Edition
In the annual Flubs & Forecasts edition of Check 6, editors reflect on what they got right and wrong in 2025 and make their predictions for 2026. Listen in as Aviation Week & Space Technology Editor-In-Chief Joe Anselmo hears from Christine Boynton, Michael Bruno, Brian Everstine, Guy Norris, Garrett Reim, Lee Ann Shay, Robert Wall and Graham Warwick. Check 6 will be back in 2026. Thank you to our
Check 6 Revisits: RTX's Pratt & Whitney Marks 100 Years
In this special anniversary episode of Check 6 Revisits, Pratt & Whitney President Shane Eddy and Aviation Week editors Guy Norris and Christine Boynton delve into the engine-maker's achievements over its first century. This episode explores how Pratt & Whitney's propulsion innovations have made it a global powerhouse, navigating highs and lows throughout the decades—and all dating back to a revol
Debriefing Defense In 2025
The F-47, low-cost missiles, space superiority and more—listen in as Aviation Week's Robert Wall, Steve Trimble, Tony Osborne and Brian Everstine break down the key developments of 2025 in the defense world.
As Airbus Strains, Boeing Gains
Airbus will again miss its delivery target due to supplier quality problems as Boeing's turnaround takes another step forward. Aviation Week's Joe Anselmo, Jens Flottau, Sean Broderick and Michael Bruno break it all down.
Fighter Deals Afar Stir Dubai Airshow
Listen is as Aviation Week's Steve Trimble, Tony Osborne and Robert Wall discuss what the defense industry was talking about at Dubai Airshow: from Saudi F-35s to Fursan to the Red Arrows.
Big Widebodies Back On The Agenda At Dubai Airshow
Boeing and Airbus are both now looking at the feasibility of upsizing their largest twin-aisles at the behest of Emirates, which led the way for orders at Dubai Airshow. Listen in as Christine Boynton, Jens Flottau, Guy Norris and Graham Dunn discuss that and other commercial highlights in this special episode recorded at the event. Thank you to our sponsor GE Aerospace. Learn more about how GE A
Will The Comac C929 Be The Next New Widebody?
Aviation Week editors are joined by guest columnist Richard Aboulafia of Aerodynamic Advisory to explore why Airbus and Boeing are dragging their feet on the next twin-aisle, leaving the Comac C929 as the only passenger widebody program formally in development.
The Outlook With PwC: Navigating The New Federal Contracting Landscape
From executive orders to oversight reforms, government contracting is shifting fast. In this sponsored podcast PwC experts join Aviation Week to break down the biggest regulatory changes, funding priorities and cost-control pressures shaping the aerospace and defense industry. Learn more: America In Motion—How businesses can own their next move
What's Going On At The Pentagon?
Aviation Week's Robert Wall, Brian Everstine, Vivienne Machi and Steve Trimble discuss the impact of policy changes at the Pentagon before they break down the latest developments with the B-21 and multiple CCA projects.
Will Commercial Aerospace Blow Its Big Opportunity?
Aviation Week's Joe Anselmo, Michael Bruno and Jens Flottau are joined by contributing columnist Kevin Michaels to record a podcast discussing whether the aerospace industry is making the most of the commercial upcycle.
Air Power Updates From KF-21 To Gripen To ShieldAI's X-BAT
After a busy week of news, Aviation Week defense editors break down the latest developments in the fighter, trainer and uncrewed aircraft programs in an action-packed episode. Steve Trimble shares a special dispatch from South Korea on the KF-21 program's production progress and KAI's leadership challenges, while Tony Osborne discusses Ukraine's potential 150-aircraft Gripen deal and Germany's ne
Inside Europe's Aftermarket—MRO Podcast Live From MRO Europe
This week Check 6 is hosting an episode from Aviation Week's MRO Podcast—European fleet growth, supply chain bottlenecks, AI, Gen Z, supplier contracts and geopolitics were all up for discussion as Aviation Week's team convened to record a special episode of the MRO Podcast live at MRO Europe in London. Find out more about Aviation Week Intelligence Network's 2026 Fleet & MRO Forecast here
Why Do Satellites Still Cost So Much?
Today's satellites are cheaper, but hardly cheap. Brad King, the CEO of a propulsion supplier Orbion Space Technology, joins us to explain why.
What Does Industry Really Think About A Next-Gen Aircraft? | Sponsored By McKinsey & Company
Rumors are flying about how aircraft OEMs are working on technology for the next generation of large commercial aircraft. But a recent survey of the commercial aviation industry by McKinsey and Aviation Week shows surprising results when it comes to what industry players really think is happening. And the truth has significant consequences for how the air transport industry will operate in coming
Regional Airlines' Age Problem
Labor contracts prohibit many U.S. airlines from refreshing their regional jets with the latest technology. Does this open the door for a novel hybrid-electric venture—and perhaps even a turboprop comeback?
Inside Ukraine And Its Battle Against Russia's New Drone Challenge
Aviation Week's Steve Trimble travelled to Ukraine where he participated in a military drone event and gained insights into how Russia's UAV operations are evolving. Steve discusses his observations and other aspects of the conflict with Tony Osborne and Robert Wall, as they unpack what it means about the changing battlefield dynamics. Read Steve's dispatch from Ukraine here
What's Behind The Latest Boeing 777X Certification Delay?
After Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg warned that certification of the 777-9 will take longer still, editors break down how the certification process has changed and why it is taking so long. Thank you to our sponsor GE Aerospace. Learn how the company and its partners are defining flight for today and the future here
DSEI Dissected—Drones, Directed Energy And Defense Tech
The DSEI arms expo provided the backdrop for companies to unveil new weapons and for government buyers to drive home a sense of urgency to develop systems at pace. Aviation Week editors discuss what they observed and covered in their reporting. Aviation Week analyst Sonny Butterworth also joins to share his observations on the land domain. Thank you to our sponsor Siemens. Siemens Xcelerator prov
Check 6 Revisits: Atomic Ambitions—Destruction To Discovery
In the decades since two modified B-29s dropped atomic bombs over Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan, bringing World War II to a close, there have been many ideas about how the power of the atom might be harnessed for other uses, including space exploration and aircraft propulsion. On this episode, Aviation Week editors comb through our archives to discuss the legacy of the atomic bomb missions and th
How Politics Are Upending Airliner Orders
Is free trade over in commercial aviation, or it is all just smoke and mirrors? Aerodynamic Advisory's Richard Aboulafia joins Aviation Week's Joe Anselmo, Jens Flottau and Dan Williams to discuss.
Getting The Hook
Aviation Week's Brian Everstine, Robert Wall and Steve Trimble discuss U.S. naval aviation ahead of the annual Tailhook gathering and the surprise announcement that U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Allvin will be retiring.
Why Everyone Is 'Not' Talking About Golden Dome
Aviation Week's Vivienne Machi and Brian Everstine are back from their trip to the annual Space and Missile Defense conference. Here's what was new or surprising, from counter-UAS to in-space mobility.
How Starlink Became SpaceX's Cash Cow
The Starlink satellite venture's stunning success has brightened Elon Musk's bumpy year, but has awakened China. Listen in as Aviation Week's Joe Anselmo, Garrett Reim, Irene Klotz and Matt Fulco discuss what has become SpaceX's cash cow. -- Since its inception in 1957, Aviation Week Network's Laureate Awards have honored extraordinary achievements in aerospace. Innovators that represent the value
Why Are Cybersecurity Risks Rising For Aerospace And Defense? | Sponsored By Shift5
As competition between the United States and adversary nations intensifies, cybersecurity risks for aerospace and defense are rising. Listen in to this sponsored podcast as Josh Lospinoso, CEO and Co-Founder of Shift5, and David Forbes, who leads Cyber Physical Defense at Booz Allen Hamilton, explain the nature of the cyber security threat, the stakes involved and how to mitigate it. Learn more h
Is Kelly Ortberg Turning Boeing Around?
Boeing's new CEO has been on the job for a year. Analyst Scott Mikus joins Aviation Week's Joe Anselmo, Sean Broderick and Michael Bruno to discuss how he's doing so far. Thank you to our sponsor GE Aerospace. Learn more about how GE Aerospace and its partners are defining flight for today, tomorrow, and the future here
Do NASA's Budget Cuts Spell Trouble For U.S. Aerospace? Mind The Gap!
NASA's normally vibrant presence at the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics' showcase Aviation and Ascend events was cut to the bone this year as the agency faces crippling budget cuts. Aviation Week's Graham Warwick, Guy Norris and Garrett Reim were in Las Vegas for the events. They share their impressions from there and concerns about what the NASA cuts could mean for U.S. competi
Air & Space Reimagined
Join the National Air and Space Museum's director Chris Browne and Aviation Week's Joe Anselmo for a private tour of the revamped museum in Washington. Watch the video version on Youtube here. Thank you to our sponsor GE Aerospace. Learn more about how GE Aerospace and its partners are defining flight for today, tomorrow, and the future here
What's The Buzz At RIAT? E-7 Wedgetail, Sixth-Gen Fighters And More
Aviation Week's Robert Wall, Brian Everstine and Tony Osborne gather after the Chief of the Air Staff's Global Air & Space Chiefs' Conference on the eve of the Royal International Air Tattoo to discuss the latest developments in air power as U.S. budget season impacts programs. Thank you to our sponsor Parker Aerospace. A partner of choice for OEMs and MROs, Parker helps solve complex challenges
AI 171 Preliminary Crash Report Adds Facts, Raises Questions
Listen in as Aviation Week's Guy Norris and Sean Broderick join Jens Flottau to share their thoughts on the preliminary report into the first crash of the Boeing 787.
