Episode 032: New aircraft, new routes: welcome A320neo and 737 MAX - a podcast by Runway Girl Network

There is an underpinning of excitement around the world about the introduction of the new Boeing 737 MAX and Airbus A320neo narrowbodies, whose added range will allow airlines to open up a raft of new routes. "You basically have a more efficient airplane that allows airlines to do on the shorthaul what the 787 has been doing on the longhaul," says Miller, citing, for example, Norwegian's plans to transform the Atlantic with a fleet of 737 MAXs. Naturally, co-hosts Max Flight and Mary Kirby also talk to Mike about how #PaxEx should change when airlines deploy 737 MAXs and A320neos on international routes.

Even as international routes are being opened up with new types, the US regional aviation industry is in crisis right now. This is squarely a result of the pilot shortage, suggests. He concedes that there are pockets of hope - as start-ups like GLO and Boutique Air carve our local air service niches - but says these do not regional airline renaissance. We mull the current state of play for regionals.

Meanwhile, there is some good news on the #PaxEx front for travelers in the US. American Airlines and United Airlines are reintroducing complementary snacks, joining Delta, which has long distributed free Biscoff cookies to hungry domestic passengers. But do these small #PaxEx touches really matter to passengers. We talk turkey about the changes; and consider the next #PaxEx battleground for airlines.

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