Aviation Week's Check 6 Podcast

Richard Aboulafia, a veteran aviation analyst, joins Aviation Week editors Jens Flotow and Guy Norris for a riveting discussion on the future of widebody aircraft. They delve into the reasons behind the slow roll-out of new models by Airbus and Boeing, while examining the emerging Comac C929. The conversation highlights the intricate relationships between engine manufacturing and aircraft development, as well as the impact of market demand and sustainability on future designs, including the critical role of Emirates and geopolitical influences.

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

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.

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.

Join Steve Trimble, an Aviation Week defense editor with expertise in Korean fighter programs, and Tony Osborne, the European defense editor focused on fighter and uncrewed aircraft. They delve into the KF-21's production status and KAI's leadership challenges, plus potential export markets like the UAE and Poland. Tony discusses Ukraine's significant Gripen interest amidst operational hurdles, while also reviewing Germany's Eurofighter updates. The conversation highlights Shield AI's innovative X-BAT project and the UK's search for Hawk T2 replacements with promising contenders.

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

Today's satellites are cheaper, but hardly cheap. Brad King, the CEO of a propulsion supplier Orbion Space Technology, joins us to explain why.

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 years. Listen in to this podcast sponsored by McKinsey as McKinsey experts Frank Coleman III and John Moore talk with Aviation Week's Michael Bruno about the survey results and what companies need to do now for the next generation of aircraft. Read more

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?

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