About this episode
We look at how the Pacific Northwest Aerospace Alliance advances an aerospace cluster. In the news, the American Airlines flight attendant union asks for compensation increases, the last year for the air races at Reno, and the first Boeing Dreamliners to leave service are being parted out. Also, an Australia News Desk report, the State of NASA, hydrogen fuel, Rolls Royce F130 engine testing, an Aerospace Media Awards call for nominations, and Boeing 747-400 N401PW. Guest Nikki Malcom Nikki Malcom is the CEO and Executive Director of the Pacific Northwest Aerospace Alliance (PNAA), a non-profit trade association that promotes the growth and global competitiveness of the Pacific Northwest aerospace cluster. The PNAA holds conferences and educational events, provides market intelligence, conducts B2B meetings, and provides networking opportunities. The region is attractive for aerospace companies because it has a built-in “ecosystem” and offers sustainability advantages for the industry. The workforce is skilled but Nikki feels that diversity needs to be taken more seriously by the industry. She also comments on the conservative and risk-averse reputation that aerospace holds, and the ongoing supply chain challenges. Nikki encourages others to join the aerospace industry, and volunteers on multiple trade school advisory boards and STEM education programs in an effort to promote the message that “Aerospace is for Everyone.” To support the effort of encouraging more women and girls to join the aerospace industry, she registered National Women in Aerospace Day for May 20th and is continuing that campaign to celebrate all of the cutting-edge work being done by women to advance the industry past, present, and future. Nikki has spent the past 23 years dedicated to the aerospace industry. She has had roles in supply chain, business development, and executive leadership in companies ranging from materials to manufacturing and testing. She’s obsessed with all things aviation and aerospace, including manufacturing, and is also president of NFM Enterprises, LLC . Nikki is looking forward to chasing her dream of pursuing her private pilot’s license this year! See: Washington state aerospace companies take off for AVALON airshow and exposition in Australia this week . From the Washington State Dept. of Commerce: Aerospace & Aviation . Aviation News American Airlines Flight Attendants Demand 35% Hike in Hourly Pay Rates and Boarding Pay in Latest Contract Proposals The Association of Professional Flight Attendants (APFA) represents about 23,000 members at American Airlines. They are demanding a 35 percent hike in hourly pay rates, boarding pay of 50% of the standard hourly rate (the same as Delta), pay increases for galley work and night shifts, increased per diem allowance rates, a “me too” clause that would automatically increase allowances if pilots won a higher rate, and an hourly pay rate increase of 6 percent in each of the three contract years. Related: American Airlines CEO Offers Pilots Up To $590K In Pay . Reno Stead Airport to Hold its Final National Championship Air Races Event in 2023 The Reno Air Racing Association issued a statement saying, “While we knew this day might come, we had hoped it wouldn’t come so soon. Citing the region’s significant growth amongst other concerns, the Reno Tahoe Airport Authority has made the decision to sunset the event. However, we are confident the event will continue. In fact, we are currently exploring several other possible locations to host the event in the future.” The National Championship Air Races have been taking place outside Reno since 1964. See To Our Loyal Fans and Passionate Community . Two 10-year-old Boeing 787 Dreamliners are already being scrapped Two former Norwegian Air Shuttle Boeing 787-8s are being parted out at Prestwick Airport near Glasgow, Scotland. These were delivered in June and August 2013 and are the first Dreamliners to be retired. The Dublin-based EirTrade Aviation is managing the disassembly. The planes were coming up to their 12-year heavy maintenance check. Australia News Desk ATSB releases preliminary report from on-going Gold Coast helicopter mid-air collision investigation The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) this week released a preliminary report into the collision of two EC130 helicopters on January 2nd, at the Gold Coast in Queensland, resulting in the loss of four lives. It is important to note that this is not the full finding of the investigation – only a preliminary, high-level overview. The full findings will be many months away, or longer. Straddie ‘brewairy’ flight takes beer tasting to new heights Grant’s found a new air-charter operation further north in Queensland which combines his love of flying with his other great passion….beer! The company is called Brewairy and allows tourists to climb on board a Cessna and sample a few local ales while making the short hop to Stradbroke Island. At last news, Grant was hightailing his way north to file a first-hand report… More flying coffees forecast as Google to expand drone tech Switching from beer to coffee, Australians could see many more of them flying around the suburbs after Google announced plans to test technology designed to load its drones and boost the number of airborne deliveries. Mentioned Alyssa Carson – Future Mars Walker, creator of the Blueberry Foundation . Find her on LinkedIn . The Spring 2023 Issue of Let’s Go Aerospace magazine has an article about Alyssa. Inside the world of aviation, space and defense news with the team behind Hype Aviation – The GeekWire Podcast talks with Isaac Alexander and Robin Koenig of Hype: Aviation, Defense and Space News . Video: 2023 ‘State of NASA’ Address from Administrator Bill Nelson https://youtu.be/yTVxELrVfB0 Hydrogen colours codes Video: Rolls-Royce Begins F130 Dual Pod Engine Test For B52 Aircraft https://youtu.be/oXs0QJ41HvM The 2023 Aerospace Media Awards , Fourth Call for Nominations, closing date – 31st March. Delta Flight Museum, Boeing 747-400 Hosts this Episode Max Flight, Rob Mark, and Max Trescott. Contributions by Grant McHerron and Steve Visscher.