AvTalk Episode 368: Humanoids handling your bags?
From AvTalk - Aviation Podcast by Flightradar24
May 1, 2026 · 47 min · Episode 368
About this episode
This episode discusses the NTSB report on a crash, airline financial support, new routes, and the introduction of humanoid robots in baggage handling.
On this week’s episode of AvTalk, the NTSB’s preliminary report on the crash at La Guardia Airport in New York lays out the avenues of investigation and spurs the Port Authority to action. FedEx says it will put the MD-11 back into service in May, but the FAA still needs to weigh in. US low cost carriers are pitching the government on a $2.5 billion support package, while Spirit negotiates separately for an increasingly unlikely $500 million loan. Alaska Airlines launches its first European service, while American Airlines returns to Venezuela for the first time since 2019. American and Southwest roll out special liveries ahead of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Plus, this month in Tokyo, humanoid robots could soon be handling your bags. And we mark a special week at Flightradar24 as Fredrik Lindahl passes the CEO baton to Andreas Schorling. Helpful links for this week’s episode * NTSB preliminary report on LGA collision * Reporting on FedEx MD-11s via FreightWaves * Southwest’s Independence One * Welcoming Andreas Schorling as Flightradar24’s new CEO Click here for a transcript of this week’s episode .
People in this episode
Host: Flightradar24
Topics covered
- aviation safety
- airline operations
- robotics in aviation
- financial support for airlines
- new airline routes
- leadership changes
Keywords
- NTSB
- La Guardia Airport
- FedEx MD-11
- Alaska Airlines
- American Airlines
- robot baggage handling
- airline support package
- leadership transition
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: NTSB, FedEx, FAA, Spirit, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines
Products: MD-11
Places: La Guardia Airport, Venezuela, Tokyo
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