Airline Weekly Lounge
316 episodes - English - Latest episode: 15 days ago - ★★★★ - 72 ratingsThe editors of Airline Weekly discuss the most interesting developments within the commercial airline industry. In keeping with Airline Weekly’s style, conversation generally centers on one question: How do you make money in this industry?
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Episodes
Low-Cost, Long-Haul Challenges
April 05, 2024 15:00 - 29 minutesIn this week's episode, Gordon Smith is joined by Ashab Rizvi from Skift Research to discuss the key findings from a new report into the low-cost, long-haul airline sector.
The Michael O'Leary Interview
March 29, 2024 15:30 - 32 minutesIn this special edition of the Airline Weekly Lounge, we sit down with Ryanair Group CEO Michael O'Leary. No subject is off the table as we discuss everything from social media to Southwest's business model.
High Flyers and Terminal Declines
March 22, 2024 15:30 - 27 minutesGordon Smith and Jay Shabat discuss the global airports that look set to be the big winners and losers in the coming quarter.
The Lufthansa Problem
March 15, 2024 16:00 - 30 minutesGordon Smith and Jay Shabat discuss the latest developments from the Lufthansa Group and explain why the German flag carrier is trailing competitors. We also review the key aviation highlights from the J.P. Morgan Industrials Conference in New York.
American Airlines Fights Back
March 08, 2024 17:00 - 28 minutesGordon Smith and Jay Shabat discuss a new strategy from American Airlines to win back domestic market share and boost loyalty. We also examine the impact of Turkish Airlines' Australian debut on Qantas and other major carriers.
IAG Earnings in the Spotlight
March 01, 2024 17:00 - 25 minutesGordon Smith and Jay Shabat examine the latest results from IAG to find out how they compare with Air France-KLM. We also take a deep-dive into Latin America to explore the fortunes of Latam Airlines.
Megatrends 2024: Supply Chains and Climate Change
February 23, 2024 16:00 - 25 minutesToday we feature a portion of our Skift’s Megatrends for 2024, as Skift Editor-in-Chief Sarah Kopit is joined by Airlines Editor and Reporter Gordon Smith and Airline Weekly Senior Analyst Jay Shabat, to discuss our some of our most "problematic" Megatrends. They cover the continuing supply chain issues faced by the aviation sector, and the impacts of the burgeoning climate crisis on the business of travel. You can see all of Skift’s Megatrends for 2024 right now at Skift.com/megatrends.
A Surprise Thai Turnaround
February 16, 2024 16:30 - 27 minutesGordon Smith and Jay Shabat discuss how Thai Airways has shaken off its pandemic problems and emerged as one of the world's most profitable carriers.
Plotting A New Frontier
February 09, 2024 17:34 - 29 minutesGordon Smith and Jay Shabat discuss Frontier Airlines' bold new strategy which will see it cut capacity in Las Vegas and Florida. We also review the latest developments from Japan where the country's biggest carriers are enjoying a spike in premium demand.
The Rising Fortunes of Ryanair
February 02, 2024 17:00 - 27 minutesRyanair has its problems, but it is doing much better than most. As the Irish low-cost giant posts its latest earnings, Gordon Smith and Jay Shabat pick through the numbers and assess what the future could hold for the airline.
What do United Airlines and easyJet Have in Common?
January 26, 2024 16:00 - 43 minutesAs airline earnings season continues to gather momentum, this week we examine the fortunes of United and easyJet. Gordon Smith and Jay Shabat discuss the major developments and identify the key trends at these two very different carriers.
Judge to JetBlue: No Merger for You
January 19, 2024 17:03 - 32 minutesThis week has seen major courtroom drama as the proposed JetBlue-Spirit merger was blocked by a U.S. judge. In this special episode, Gordon Smith and Jay Shabat discuss the implications of the ruling and assess the likely knock on impact for the wider airline industry.
What’s the Latest with Boeing’s 737 Max?
January 12, 2024 20:14 - 19 minutesBoeing's 737 Max is back in the headlines for all the wrong reasons. An Alaska Airlines 737-9 lost a door plug after a sudden decompression on January 5 that prompted the FAA to temporarily ground all Max 9 variants with door plugs. Edward Russell and Jay Shabat discuss. Plus, JetBlue's leadership transition and outlook. Reading List Buttigieg on Boeing 737 Max 9’s Return: ‘Until It Is Ready, It’s Not Ready’ Alaska Cancels 737 Max 9 Flights Through Saturday as It Awaits FAA Approval for Ins...
Air France-KLM's Outlook
January 05, 2024 19:34 - 28 minutesWhat does Air France-KLM think of the future? It's bullish. Jay Shabat and Edward Russell discuss the group's recent investor day. Reading List Air France-KLM Bullish on the Future TAP Air Portugal Sale Delayed Up To a Year, Air France-KLM CEO Says The Airline Weekly team outlines the significant changes at Air France-KLM since Ben Smith became CEO in 2018. The airline, which was underperforming compared to its peers, has seen considerable improvements, particularly in the operating margin...
U.S. Airlines See Strong December Quarter Demand
December 15, 2023 10:00 - 28 minutesDelta, JetBlue, and Southwest all dropped updates on the fourth quarter outlook in recent weeks. The verdict? Travel demand is good, fuel is down, and operations are largely better than expected. Edward Russell and Jay Shabat disucss. Plus, the state of airline labor relations in the U.S. Reading List Delta Lays Out the Case For Continued Strength Flight Attendants Want More from U.S. Airlines. It Might Take a Strike to Get There. The flight attendants of CHAOS (Planet Money)
The Alaska-Hawaiian Merger: Pros and Cons
December 08, 2023 10:00 - 30 minutesThere are three big reasons for Alaska Airlines proposed $1.9 billion merger with Hawaiian Airlines: scale, loyalty, and premium traffic. And there are lots of questions too. Edward Russell and Jay Shabat discuss. Reading List Alaska Airlines in Deal to Buy Hawaiian Airlines for $1.9 Billion Alaska Airlines Needs New Growth – That’s Why It’s Looking to Buy Hawaiian Alaska-Hawaiian Merger Faces a Justice Department Wary of Airline Combos What Could an Alaska-Hawaiian Loyalty Program Look L...
An All British Affair
December 01, 2023 15:30 - 26 minutesVirgin Atlantic in a good year turns a modest profit. In bad years, it loses money. So why is Shai Weiss so confident the airline will turn a profit next year? Jay Shabat and Edward Russell settle in for a cuppa to discuss. Plus, EasyJet's results. Reading List Virgin Atlantic CEO Focused on Return to Profitability in 2024 Virgin Atlantic Pressures UK for Sustainable Aviation Fuel Support EasyJet Raises Profit Outlook After ‘Record’ Summer, Orders More Airbus Planes
Steven Udvar-Hazy at the Skift Aviation Forum
November 24, 2023 12:00 - 32 minutesWith the team out for the U.S. Thanksgiving holiday, we're bringing you another session from the recent Skift Aviation Forum: Air Lease Corp. Executive Chairman Steven Udvar-Hazy in conversation with Brian Sumers of The Airline Observer. Enjoy!
Boeing’s Big Week in Dubai
November 17, 2023 12:00 - 24 minutesIt was a busy week for Airbus and particularly Boeing in Dubai. The airframers racked up more than 330 firm orders for new aircraft from Emirates, Ethiopian, FlyDubai, and others at the airshow. Edward Russell and Jay Shabat discuss. Plus, Korean Air's summer quarter results. Reading List Emirates’ Tim Clark on ‘Trust’ in Boeing, Supply Chain Issues and the End of Innovation Emirates Makes $52 Billion Deal With Boeing At Dubai Airshow
Ryanair and Singapore Airlines Watch the Competition
November 10, 2023 19:53 - 24 minutesRyanair and Singapore Airlines had good summers, and the former will be among the most profitable globally. Both, however, are watching industry schedules closely as they look forward through the winter. Edward Russell and Jay Shabat discuss. Reading List Ryanair Expects Summer Revenue Surge to Continue as Competitors Slow Growth Singapore Airlines Doubles Down on Strategic Initiatives as Competitors Recover
American Airlines CEO Robert Isom
November 03, 2023 20:35 - 36 minutesAmerican Airlines CEO Robert Isom joined Edward Russell on stage at the Skift Aviation Forum on November 1. Enjoy their wide-ranging discussion from the year-end holiday outlook to international growth and boosting loyalty revenues. Reading List American Airlines CEO Seeks to Boost Revenue and Enhance Loyalty Program American Airlines CEO Defends Direct Selling Push in Face of Travel Agent Complaints American Airlines Had a Rough Quarter, but Points to 2024 Tailwinds
Hawaiian and Volaris's Struggles
October 27, 2023 16:00 - 24 minutesHawaiian Airlines and Volaris are two very different carriers. But they have one thing in common right now: A lot of planes affected by the issues with certain Pratt & Whitney geared turbofan engines on Airbus A320neo-family aircraft. Edward Russell and Jay Shabat discuss. Reading List Volaris Cuts Capacity Growth as Pratt & Whitney Engine Issues Ground 16 Planes Airbus A320neo Pratt Engine Issues to Ground 650 Planes Next Year Hawaiian Airlines Defends Tokyo Haneda Flight Rights as Unit...
The U.S. Air Travel Recovery Flatlines
October 20, 2023 15:00 - 26 minutesIf one thing's clear from the airlines that have reported third-quarter results it's that the U.S. domestic travel recovery has plateaued. That's not necessarily bad, passenger numbers are above 2019 levels, but the industry's higher cost structure could make a low-growth environment challenging. Edward Russell and Jay Shabat discuss. Plus, the latest from Routes World in Istanbul. Reading List American Airlines Had a Rough Quarter, but Points to 2024 Tailwinds United Faces Higher Costs – a...
Delta's Profit Machine
October 13, 2023 16:50 - 25 minutesThe reaction to Delta Air Lines' controversial loyalty program changes so far have proved more bluster than anything else. Its profit, and outlook, remain sound even as U.S. domestic demand slows to "steady." Edward Russell and Jay Shabat discuss. Plus, Virgin Australia is (finally) back in the black. Reading List Delta Profit Intact After Controversial SkyMiles Changes The U.S. Economy’s Secret Weapon: Seniors With Money to Spend Virgin Australia Back to Profitability but Still Faces Uphi...
Air France-KLM Moves on SAS
October 06, 2023 15:00 - 30 minutesSAS is making some big changes. As part of its bankruptcy restructuring, Air France-KLM, along with other investors, will take a minority stake in the Scandinavian airline prompting a new commercial alignment and its move to the SkyTeam — not "StarTeam" — Alliance. Edward Russell and Jay Shabat discuss. Plus, has United ordered too many planes? Learn more and register for the Skift Aviation Forum on November 1 in Fort Worth, Texas. Reading List Air France-KLM to Take Stake in SAS Under $1.2 ...
Breeze Founder and CEO David Neeleman
September 29, 2023 20:10 - 28 minutesBreeze Airways founder and CEO, and perennial airline entrepreneur, David Neeleman sat down for a wide ranging conversation with Brian Sumers at the Skift Global Forum in New York this week. On stage, Neeleman spoke of everything from soft fall travel demand to Breeze's international plans, and his views of sustainable aviation fuels. Reading List Breeze Sees Softer Bookings as Airline Growth Outpaces Fall Travel Demand Spirit Airlines Stuns with Forecast of Steep Third-Quarter Loss JetBlu...
What Are Mexican Airlines to Do?
September 22, 2023 13:00 - 24 minutesMexico's airlines face two countervailing trends: the reopening of the U.S. to new growth countered by new restrictions at the country's busiest airport, Mexico City International. Edward Russell and Jay Shabat discuss. Plus, what U.S. airports grew most the over the past 10 years? Reading List Mexico’s Airlines Lifted by U.S. Upgrade but Face Quagmire in Mexico City Giant Dallas-Fort Worth and Denver Airports Anticipate Big Growth This Year Delta’s Expansion in Austin May Be Too Little, T...
What's Happening at Spirit and Frontier?
September 15, 2023 15:19 - 23 minutesSlower bookings and "heightened" airfare discounting are hurting Frontier Airlines and Spirit Airlines this quarter. That means potentially deep losses for the ultra low-cost carriers. Edward Russell and Jay Shabat discuss what happened. Plus, the latest on the Pratt & Whitney geared turbofan engine situation. Reading List Spirit Airlines Stuns with Forecast of Steep Third-Quarter Loss Airbus A320neo Pratt Engine Issues to Ground 650 Planes Next Year
Fuel Costs Take a Bite Out of Airline Outlook
September 08, 2023 17:49 - 26 minutesFuel prices keep steadily rising after bottoming out in May. That's beginning to take a bite out the airline financial outlook for the third and fourth quarters. Edward Russell and Jay Shabat discuss. Plus, competition in Scandinavia. Reading List 3 U.S. Airlines Issue Warnings About Higher Third Quarter Fuel Costs SAS CEO Downplays Competition from Norwegian Air and Ryanair
What Do Airlines Face This Autumn?
August 18, 2023 15:49 - 23 minutesHow are airlines doing as the second-quarter earnings season wraps up? Generally good, but yield and cost concerns persist. Edward Russell and Jay Shabat discuss. Plus, Air Arabia’s impressive results. We are taking a summer hiatus for the next two weeks. Expect the next episode of the Airline Weekly Lounge on September 8. Reading List Air Arabia Unveils World-Leading Second Quarter Profits U.S. Airline Review: Top 10 Takeaways from Second Quarter Earnings
The World's Most Profitable Airlines
August 11, 2023 17:12 - 23 minutesEdward Russell and Jay Shabat discuss the latest Airline Weekly profit rankings for the second quarter. Plus, the latest developments at Hong Kong's Cathay Pacific.
A Transatlantic Travel Boom
August 04, 2023 17:21 - 20 minutesThere was one thing in common across Air France-KLM, IAG, and JetBlue in the second quarter: Transatlantic travel demand is booming. That helped lift the first two to impressive profits. But, at the latter, it wasn't enough to offset numerous U.S. domestic challenges. Edward Russell and Jay Shabat discuss. Reading List JetBlue Will Pay Dearly to End its Alliance With American Airlines Air France-KLM Looks to Spin-Off Loyalty Plan as Results Lag Peers British Airways and Iberia Parent IAG S...
Falling Airline Yields Do Not Mean Weak Demand
July 28, 2023 16:17 - 25 minutesBoth Ryanair and Alaska Airlines reported some decline in yields in the second quarter and continuing into the third. But they also made clear: Overall travel demand remains robust on both sides of the Atlantic. Edward Russell and Jay Shabat discuss what's happening. Reading ListAlaska Airlines Sees Domestic Fares Weaken as Americans Take More International Trips
American and United's Strong Second Quarters
July 21, 2023 14:00 - 20 minutesAmerican Airlines and United Airlines just reported record second-quarter results, including double-digit operating margins. Will the magic continue through the third quarter and beyond? Edward Russell and Jay Shabat discuss. Reading List American Airlines Raises Outlook After Strong Second Quarter Results United Airlines to Shrink Newark Departures 10% to Avoid Future Flight Disruptions Delta Results Lifted by Strong Europe and Latin America Demand
Norse Atlantic’s Strategy Comes Into Focus
July 14, 2023 11:21 - 27 minutesNorse Atlantic Airways President Charles Duncan is optimistic, if nothing else, about the longhaul low-cost airline’s future. But even with some summer profits under its belt, he and his team still spend nine months of the year planning for the low-demand winter season. Duncan chats with Edward Russell about the airline’s strategy a year after launch, and how it plans to make the aforementioned winter work. Reading List Long-Haul Discounter Norse Atlantic Sees London Expansion as Key to Prof...
Norwegian Air's Wise Wideroe Move
July 07, 2023 15:00 - 25 minutesAfter a decade of reckless growth in the aughts, Norwegian Air made a strategically smart decision in its deal to buy regional Wideroe. The combination would, if approved by regulators, make Norwegian-Wideroe larger than SAS in terms of seats in the Nordics. Edward Russell and Jay Shabat discuss. Plus, JetBlue is ending its alliance with American Airlines. Reading List: Norwegian Air Steps Up Pressure on SAS With $105 Million Wideroe Deal What’s Next for American and JetBlue? What’s Next ...
Diversifying Delta's Business
June 30, 2023 13:00 - 24 minutesDelta Air Lines held an investor day this week where CEO Ed Bastian said business was “gangbusters.” That’s what Wall Street wanted to hear but it appears also true for a company that sees significant delta ahead, and is actively working to grow high-margin tertiary businesses. Edward Russell and Jay Shabat discuss. Plus, the operational distress in the northeastern U.S. this week. Reading List Delta Sees ‘Gangbusters’ Recovery, Downplays Industry Concerns Delta Pins New Hopes on Gen Z and M...
India's Airlines Go Shopping in Paris
June 23, 2023 14:00 - 25 minutesIndian airlines IndiGo and Air India grabbed headlines with orders at the Paris Airshow this week. Can the country support all of their planned growth? Edward Russell and Jay Shabat discuss. Plus, the recovery for Alaska Airlines. Reading List IndiGo’s Giant Airbus Order Will Test Its and India’s International Aviation Ambitions Air India Seals $34 Billion in Aircraft Orders With Airbus and Boeing Alaska Airlines CEO: No Small Cities Face Axe – Yet
The Brains Behind Air Canada's Network
June 16, 2023 14:00 - 23 minutesAir Canada is flying double-daily high-density Boeing 777s — its equivalent of an Airbus A380 as Mark Galardo put it — to Athens this summer to meet some of the best travel demand it has ever seen. Galardo, the airline's executive vice president for revenue and network planning, joined host Edward Russell in the Lounge to chat about summer demand, Air Canada's recovery, and the evolving Canadian domestic market. Reading List Air Canada Is off to a Good Start Airline Execs Dismiss Slowdown Fe...
Takeaways From the IATA Annual Meeting
June 09, 2023 17:25 - 27 minutesThe mood in Istanbul at the IATA Annual General Meeting was definitely jubilant this year. Despite all the challenges airlines face — and, frankly, when do they not face challenges? — attendees celebrated strong demand, cheaper fuel, and other tailwinds. Will the good times continue? Edward Russell, fresh off the plane back, and Jay Shabat discuss. Plus, the industry's sustainability challenge and IndiGo's international plans.
Summer Air Travel Record Forecast
June 02, 2023 15:30 - 22 minutesU.S. airports saw roughly 300,000 more travelers than in 2019 over the Memorial Day weekend holiday, a sign of a busy summer to come. Are airlines ready? Edward Russell and Jay Shabat discuss. Plus, Delta is hit with a greenwashing lawsuit.
The Return of Icelandair
May 26, 2023 15:00 - 20 minutesIcelandair had a rough few years before and during Covid. But the airline believes it has turned the financial corner, and forecasts its best results in seven years. Edward Russell and Jay Shabat discuss. Plus, Turkish Airlines’ big plans for Anadolujet. Reading List Icelandair Rides High Yields to Profits Turkish Airlines to Spin Off Low-Cost Carrier Anadolujet
Air Canada Off to a Good Start
May 22, 2023 16:00 - 24 minutesAir Canada lost money in the first quarter of 2023. But that's no surprise. Wintertime losses are common for the carrier. But the red ink was minimal, setting it up for a strong year. Plus, a discussion about San Francisco's struggling airline market. Jay Shabat is joined by Madhu Unnikrishnan to discuss Air Canada's Q1 earnings and what's going at SFO. Reading List Air Canada Posts a Loss Despite Strong Travel Demand Airlines Face Capacity Scarcity Amid Aircraft and Engine Shortage Chart:...
Ryanair Makes Up With Boeing
May 12, 2023 16:00 - 27 minutesRyanair gave Boeing a boost, and let bygones be bygones, by ordering up to 300 new 737 Maxes. It’s the European discounter’s largest-ever order. Edward Russell and Jay Shabat discuss the deal. Plus, Air France-KLM and IAG’s first-quarter results. Reading List Ryanair Looks East With New Boeing 737 Maxes From Its Largest Order Ever Air France-KLM Eyes Expansion in Booming South America With Potential TAP Deal Iberia Leads Europe’s IAG to Winter Profits
Alan Joyce's Legacy at Qantas
May 05, 2023 17:03 - 27 minutesAlan Joyce took over Qantas Airways just as the Great Recession descended in 2008. He set about turning around its money-losing longhaul business, forging new international ties, and cementing Qantas' dominance of the Australian domestic market. Edward Russell and Jay Shabat discuss Joyce's legacy and the challenges that confront incoming CEO Vanessa Hudson. Plus, Lufthansa's somewhat concerning first-quarter results. Reading List New Qantas CEO Must Build on Predecessor’s Legacy Qantas Pic...
JetBlue and New York's Problems
April 28, 2023 15:30 - 25 minutesJetBlue has a New York problem. The city that made the airline could hold it back this summer if the Federal Aviation Administration’s air traffic control staffing issues are as bad as forecast. Edward Russell and Jay Shabat discuss. Plus, WestJet pursues a new, least bad strategy. Reading List Q&A With WestJet CEO Alexis von Hoensbroech JetBlue Sounds Alarm on New York Flight Delays This Summer Delta, United, JetBlue, American to Cut New York Flights This Summer to Reduce Delays
United and Alaska Airlines Navigate Uncertainty
April 23, 2023 11:18 - 30 minutesAirline Weekly’s Jay Shabat is joined by former Airline Weekly Editor Madhu Unnikrishnan to discuss United Airlines’ and Alaska Airlines’ first quarter earnings reports from earlier this week. The conversation starts with United’s challenges in January and February, and notes investors will tolerate it if they have a strong March and the rest of the year. United is working to rectify its problems in Florida and has a lot of aircraft coming along in the next few years to put somewhere. The co...
First Quarter U.S. Airline Earnings Preview
April 14, 2023 15:00 - 26 minutesDelta Air Lines kicked off the first-quarter earnings season this week. Edward Russell and Jay Shabat discuss what they expect. Plus, can American Airlines catch up to the pack? Reading List Delta Margin Recovery to Near Pre-Pandemic Levels in Second Quarter American Airlines Expects a Good First Quarter, the Second Is an Open Question American, Still Less Profitable than Delta and United, Attempts to Catch Up
Let's Hear It For Delta's Atlanta Airport Powerhouse
April 07, 2023 15:30 - 23 minutesAtlanta retained its title as the world’s busiest airport last year, shocker we know. But more interesting is the rise of the Denver and Istanbul airports — to third and seventh busiest, respectively — that were not even in the top 10 in 2019. Edward Russell and Jay Shabat discuss, plus the unfortunate shortage of air traffic controllers in the New York-area this summer. Reading List What’s the World’s Busiest Airport? Atlanta, Yet Again Delta, United, JetBlue, American to Cut New York Flig...
Lufthansa Nears ITA Airways Deal
March 31, 2023 15:08 - 24 minutesLufthansa is closer than ever to a deal for Italy's state-owned carrier, Alita..., oops, ITA Airways. But can Lufthansa turn loss-making ITA into a gem? That remains to be seen. Edward Russell and Jay Shabat discuss, plus the Istanbul Airport's impressive growth. Reading List Lufthansa Still Keen on ITA Airways Deal But Wants Price Discounted Over Heavy Losses Can Consolidation Lift Lufthansa? Istanbul Airport Lands EasyJet, Wizz Air Among 15 New Airlines Helping Drive Growth