In this week's show, Airline Weekly's Gordon Smith is in conversation with Sean Donohue, CEO of Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport. This wide-ranging discussion includes insights into major terminal overhauls, attracting new airline partners, and ensuring operational resilience. Connect with Airline Weekly LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/airline-weekly/ X: https://x.com/Airline_Weekly/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/airlineweekly/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiftnew...
Dec 06, 2024•34 min
Recorded at the Skift Global Forum East held in Dubai earlier this month, AirAsia CEO Tony Fernandes speaks to Skift Asia Editor Peden Bhutia. In a wide-ranging conversation, the pair discuss everything from a second Trump presidency to how Fernandes handled the aftermath of a deadly plane crash. Key Takeaways: Merger and Operational Adaptations: The merger of AirAsia and AirAsia X simplifies operations and capitalizes on the Airbus A321 LR and XLR, which reduce the need for wide-body aircraft. ...
Nov 29, 2024•24 min
In this special episode, Gordon Smith is in conversation with American Airlines CEO, Robert Isom. Recorded at the Skift Aviation Forum in Dallas, the pair discuss many of the thorniest topics impacting the industry. From perspectives on a second Trump presidency to the challenges at Boeing - you can't afford to miss these exclusive insights from one of the biggest names in U.S. aviation. Key Takeaways Focus on Certainty and Collaboration: American Airlines CEO Robert Isom emphasized the importan...
Nov 23, 2024•37 min
Description In this reaction podcast, Airline Weekly's Jay Shabat discusses Spirit Airlines' Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing this morning, the factors leading to it, and its implications. Unlike traditional airline bankruptcies, Spirit's case involves a pre-packaged restructuring plan aimed at addressing its financial troubles quickly. Jay delves into Spirit’s historical reliance on an ultra-low-cost carrier model, challenges post-pandemic, and competitive pressures that have compounded its financi...
Nov 18, 2024•11 min
This week we have an extra special treat for you. Recorded at the Skift Aviation Forum, held in Dallas, Texas on November 12th, we're in conversation with the IATA Director General Willie Walsh. Walsh and host Gordon Smith discuss pivotal topics in the aviation industry, including challenges for low-cost carriers, geopolitical concerns, the pursuit of sustainability, and the evolving economic landscape of airlines. Walsh offers insights into the resilience of the industry, the transition to sust...
Nov 15, 2024•29 min
In this week's episode, Gordon Smith and Jay Shabat preview the upcoming Skift Aviation Forum, being held in Dallas on November 12. From overcapacity to sustainability, the pair explore some of the most important themes that are likely to shape discussions at the event. For more information on the Forum visit live.skift.com. This episode is presented by American Airlines. Key Takeaways: DFW Market Significance: The Dallas-Fort Worth market is a critical and rapidly growing hub for airlines. DFW’...
Nov 08, 2024•29 min
Presented by American Airlines In this special episode, Gordon Smith and Jay Shabat discuss the key takeaways from LATAM's investor day event in New York. The pair explore how the company's turbulent history has influenced its current success. We also learn about the continued challenges facing the group as it sets ambitious targets for 2025 and beyond. Key Takeaways: LATAM Airlines' Origins and Challenges: LATAM began as LAN in Chile, thriving in a difficult South American airline market due to...
Oct 25, 2024•37 min
Presented by American Airlines In this week's episode Gordon Smith and Jay Shabat provide an early status update on Q3 earnings season. With Delta on the back foot after the CrowdStrike chaos and Olympic disruption, United is eyeing the top spot. The pair also discuss the latest financials from Virgin Australia and ask what could be next for the carrier. Key Takeaways: Upcoming Skift Aviation Forum Hosts Gordon and Jay discuss the upcoming Skift Aviation Forum on November 12th in Dallas. The eve...
Oct 18, 2024•29 min
Presented by American Airlines In this week's show, Gordon Smith and Jay Shabat explain the key elements to watch as third-quarter earnings season begins. The pair discuss all-important factors including aircraft supply shortages, oversupply in U.S. markets, and a possible resurgence in corporate travel. Key Takeaways: Q3 Earnings Preview: Delta is set to kick off Q3 earnings season this week with valuable insights into operational efficiency and profitability. The company faces heightened expec...
Oct 11, 2024•32 min
Presented by American Airlines In this week’s episode, Jay Shabat and Meghna Maharishi discuss Southwest's latest turnaround plan. They also look at the current state of the transatlantic market connecting the U.S. with Europe. Key Takeaways Southwest Airlines' Strategic Changes: Southwest plans to implement premium seating, red-eye flights, and cut back services in some areas like Atlanta to improve profitability. The airline also plans to monetize aircraft delivery delays and expects a positiv...
Oct 04, 2024•26 min
Presented by American Airlines In this week's episode, Gordon Smith and Jay Shabat discuss the final results from Airline Weekly's Earnings Scoreboard for Q2 2024. From household names to niche regional players, we examine the carriers that had the strongest performance in the all-important second quarter. Connect with Skift Airline Weekly LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/airline-weekly/ X: https://x.com/Airline_Weekly/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/airlineweekly/ Instagram: https...
Sep 27, 2024•28 min
Presented by American Airlines In this special episode, Gordon Smith and Jay Shabat are in New York City for the Skift Global Forum. Recorded just minutes after stepping off stage, the pair debrief following a wide-ranging discussion with United Airlines Chief Commercial Officer Andrew Nocella. From Boeing strikes to overtourism we explore the big takeaways. Connect with Skift Airline Weekly LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/airline-weekly/ X: https://x.com/Airline_Weekly/ Facebook: htt...
Sep 20, 2024•27 min
Presented by American Airlines In part one, Gordon Smith and Jay Shabat examine the huge changes taking place across Southwest Airlines' network and reveal the big winners and losers as the LCC's route map evolves. In part two, we discuss the key trends to watch for the coming season in the U.S. airline sector. Episode Summary Southwest Airlines Leadership CEO Exit: Gary Kelly, former CEO and chairman, to step down amid pressure from Elliott Management, a hostile investor. Current Leadership: CE...
Sep 13, 2024•34 min
Presented by American Airlines In part one, Gordon Smith and Jay Shabat take a closer look at Qantas and ask how major new projects could change its business. In part two, we turn our attention to Colombian national carrier Avianca and put its latest earnings in context. Episode Summary: Qantas performance: Qantas reported a 9% operating margin for the first half of 2023, stronger than 2019 levels. Domestic demand remains robust due to the vast distances in Australia and limited rail/road altern...
Sep 06, 2024•32 min
Presented by American Airlines In this week’s show, Gordon Smith and Jay Shabat examine the global airport capacity data for the coming quarter. Of the 100 busiest airports worldwide, we reveal the likely winners and losers for Q4 and ask what these capacity trends tell us about the industry’s broader direction of travel. Connect with Skift Airline Weekly LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/airline-weekly/ X: https://x.com/Airline_Weekly/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/airlineweekly/ ...
Aug 30, 2024•26 min
Presented by American Airlines In part one, Gordon Smith and Jay Shabat discuss the latest developments at Air Canada and find out what its international expansion plans could mean for future profitability. In part two, we examine the latest Q2 earnings from global carriers and discover who is leading the pack. Connect with Skift Airline Weekly LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/airline-weekly/ X: https://x.com/Airline_Weekly/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/airlineweekly/ Instagram: ...
Aug 23, 2024•31 min
Presented by American Airlines In part one, Gordon Smith and Jay Shabat examine the fascinating story behind British leisure carrier Jet2, and explain why it's an airline worth watching. In part two, we turn our attention to Azul to learn how the Brazilian firm fared in the second quarter. Connect with Skift Airline Weekly LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/airline-weekly/ X: https://x.com/Airline_Weekly/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/airlineweekly/ Instagram: https://www.instagram....
Aug 16, 2024•33 min
Presented by American Airlines In part one, Gordon Smith and Jay Shabat reveal which U.S. airlines had the best and worst second quarters of 2024. In part two, we turn our attention to the latest developments at European supergroup IAG, as it withdraws from a planned acquisition of Air Europa. This episode is presented by American Airlines. Connect with Skift Airline Weekly LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/airline-weekly/ X: https://x.com/Airline_Weekly/ Facebook: https://www.facebook....
Aug 09, 2024•34 min
Today we’re bringing you a bonus episode featuring an exclusive interview with former American Airlines Chief Commercial Officer Vasu Raja, who left American earlier this year after two years in the role and 20 years at the airline. Vasu sat with Skift Founder and CEO Rafat Ali as well as Airlines Reporter Meghna Maharishi, and offered some expert analysis about the current state of the airlines, including the overall slow down of the industry after years of growth during the pandemic recovery. ...
Aug 07, 2024•46 min
In part one, Gordon Smith and Jay Shabat discuss the latest earnings from JetBlue and examine the U.S. carrier's turnaround plan. In part two, we turn our attention to IndiGo and discover what makes it the world's most ambitious airline. Connect with Skift Airline Weekly LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/airline-weekly/ X: https://x.com/Airline_Weekly/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/airlineweekly/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/ WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel...
Aug 02, 2024•36 min
As the 2024 Olympics get underway in Paris, we speak with the CEO of the Air France-KLM Group, Ben Smith. He’s in conversation with Skift’s Editor-in-Chief Sarah Kopit and Head of Research Seth Borko, for a special edition of the Airline Weekly Lounge. Connect with Skift Airline Weekly LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/airline-weekly/ X: https://x.com/Airline_Weekly/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/airlineweekly/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/ WhatsApp: https://whats...
Jul 26, 2024•39 min
In part one, Gordon Smith and Jay Shabat discuss Q2 results from Delta Air Lines and Norwegian, looking for clues as to what the future could hold for other operators. In part two, we turn our attention to Hong Kong and examine the factors behind its slow aviation recovery after the pandemic. Connect with Skift Airline Weekly LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/airline-weekly/ X: https://x.com/Airline_Weekly/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/airlineweekly/ Instagram: https://www.instagr...
Jul 19, 2024•31 min
In part one, Gordon Smith and Jay Shabat discuss Qantas' latest ultra long-haul endeavor and ask what it tells us about the carrier's wider commercial strategy. In part two, we examine the latest twists and turns at Southwest Airlines as the company continues to fend off an activist investor.
Jul 12, 2024•32 min
In part one, Gordon Smith and Jay Shabat examine why this summer's Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris are likely to be a financial drag on Air France. In part two, we turn our attention to U.S. airlines and ask what the second half of 2024 could hold for some of the country's biggest carriers. Key Points: Air France and the Olympics Impact Olympic Disruption: Air France expects a revenue hit of €160-€180 million ($175-$200 million) for Q3 due to international markets avoiding Paris during the...
Jul 04, 2024•35 min
In part one, Gordon Smith and Jay Shabat discuss why Southwest has cut its revenue outlook for the current quarter. In part two, we take stock for our Airline Weekly mid-year review, and ask what the coming six months could hold. Get more airline news at http://airlineweekly.skift.com
Jun 28, 2024•31 min
In part one, Gordon Smith and Jay Shabat discuss the factors delivering consistently strong results for Korean Air. In part two, we reveal the global airlines that were the most and least profitable in the first quarter of 2024. Get more airline news at http://airlineweekly.skift.com
Jun 21, 2024•34 min
In part one, Gordon Smith and Jay Shabat discuss a fascinating week at Southwest, as the low-cost carrier navigates the challenges of a very vocal new activist investor. In part two, Gordon chats with Skift Airlines Reporter Meghna Maharishi about a major new feature examining female representation across the aviation sector. Get more airline news at http://airlineweekly.skift.com
Jun 14, 2024•29 min
Captain Theresa Claiborne was the first black female pilot in the United States Air Force and joined United Airlines as its second-ever black female pilot. Last month, she retired from United after 34 years and 10,000s of flight hours. Captain Claiborne has piloted everything from the KC-135 to the Boeing 787 and has done it all while championing diversity and inclusion. In her first-ever podcast interview she reflects on a genuinely illustrious career, before discussing her vision for the futur...
Jun 07, 2024•32 min
In part one of this week's specially extended episode, Gordon Smith and Jay Shabat discuss a dramatic few days at American Airlines. In part two, attention turns to Southeast Asia as we discover how some of the region's biggest carriers are performing. Get more airline news at http://airlineweekly.skift.com
May 31, 2024•36 min
In part one, Gordon Smith and Jay Shabat discuss the latest earnings from low-cost giant Ryanair. In part two, our focus turns to the upcoming summer travel season and what it means for the big U.S. airlines. Background Reading: Ryanair ‘Don’t Care’ Who the Next Boeing CEO Is https://skift.com/2024/05/20/ryanair-dont-care-who-the-next-boeing-ceo-is/ Ryanair CEO Slams Boeing Culture: ‘They Love Talking Corporate Bullsh*t’ https://skift.com/2024/03/20/ryanair-ceo-slams-boeing-culture/ What Are Sum...
May 24, 2024•31 min
