Airline Weekly Lounge

In this episode of the Airline Weekly Lounge, hosts Gordon Smith and Jay Shabat delve into the current state of Japan Airlines and British Airways. They explore Japan Airlines' historical performance, recent financial trends, and the challenges it faces in a competitive market. The discussion then shifts to British Airways' recent changes to its loyalty program, which have sparked significant publ...

In this episode of the Airline Weekly Lounge, hosts Gordon Smith and Jay Shabat delve into the potential merger between Frontier Airlines and Spirit Airlines. They discuss the historical context of their relationship, the current status of Spirit's bankruptcy, and Frontier's renewed offer. The conversation explores the implications of a merger, including potential synergies and market power, while...

Note: This episode was recorded prior to the American Eagle collision with a military helicopter on January 29, 2025. In this episode of the Airline Weekly Lounge, hosts Jay Shabat and Meghna Maharishi analyze the financial performance and strategic direction of American Airlines and Breeze Airways. American Airlines, despite improving its operating margin to 8% in Q4 2024, continues to lag behind...

In this episode of the Airline Weekly Lounge, hosts Gordon Smith and Jay Shabbat discuss significant developments in the airline industry, focusing on a potential mega merger in Brazil involving Azul and Gol, and the acquisition of ITA Airways by the Lufthansa Group. They explore the implications of these mergers on competition, market dynamics, and the challenges faced by low-cost carriers in Sou...

In this episode, Gordon and Jay discuss the current state of the Egyptian aviation scene, highlighting the booming tourism sector despite regional unrest. They explore the factors contributing to Egypt's tourism success, including its geographical advantages, affordability, and the influx of Russian tourists. The conversation then shifts to European air capacity trends, examining the disparities i...

Gordon Smith and Jay Shabat crunch the big numbers to reveal which U.S. carriers are in expansion mode in the first quarter of 2025 and which operators are shrinking year-on-year.  Takeaways The US airline industry is seeing a modest capacity increase of 1% for Q1 2025. Delta Airlines is focusing growth on mid-continent hubs like Atlanta and Minneapolis. United Airlines is experiencing the fastest...

In this week’s episode, Gordon Smith and Jay Shabat turn their attention to the year ahead. Going region-by-region, the pair share the emerging stories that are on their radar for 2025 and beyond.  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.instagra...

In this week’s episode, Gordon Smith and Jay Shabat are back for the second half of their 2024 trends countdown. Hot topics include the impact of a strong U.S. Dollar and chronic supply chain issues. 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.instag...

In this week’s episode, Gordon Smith and Jay Shabat discuss the biggest trends to have shaped the airline sector in 2024. From continued consolidation to a horror show for U.S. LCCs, we reflect on a fascinating year for the industry. Connect with Airline Weekly LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/airline-weekly/ X: https://x.com/Airline_Weekly/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/airlinewee...

In this week’s episode, Gordon Smith and Jay Shabat are joined by Skift airlines reporter Meghna Maharishi to discuss why ancillary fees are coming under pressure from lawmakers in Washington. In part two, Gordon and Jay turn their attention to Taiwan’s booming airline market and explore the key factors behind its recent success.  Connect with Airline Weekly LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/comp...

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_Wee...

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 oper...

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 Takea...

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-cos...

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 land...

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...

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 C...

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 Foru...

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...

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 imp...

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/...

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 Link...

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 cha...

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...

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...