Airline Weekly Lounge
The editors of Airline Weekly discuss the most interesting developments within the commercial airline industry. Conversation generally centers on one question: How do you make money in this industry? Presented by WEX.
Episodes
Skift Global Forum 2026: Aviation Preview
In this week's show, Gordon and Jay discuss two industry giants that are due to speak at the Skift Global Forum 2026 in New York between September 22-24. The conversation kicks off with Air Canada before turning to Virgin Atlantic. For the latest agenda and to book your ticket, visit live.skift.com
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Turkish Airlines' Turbulent Quarter
In part one, Gordon and Jay discuss a mixed set of Q2 results for Turkish Airlines. In part two, the conversation turns to Allegiant Air, with the U.S. carrier now taking Sun Country under its wing.
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Swiss Shines But Lufthansa Lags
Swiss out-earned the entire Lufthansa Group network division it belongs to last quarter, while the core Lufthansa brand slid back into an operating loss. Gordon and Jay work through how a fuel bill undid a solid demand quarter, and why Swiss keeps outperforming its much larger sibling.
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Airshow Highs and Earnings Season Realities
In part one, Gordon and Jay discuss the highlights from last week's Farnborough International Airshow, reviewing the big deals and longer term impact of the event. In part two, the conversation turns to earnings season, with a Q2 round-up from the main U.S. carriers.
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Why 2026 Is Aviation's Most Volatile Year Since COVID
The airline industry is navigating its most unpredictable period since the pandemic, with fuel prices, geopolitical tensions, premium travel demand, and aircraft shortages reshaping the competitive landscape. Gordon Smith and Jay Shabat break down the data behind the headlines, explaining why airlines remain profitable despite rising costs and unprecedented volatility.
They also explore the winne
How Many Planes Does the World Need?
Ahead of the Farnborough Airshow, for this special episode Gordon Smith and Meghna Maharishi are joined by Darren Hulst, Boeing's VP of Commercial Marketing. The conversation centers on the planemaker's latest Commercial Market Outlook, an annual report which asks how many aircraft the world will need in the decades to come.
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Can a "New Class of BNPL" Become a Strategic Loyalty Play?
ClarityPay recently partnered with JetBlue to introduce a new pay-later program that combines embedded financing, loyalty, and personalization to drive incremental revenue.
Learn more about ClarityPay here: claritypay.com/travel
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How Much is EasyJet Worth?
An approach from U.S. private equity firm Castlelake has reopened the question of what EasyJet is actually worth. Gordon and Jay run through the latest takeover chatter before setting the scene for Delta's Q2 earnings.
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Does SAS Really Need 40 A330neos?
Does SAS Really Need 40 A330neos?
In part one, Gordon and Jay discuss SAS Scandinavian Airlines' new widebody order and ask whether the carrier can justify that many additional planes.
In part two, the focus turns to Air New Zealand, where management has just published an updated turnaround plan.
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Is Las Vegas Out of Luck?
Las Vegas air traffic is down 6%. Gordon and Jay work through what's behind it, then turn to a U.S. market headed firmly the other way.
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What's the Most Profitable Airline in the World?
The latest Airline Weekly global earnings scoreboard is in and the airline on top may not be the one you'd expect.
Jay joins Gordon and Meghna to sort the winners from the losers. Before that, we report back from the IATA AGM in Brazil, with the trends that mattered and essential insights from the conference floor.
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The IATA AGM Debrief
Gordon joins Jay from Rio as the IATA AGM wraps. The two then turn to Brazil itself: one of the world's largest aviation markets, and one of its most consolidated — a combination that shapes everything from pricing to who gets to compete.
Presented by WEX.
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Inside the Minds of America's Airline CEOs
Gordon and Jay decode the most revealing CEO commentary from the Bernstein investor conference — what executives signaled about capacity, consolidation, and the months ahead. Then they look forward to the IATA AGM, one of the aviation industry's biggest gatherings, and what to watch for.
Presented by WEX.
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EasyJet's Tricky Quarter and Atlanta's Crown
A rough quarter for easyJet has the numbers telling a stark story. In part one, Gordon and Jay dig into a -27% operating margin and the missteps, market pressures, and industry dynamics behind it. In part two, they answer a deceptively simple question: why does Atlanta — not New York, London, or Dubai — top the global rankings for passenger traffic?
Presented by WEX.
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The Airline Europe Wrote Off — and Shouldn't Have
Gordon and Jay unpack how Iberia engineered one of the most dramatic financial turnarounds in modern airline history. Plus: Singapore Airlines posts a solid start to the year, but its Air India stake is shaping up to be a costly bet.
Presented by WEX
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The Profit Gap Splitting U.S. Airlines
Gordon sits down with Skift airlines reporter Meghna Maharishi to break down a revealing Q1 earnings season for U.S. carriers — separating the standouts from the strugglers. Plus: the latest merger chatter swirling around the industry, and could a major Boeing order follow President Trump's visit to China?
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Spirit Airlines: The Post-Mortem
Spirit Airlines is the first major U.S. carrier to go out of business in more than two decades. In this special edition, Gordon is joined by Jay and Meghna to unpack what went wrong — from blocked mergers to shifting consumer demand — and what Spirit's collapse means for the future of low-cost flying in America.
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What's Going Wrong at JetBlue?
Gordon and Jay open with JetBlue's latest quarterly results, unpacking what's behind the airline's struggles and what it might take to get back on course. Then they turn to Norwegian, where a strong set of numbers tells a very different story.
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Will Washington Save Spirit Airlines?
Could the U.S. Government shore up Spirit Airlines? Gordon and Jay break down the latest industry chatter about the troubled carrier's future, including fresh commentary from President Trump. Then they shift gears to unpack Alaska Air Group's newest earnings report and what it signals about the carrier's post-Hawaiian merger trajectory.
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Could United Really Merge with American Airlines?
Will two of America's biggest airlines become one? Gordon and Jay dig into whether a United-American mega-merger is actually on the table and ask what further consolidation would mean for the industry. Plus: Qantas cuts capacity and Korean Air's latest financials.
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Delta Confronts the Oil Price Crisis
Delta’s latest results are in and the fuel price challenge is front and center. Gordon, Jay, and Meghna dive into what the numbers say about the airline’s strategy and resilience. In part two, the conversation turns to Southwest and the next chapter of its transformation story.
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Who Will Lead IATA Next?
Gordon and Jay unpack major leadership moves shaping the industry, from Willie Walsh’s shift to IndiGo to Michael Rousseau’s departure from Air Canada. Later, they dive into fuel prices and what’s ahead for Alaska Airlines.
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An Aviation Crisis – with a Twist
In part one, Gordon and Jay unpack a whirlwind few days for the global airline industry, including fresh insights on jet fuel prices. In part two, the conversation turns to intriguing developments at Filipino low-cost carrier Cebu Pacific.
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Making Sense of the Fuel Price Crisis
Fuel accounts for roughly 20–30% of an airline’s operating costs—so when prices surge, the impact can be immediate and significant. In this week’s show, Gordon and Jay break down how U.S. airlines are navigating this historic spike and explore what it could mean for supply and demand.
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Jet Fuel Shock & Shutdown TSA Lines: Airlines Brace for a Volatile Spring
Jay Shabat is joined by Meghna Maharishi and Skift's Head of Research Seth Borko for a crossover Airline Weekly Lounge that hits two pressure points at once: a sudden jet fuel spike and the growing airport disruptions from the current US government shutdown.
First, Seth breaks down what the fuel surge could mean for US carriers, using airline SEC disclosures to translate price moves into real do
A Gulf Airline Crisis Like No Other
In a week when the world's busiest international airline ground to a halt and Gulf hubs faced aerial attack, Gordon and Jay explore the impact of the Iran war on the aviation industry. In part two, we take a closer look at the latest earnings from Qantas and Virgin Australia.
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Is Singapore Airlines Still A Profit Superstar?
In part one, Gordon and Jay review the latest numbers from Singapore Airlines and explain why context is key when determining success. In part two, we preview the annual results from British Airways and Iberia's parent company, IAG.
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American Airlines Is Falling Behind. Here’s Why
Delta and United are dominating airline profits while American falls behind, and Frontier struggles to recover.
Jay Shabat and Meghna Maharishi break down airline earnings, American’s leadership pressure, and Frontier’s turnaround strategy.
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Icelandair: Moving in the Right Direction?
In part one of this week's show, Gordon and Jay crunch the latest financials from Icelandair and discuss how it plans to become sustainably profitable. In part two, the conversation turns to global airports, as we reveal the major hubs with the biggest shifts in capacity for Q2.
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Japan Airlines vs. ANA: Who's On Top?
In this week's show, Gordon and Jay discuss the latest results from Japan's two mega-airline groups. With inbound visitor numbers soaring, but domestic air travel down, we analyze the key financial and operational metrics separating ANA from JAL.
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U.S. Earnings Season: Half-Time Report
In part one of this week's show, Gordon and Jay discuss the latest quarterly earnings from American Airlines and JetBlue. In part two, the discussion turns to Ryanair, with a deep dive into its financials and 2026 strategy.
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Meghna Maharish
New from Skift: Executive Conversations Shaping the Travel Industry
We’re sharing a preview of a new podcast from Skift called Skift Take Sessions.
Skift Take Sessions is a weekly, journalist-led podcast built from the most important conversations shaping the global travel industry. Each episode features candid interviews with CEOs and senior leaders across airlines, hotels, and travel platforms, recorded live at Skift events and expanded with context around why
Delta vs United: Premium Boom, Economy Squeeze
It is earnings season, and this week on the Airline Weekly Lounge, Jay Shabat and Meghna Maharishi break down Q4 2025 results from United and Delta, recorded on Wednesday, January 21, 2026.
They compare operating margins, unpack how fuel price differences shaped the quarter, and dig into what United’s call revealed about demand, costs, and competitive pressure points. Key themes include the growi
Allegiant–Sun Country Merger: What’s Really at Stake?
In this special edition of the Airline Weekly Lounge, Gordon is joined by Jay and Meghna to discuss Allegiant's plan to acquire Sun Country Airlines for $1.5 Billion. Fresh off the phone with Allegiant CEO, Greg Anderson, Meghna offers first-hand executive insights, while Jay delves into the data to discover the impact of the proposed tie-up.
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Inside the Ethiopian Airlines Playbook
Ethiopian Airlines is one of African aviation's outstanding success stories. We explore how the carrier grew profitably, built global reach, and what its strategy means for the future of the sector. In part two, Gordon and Jay set the scene for Q4 earnings season, with a focus on U.S. airlines.
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The David Neeleman Interview
Recorded on-stage at our recent Skift Aviation Forum, Gordon sits down with aviation legend David Neeleman. In this fast-paced discussion, few topics are left on the table, as we hear Neeleman's views on everything from the health of the U.S. airline industry to sustainable aviation fuels.
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The Joanna Geraghty Interview
Recorded on-stage at our recent Skift Aviation Forum, Gordon is in conversation with JetBlue CEO, Joanna Geraghty. We hear why the deck is stacked against smaller carriers in the U.S., and why she thinks 2026 will be a better year for the New York-based airline.
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Is Breeze in a Squeeze?
As Breeze Airways enters its fifth year of flying, Gordon and Jay discuss the challenges and opportunities for the David Neeleman-backed U.S. carrier. In part two, our attention turns to 2026, with a round-up of key industry topics to watch.
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In Conversation with DFW Airport CEO, Chris McLaughlin
Gordon sits down with Chris McLaughlin, Chief Executive Officer of Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, for a special episode of the Airline Weekly Lounge. In this wide-ranging conversation, the pair discusses everything from route development and new terminals to AI and operational resilience.
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America's Airport All-Stars
Gordon and Jay reveal the major U.S. airports that are due to grow at an impressive rate in the coming quarter. From Texas to Tennessee, we break down the numbers and examine the factors driving rapid growth.
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Inside Qantas' Project Sunrise
In part one, Gordon shares an insider perspective on a major new Skift feature examining the business case for Qantas' 'Project Sunrise' ultra long-haul flights. In part two, attention swings to European carriers as Jay rounds up the most profitable airlines for the all-important Q3 peak season.
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Airlines in 2026: Flying into Trouble?
In this special episode, we bring you the full recording from our recent LinkedIn Live webinar (Click This Link For Video Version).
Titled ‘Airlines in 2026: Flying into Trouble?’, Gordon is joined by Jay and Meghna to set the scene for the year ahead, with all of the challenges and opportunities that it may bring.
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Jay Sh
Even Emirates Can't Rest on its Laurels
In part one, Gordon and Jay reflect on the latest financial insights from Emirates, and examine the challenges that could lie ahead for the Dubai-based giant. In part two, the conversation turns to a disappointing set of Q3 results from KLM.
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What Makes Ryanair So Darn Profitable?
In part one, Gordon and Jay break down Ryanair’s latest earnings and uncover what keeps Europe’s biggest low-cost airline flying high. In part two, they share key takeaways from the CEOs of Etihad and Oman Air at the Skift Global Forum East — including how Gulf carriers see the next phase of global travel growth.
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Is the Government Shutdown Affecting Air Travel?
In part one of this week's show, Jay and Meghna discuss the latest developments regarding the U.S. government shutdown and its impact on air travel. In part two, their attention turns to JetBlue and its latest earnings report.
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What's Driving United's Domestic Headwinds?
In part one of this week's show, Gordon and Jay examine some of the factors creating headwinds for United in the U.S domestic market. In part two, we turn our attention to Europe and discuss a rare joint interview with the CEOs of Air France-KLM and Lufthansa Group.
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Virgin Atlantic Gets a New CEO
In part one of this week's show, we discuss a changing of the guard at Virgin Atlantic, as CEO Shai Weiss prepares to step down after seven years. In part two, we contextualize a strong set of Q3 figures from Delta.
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The Megatrends Shaping Q3 Earnings Season
On the eve of Q3 earnings season, Gordon and Jay explore the key trends to watch as America's biggest carriers get ready to reveal their latest financials.
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Hong Kong Stages Global Comeback
In this week's show, Gordon and Jay discuss the latest developments in the Hong Kong aviation scene. From a return to profitability at Cathay Pacific to a new third runway at the city's international airport, the Asian hub is looking to reassert its dominance after a bruising few years.
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U.S. and International Airlines at a Strategic Crossroads
In this week’s Airline Weekly Lounge, Jay Shabbat and guest-host Meghna Maharishi unpack the biggest takeaways from Skift Global Forum in New York.
The discussion spans airline labor challenges easing in the post-pandemic years, the impact of delayed aircraft deliveries on capacity and growth, and shifting demand patterns across the United States of America, Asia, and international markets.
Th
Airline Leaders Descend on Washington D.C.
In part one of this week's show, we discuss the key developments from a major U.S. aerospace summit in Washington D.C. attended by Skift airline reporter, Meghna Maharishi. In part two, Gordon and Jay explore the factors driving impressive growth in the Greek airline market.
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What’s Happening at WestJet?
As WestJet places the biggest aircraft order in its history, we discuss the past, present, and future direction of Canada’s second-largest airline. The conversation also includes updates on the latest developments at JetBlue and British leisure carrier Jet2.
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Profits A'Plenty for Australian Airlines
In part one, Gordon and Jay discuss robust financials from the Qantas Group and Virgin Australia, and explore why Air New Zealand continues to struggle.
In part two, the conversation turns to China and the headwinds dragging on profitability for the country's three largest airlines.
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Can Spirit Airlines Survive?
In part one, Jay and Meghna discuss the prospects of Spirit Airlines as it struggles to revive. In part two, the conversation turns north to Air Canada and its path ahead following a costly, peak-season flight attendant strike.
Five Key Takeaways
Spirit Airlines faces existential risk – with bankruptcy, liquidation, merger, or recovery as possible paths, but its ULCC model looks increasingly
What are the World’s Busiest Airports?
In this week's show, Gordon and Jay take a step back from the business of airlines to explore the world's busiest airports. As we discover, the global top 10 is constantly changing with a fierce battle to maintain international ranking and prestige.
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What is America's Most Profitable Airline?
In this week's show, Gordon and Jay unpack the latest earnings season data at major U.S. carriers. From the winners to the losers and everything in between, we examine the key factors driving profitability in Q2 2025.
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What is Air France-KLM's Weakest Link?
In part one, Gordon and Jay unpack the latest financials from the Air France-KLM Group and explore a mixed set of results. In part two, the discussion turns to a superstar performance from South America's Latam Airlines Group.
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American, Alaska, Southwest: Who Came Out on Top?
Today hosts Gordon Smith and Jay Shabat discuss the latest earnings reports from major U.S. airlines, focusing on the performance of American Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and Alaska Airlines. They analyze the factors affecting profitability, including operating margins, domestic exposure, labor costs, and market dynamics. The conversation also touches on the upcoming European airline earnings and
United Airlines and Ryanair in an Age of Uncertainty
Gordon and Jay discuss the latest earnings reports from United Airlines and Ryanair, exploring their financial performance, market comparisons, and the broader economic outlook. They delve into United's strategic partnerships, the United Next strategy, and the implications of tariffs on the airline industry, particularly in relation to Ryanair's operations and aircraft orders. Their conversation h
Wizz Air Abu Dhabi: What Went Wrong?
Today, hosts Gordon Smith and Jay Shabat are joined by their colleague Meghna Maharishi to discuss Delta's latest earnings report and what it signals for the airline industry. They then delve into the surprising strategic withdrawal of Wizz Air Abu Dhabi, which Gordon revealed earlier this week on Skift. As the airline suspends operations and exits its joint venture, we explore the factors leading
Who Wants to Join an Airline Alliance?
In this episode of the Airline Weekly Lounge, hosts Gordon Smith and Jay Shabat discuss the latest developments in the One World Alliance, including the recent addition of Oman Air as its 15th member. They explore the implications of this expansion, the challenges of airline alliances in covering global markets, and the potential for future memberships, particularly in regions like India and Latin
The 2025 Half-Time Airline Report
In this episode, Gordon and Jay reflect on the first half of 2025 in the airline industry, discussing key trends such as global demand, the impact of the U.S. dollar, and the ongoing consolidation within the industry. They explore how weather patterns are affecting tourism, the economic implications of tariffs, and the potential for mergers and acquisitions as airlines navigate a changing landscap
Paris Air Show 2025: Highs and Lows
In part one of this week's show, Gordon and Jay discuss the major developments from this year's Paris Air Show. In part two, the conversation turns to Vietnam, as we learn more about its rapidly growing airline market.
Takeaways
The closure of Qatari airspace has significant implications for airline operations.
The Paris Air Show showcased a mix of optimism and caution in the aviation ind
The Resurgence of Virgin Australia
Today Jay Shabat is joined by Meghna Maharishi to discuss the recent developments in the airline industry, focusing on Virgin Australia and its turnaround after bankruptcy. They explore the implications of Virgin's IPO, its financial health, and the impact of Qatar Airways' investment. The conversation then shifts to capacity trends for the third quarter, highlighting demand stabilization, fuel pr
Grounded Ambitions: Can Spirit and Wizz Soar Again?
In this episode of the Airline Weekly Lounge, hosts Gordon Smith and Jay Shabat tackle the challenges faced by Wizz Air and Spirit Airlines. They discuss Wizz Air's struggles with engine issues, market exits, and future growth opportunities, particularly in Eastern Europe. The conversation shifts to Spirit Airlines, highlighting its financial difficulties, rising costs, and leadership changes.
T
Making Sense of the JetBlue and United Partnership
For this episode of the Airline Weekly Lounge, hosts Gordon Smith and Jay Shabat delve into the recent partnership between JetBlue and United Airlines. They discuss the implications of this collaboration, the financial struggles faced by JetBlue, and the potential benefits for both airlines. The conversation also touches on regulatory considerations, industry reactions, and the future of airline m
IATA's Willie Walsh Talks Tariffs, Air Traffic Control and Oil Prices
In this special edition of the Airline Weekly Lounge, Gordon Smith shares highlights from a recent interview with Willie Walsh, Director General of IATA and former CEO of IAG. From Trump's tariffs to Russian airspace, and oil prices to sustainable aviation, you can't afford to miss this wide-reaching discussion with one of the industry's biggest names.
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Ryanair's Rosy Summer Ahead
In this episode of the Airline Weekly Lounge, hosts Gordon Smith and Jay Shabat delve into the latest financial results of Ryanair, discussing its operational strategies, challenges, and future outlook. They also explore the significant aircraft orders placed by Qatar Airways, analyzing the implications of these deals in the context of the current aviation market and geopolitical factors. The conv
Can Singapore Airlines Do It Again?
In this week's show, Gordon Smith and Jay Shabat preview the latest financial results from Singapore Airlines, traditionally one of the world's most profitable long-haul operators. The pair also discuss highlights from an airline leadership conference and the latest Q1 earnings from global carriers.
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Our Round-the-World Airline Adventure
In this episode of the Airline Weekly Lounge, hosts Gordon Smith and Jay Shabat take listeners on a global tour of the airline industry's Q1 earnings results. They discuss the contrasting fortunes of airlines across Europe, North America, Latin America, and Asia, highlighting optimism amidst challenges, mixed results, and shifts in consumer behavior. The conversation emphasizes the impact of oil p
U.S. Airlines’ Earnings Season Recap: What the Future Holds
In this episode of the Airline Weekly Lounge, Jay and Meghna discuss the recent Q1 earnings reports from major airlines, highlighting the mixed results and economic concerns affecting the industry. They delve into the challenges faced by American Airlines compared to its rivals, the importance of premium travel, and the potential impact of economic policies on consumer spending. The conversation t
Korean Air's Financial Flight Path
In this episode, Gordon and Jay delve into the latest financials from Korean Air, highlighting their Q1 earnings, the integration with Asiana Airlines, and the dynamics of the cargo business amidst global trade uncertainties. They also discuss the challenges faced by Chinese airlines, including their financial struggles and the impact of international relations on aircraft orders and operations. T
Delta's Q1 Earnings: Our Key Takeaways
In this episode of the Airline Weekly Lounge, hosts Gordon Smith and Jay Shabat discuss Delta Airlines' recent earnings report, highlighting a solid operating margin and the impact of tariffs and economic uncertainty on the airline industry. They explore the strength of Delta's loyalty program and the demographic trends influencing travel demand, particularly among baby boomers. The conversation a
Making Sense of Market Turmoil
In this episode of the Airline Weekly Lounge, hosts Gordon Smith and Jay Shabbat discuss significant CEO departures in the airline industry, particularly focusing on Spirit Airlines and AirBaltic. They analyze the implications of these changes amidst economic uncertainty, including the impact of tariffs and fluctuating oil prices on airline operations and travel demand. The conversation shifts to
Riyadh Air CEO on Building an Airline from Scratch
In this episode of the Airline Weekly Lounge, host Gordon Smith speaks with Tony Douglas, CEO of Riyadh Air, about the launch of the new national carrier for Saudi Arabia. They discuss the airline's ambitious plans, including achieving an Air Operator Certificate, the importance of digital transformation in enhancing guest experience, and the strategic partnerships being formed with other airlines
The Dynamic Growth of Air India and Indigo Airlines
In this episode of the Airline Weekly Lounge, hosts Gordon Smith and Jay Shabbat discuss insights from the Skift India Forum, focusing on interviews with Campbell Wilson, CEO of Air India, and Peter Elbers, CEO of Indigo Airlines. They explore the transformation of Air India under Tata's ownership, the competitive landscape of the Indian airline market, and the impressive growth of Indigo. The con
The Kings of the Caribbean
In this week’s episode, Gordon and Jay delve into the Caribbean airline market, highlighting key players like American Airlines and the emerging low-cost carrier Aerojet from the Dominican Republic. They discuss the competitive landscape, including JetBlue's dominance in the New York to Santo Domingo route. The conversation then shifts to Lufthansa, examining its recent financial struggles, the im
The World's Most Profitable Airlines
In this episode of the Airline Weekly Lounge, hosts Gordon Smith and Jay Shabbitt delve into the latest earnings season results for airlines globally. They discuss the impact of fluctuating fuel prices, analyze the performance of various airlines in Q4, and highlight the winners and losers in the industry. The conversation also covers the broader economic context affecting airline profitability an
The Day Southwest Airlines Changed Forever
In this episode of the Airline Weekly Lounge, host Gordon Smith, along with guests Jay Shabbat and Meghna Maharishi, discuss the significant strategic changes at Southwest Airlines. The conversation covers the airline's decision to implement bag fees, the introduction of a basic economy fare, and the overall impact of these changes on the brand and customer loyalty. The discussion also touches on
British Airways is a Profit Machine
In this week's episode, Gordon and Jay discuss the latest financial results and operational strategies of British Airways and Qantas. They delve into British Airways' impressive earnings, particularly in the North Atlantic market, and the implications of potential Heathrow expansion. The conversation then shifts to Qantas, highlighting its strong domestic performance and the challenges it faces in
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