The Air Show
Jon Ostrower, Brian Sumers and Brett Snyder discuss the business of the sky on this aviation podcast.
Episodes
The Unsettled Transpacific
Transatlantic strategies are pretty well set for North American carriers, but transpacific strategies are definitely not. Delta seems to be making its move now, though Brian Sumers and Brett Snyder disagree on whether this should have happened earlier. This week, we talk about that and all the airlines that are trying to cement their place across the Pacific.Thank you to SkyGo for sponsoring this
Mergers Improve Competition
The U.S. Government Accountability Office came out with a new report on airline competition and the challenges for lower-cost airlines. But Brett Snyder and guest host Courtney Miller, founder and managing director of Visual Approach, poke holes in why this report isn’t all that useful, even if it’s not a bad report itself.Thank you to Points, a Plusgrade company and SkyGo for sponsoring this week
Is There Room For An All-Premium Airline?
A listener asked why can’t an airline be successful doing either a premium or, at least, an elevated experience? Something like a resurrected Midwest Express? Brian Sumers and Brett Snyder explain how the economics – from segmentation to upselling – make it pretty hard for that to be viable.Thanks to SkyGo for sponsoring this episode.Got your own question? Send it to info@theairshowpodcast.com
The Unique Hawaiian Interisland Market
Hawaiʻi is more than paradise, it's also home to the unique and complex interisland market. Between the dramatically shifting demand and the nature of the flying that limits the choice of fleet, Jon Ostrower and Brett Snyder talk about how airlines like Hawaiian and Southwest have to successfully navigate this important market.Thanks to SkyGo for sponsoring this episode.The Air Show will be t
Gossip, Hot Topics, and Jumpseats at IATA
Brian Sumers and Jon Ostrower are back from the IATA annual general meeting in Rio. They tell Brett Snyder about what they saw and heard, from how US airlines aren't worried about the price of fuel to the way fares are moving differently in the US compared to Europe.Thank you to Points, a Plusgrade company, for sponsoring this week's episode.SHOW NOTES:The number of times Scott Kirby has
Jon Says U.S. Airlines Are Going In Reverse
U.S. aviation, the world’s original air travel marketplace, is going backwards rapidly. That's what Jon Ostrower argues, and he says there are signs in things like premium, capacity and airports. He'll try to convince Brian Sumers and Brett Snyder that America's aviation industry is on the verge of a major structural shift.Thank you to Points, a Plusgrade company, for sponsoring thi
Fort Lauderdale: The Most Interesting Airport in America
With its largest airline – Spirit – out of business, FLL has become a fascinating airport where airlines are all jockeying for position. Jon Ostrower, Brian Sumers and Brett Snyder talk about which airlines are trying to get a leg up in Fort Lauderdale and, for that matter, all of South Florida.Thank you to Points, a Plusgrade company, for sponsoring this week's episode.
Allegiant Drops The Drama
Just a few months after selling its ill-fated hotel in Florida, Allegiant completed one of its most profitable quarters in recent memory. Now, it needs to focus on how it can make its acquisition of Sun Country a winner. With the deal now closed, Jon Ostrower, Brian Sumers, and Brett Snyder explain how the acquisition fits into Allegiant's strategy for growth.
The Government’s Role In Spirit’s Demise
Spirit is the first major airline to have abruptly shut down in the U.S. since 1991. Jon Ostrower, Brian Sumers and Brett Snyder explain how the government, from the Obama Administration to now, all had a role in the company's demise.Thanks to Plusgrade for sponsoring this episode.
The A220-500, An Airplane Palate Cleanser
The Airbus A220 Stretch, aka the A220-500, is a plane that's stalked the industry since the C Series was launched in 2008. But it sure looks like Airbus is getting closer to bringing it to reality. Jon Ostrower, Brian Sumers and Brett Snyder talk about why it was a threat to Boeing then, but not to Boeing now.We would like to thank Delight.ai for supporting The Air Show.
The Government is Making Things Worse
There’s been overwhelming weirdness in the decisions coming out of the federal government, and it is creating real harm in this industry. Brian Sumers and Brett Snyder talk about the President weighing in about a rumored United-American merger, Trump's suggestion that the government bail out Spirit, and the heated transcripts of an FAA meeting around who could fly what at O'Hare.We would
We Have to Talk About Mergers
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said recently that the administration would like to see one of the larger airlines buy one of the smaller ones. At around the same time, Bloomberg reported that United talked about buying American. Jon Ostrower, Brian Sumers and Brett Snyder discuss how real any of this is, and what it would look like if any of the U.S. airlines merged.
Breeze's Lukas Johnson Sounds Off
Brian Sumers talks with Lukas Johnson, Breeze Airways' opinionated chief commercial officer, to get his views on demand, fuel costs, credit card revenues and the power of an airline's brand. He also tells us who he thinks should replace Robert Isom (if Isom is let go) and why he's happy to be known as the industry's second-most arrogant commercial mind.Thanks to Gilat Stellar B
Oil, and the Rest of the World
U.S. airlines may be cautiously optimistic about the effect that high oil prices will have on their bottom line, but not so much executives at non-U.S. airlines. Fuel is really expensive out there for them. Jon Ostrower, Brian Sumers and Brett Snyder talk about the real concerns those companies have about covering their costs.Thanks to Flagstaff Pulliam Airport for sponsoring this episode.
United’s Media Day Extravaganza
Jon Ostrower and Brett Snyder report back from United's media day where new hard products were shown off on several different aircraft. It was also on full display that the airline has been preparing for the next downturn with strategies that allow it to move forward with long term plans even when things don’t look good in the short term. We would like to thank Plusgrade for supporting The A
Euphoria Sweeps the Airlines
U.S. airlines gave an update of the business at the JP Morgan Industrials Conference and, despite the state of the world and spiking fuel prices, they basically said everything is awesome. Jon Ostrower, Brian Sumers and Brett Snyder explain the reasons why the airlines are optimistic, including high consumer demand.
The Myriad Aviation Angles in The War In Iran
The war in Iran sent a massive wave of disruption to flights operating throughout the region and any flight crossing overhead because it's a major aerial thoroughfare between India, Australia, Southeast Asia and Europe. Jon Ostrower and Brett Snyder examine the long-term effect on flows to places like Dubai and Doha as superconnecting hubs, and the impact that the swings in oil prices will ha
A Path for Spirit/The Chicago Drama
Spirit Airlines has a plan to save itself by adjusting to seasonal demand, pivoting into more premium seats and shrinking its debt and lease obligations. Brian Sumers and Brett Snyder break down whether the move will revive the Spirit brand. Plus, the FAA is stepping in to mediate the "arms race" by American and United to win future gate space at O'Hare.Reach top leadership and deci
United Changes MileagePlus To Reward Cardholders
United announced major changes last week to its MileagePlus loyalty program. It soon will offer the biggest incentives to credit cardholders, while removing perks from other flyers. Brian Sumers and Brett Snyder discuss why it's a good thing that United is rewarding its best customers, even if some travelers are upset.Reach top leadership and decision-makers at airlines around the world by sp
Where in the World is Steve Giordano
This week, Jon Ostrower and Brian Sumers welcome one of the most well travelled humans on the planet, Steve Giordano. He's founder of Nomadic Aviation Group and star of the YouTube channel "Cockpit Casual." They talk about the business of ferry airplanes around the world, what it was like for Steve to consult on the second season of HBO's "The Rehearsal," and more.Rea
Frontier Goes Back to Big and Traditional
There was a great deal of intrigue surrounding Frontier Airlines not for what it did, but for what it didn’t do – sell tickets beyond early April until just recently. But what is clear is that there is a shift under the brand new CEO Jimmy Dempsey. Brian Sumers and Brett Snyder talk about how Frontier is returning to growth and also going back to basics.Reach top leadership and decision-makers at
Southwest’s Big Changes are Done, Now What?
Southwest made big changes in the past year, including the introduction of checked bag fees and assigned seating. Jon Ostrower, Brian Sumers and Brett Snyder talk about where the shifts take the airline with two Southwest executives – COO Andrew Watterson, and EVP and CFO Tom Doxey.Reach top leadership and decision-makers at airlines around the world by sponsoring The Air Show. We are currently bo
Allegiant and Sun Country: An Obvious Combination?
Allegiant announced it will buy Sun Country with the deal expected to close later this year. Brian Sumers and Brett Snyder debate the possible benefits and risks of this combo.Reach top leadership and decision-makers at airlines around the world by sponsoring The Air Show. We are currently booking campaigns for 2026. Visit www.theairshowpodcast.com to get in touch with us.
The 787-10 is having a moment
Boeing's 787-9 has been the sexy airplane in the Dreamliner lineup until now, with the 787-10 occupying a smaller niche. But more recently, the 787-10 has excited Alaska, United, Delta and others. Jon Ostrower and Brian Sumers explain what's driving this interest, and what it means for future Boeing sales.Reach top leadership and decision-makers at airlines around the world by sponsoring
ATR Bets on JSX
ATR has built an aircraft that should interest U.S. airlines because of its low relative operating costs on short routes. But with larger airlines unwilling to take a chance on a turboprop, ATR is hoping public charter operator JSX will change the market. JSX is testing ATR-42s from Santa Monica, and if it works, it may add more. Jon Ostrower and Brian Sumers recently took a ride on the first JSX
American Remakes Its Schedule
Brett Snyder and Brian Sumers break down six notable network changes that American recently announced, including changing its bank structure at DFW, going big in Chicago, putting more premium-heavy planes into rotation, and more.Reach top leadership and decision-makers at airlines around the world by sponsoring The Air Show. We are currently booking campaigns for 2026. Visit www.theairshowpodcast.
Revenue Management 201
Brett Snyder offers a more advanced (and less time-consuming) lesson on revenue management — in response to the recent Airlines Confidential episode — in the final episode of 2025.Thank you for listening to The Air Show this year. Your company's support and sponsorship makes this podcast possible. To learn more about our rates and our very targeted audience, please email graham@bullpenstrateg
Condor CEO shows his stripes
Condor is one of Europe's only remaining independent long-haul airlines. It may not stay that way for long. Brian Sumers and Jon Ostrower spoke to Condor CEO Peter Gerber about the carrier's path forward now that its majority shareholder wants to pursue "strategic options." Another airline, perhaps from the Middle East, might want to take a stake in Condor, Gerber tells Ostrowe
The essential Dubai Airshow recap
Jon Ostrower is back from Dubai Airshow with news and highlights to share with Brett Snyder, plus listener feedback from our recent episode about Delta Airlines.We would like to thank Plusgrade for supporting The Air Show.Visit www.theairshowpodcast.com to get in touch with us.
What's wrong with Delta, part 1
A listener wrote to us: "I'm a United employee, so I do enjoy hearing about how much everyone except UA and DL sucks. That said, a more challenging series of episodes might be 'what's wrong with DL or UA'...so tell us where you think we suck, and you might as well do a similar episode for the other two airlines that are doing well." This week: Brian Sumers and Brett S
Airlines cope with FAA chaos + we take your questions
Brett Snyder and Jon Ostrower talk about the DOT and FAA ordering airlines to cut flights and the response from the airlines and the teams of people (listeners to this podcast) who are helping us all through it. They also respond to questions and comments from listeners about our recent episodes on American Airlines, the regional jet landscape, slot wars at O'Hare, and more.We would like to t
Alaska's shifting priorities
Jon Ostrower, Brian Sumers, and Brett Snyder check in on Alaska Airlines' post-merger strategy, its network changes and new attention for San Diego and Portland, and the outlook for its new Atmos program.We would like to thank Plusgrade for supporting The Air Show.Visit www.theairshowpodcast.com to get in touch with us.
What’s wrong with American Airlines, part 3/x
Jon Ostrower, Brett Snyder, and Brian Sumers finish their three-part series on American by talking through the airline's leadership issues. Leadership is one of the biggest issues facing American today, and they get into the weeds on what would help this airline to fly high again.We would like to thank Plusgrade for supporting The Air Show.Visit www.theairshowpodcast.com to get in touch with
Sir Tim Clark's strategic leadership at Emirates
Jon Ostrower and Brian Sumers interview Emirates president Sir Tim Clark about his long career at the airline, including key decisions about aircraft and cabin design, and the challenges the airline faces today.We would like to thank Dohop for supporting The Air Show.Visit www.theairshowpodcast.com to get in touch with us.
(J)on the road again
Jon Ostrower updates Brett Snyder and Brian Sumers on some recent developments in the aviation space: Airbus's A220-500, Avelo's deal with Embraer, GE Aerospace's efforts to improve engine durability (and address known issues), and shiny, new, techy highlights from the UP Summit.We would like to thank Plusgrade for supporting The Air Show.Visit www.theairshowpodcast.com to get in to
The Transatlantic Evolution
Brian Sumers and Brett Snyder discuss how the expansion of transatlantic joint ventures has affected the U.S.-to-Europe market. Consumers now have far more choices than ever before, as airlines are operating more flights than at any time in history. But with essentially just three groups setting the fares on transatlantic routes, Sumers and Snyder ask: Is the current paradigm a good one?If you wou
What's wrong with American Airlines, part 2/x
We continue our series focusing on American Airlines, and this episode is about the airline's brand. Thank you to all our listeners who sent in comments, feedback and questions from our first episode about American Airlines, and please keep your messages coming. Get in touch with us (anonymously) at www.theairshowpodcast.com.We would like to thank Plusgrade and SES for supporting The Air Show
Sun Country's CEO on the Future of Ultra-Low-Cost Carriers
Jude Bricker, the CEO of Sun Country Airlines, joins Brian Sumers and Brett Snyder at the APEX Global EXPO 2025 in Long Beach to talk about Spirit Airlines’ bankruptcy, the future of ultra-low-cost carriers in the US, and why Sun Country’s variable capacity model gives it an edge. We would like to thank Plusgrade and SES for supporting The Air Show.If you would like our audience of airline executi
Spirit goes back to bankruptcy
Once again, Spirit Airlines has filed for bankruptcy. Brett Snyder and Brian Sumers talk about the challenges Spirit will face, even if it dutifully follows its new plan. It's a tough time to be a ULCC.If you would like our audience of airline executives and decision-makers to know about your company, please get in touch with us about sponsorship opportunities on The Air Show. Visit www.theai
What's wrong with American Airlines, part 1/x
It's time to start looking under the hood at American Airlines. As promised before our summer break, Jon Ostrower, Brett Snyder, and Brian Sumers are starting with a detailed analysis of American's fleet and network. When it comes to American, do you have other areas in mind (besides brand) or questions we should address in future episodes? Get in touch with us (anonymously) at www.theai
Alaska's global premium plan takes shape
With network changes, new routes and new "brand expressions," Alaska Airlines is starting to solidify its plan to transform into a global airline. Jon Ostrower and Brett Snyder discuss Alaska's news, its increasingly complex fleet, and also what these transformative steps could mean for Alaska's home market (Seattle) and nearest competitor there (Delta).We would like to thank P
Checking in on Southwest
Southwest is in the midst of a transformation. Brian Sumers, Jon Ostrower, and Brett Snyder discuss how it’s going so far. It was a rough second quarter but at least one of the hosts is unusually optimistic about the airline’s future.We would like to thank Plusgrade for supporting The Air Show.Visit www.theairshowpodcast.com to get in touch with us.
Flyadeal’s CEO and the future of low cost
Jon Ostrower and Brian Sumers welcome Steven Greenway, CEO of Saudi Arabia’s low-cost carrier Flyadeal, for a primer on Saudi aviation, the airline’s international ambitions amid a geopolitical shift for Saudi Arabia on the world’s stage, and how its all-Airbus fleet is performing in the desert heat.We would like to thank Plusgrade for supporting The Air Show.Visit www.theairshowpodcast.com to get
Delta's being bold
Brett Snyder and Brian Sumers discuss Delta’s new routes from Los Angeles to Hong Kong and Chicago, planned for next June. Is this…all about United?We would like to thank Plusgrade for supporting The Air Show.Visit www.theairshowpodcast.com to get in touch with us.
The latest on the Air India crash
Jon Ostrower, Brett Snyder and Brian Sumers discuss what is known — and unknown — after the release of the preliminary report on the fatal Air India Boeing 787 crash.Visit www.theairshowpodcast.com to get in touch with us.
A very geopolitical air show
Jon Ostrower talks with Brian Sumers about this year's Paris Air Show, including the new "stretched" A220, ATR's strategic move into the U.S. market with JSX, LOT's big A220 order, and how the Air India Dreamliner accident — and how information-scarce the ensuing weeks have been — changed the event this year.We would like to thank Plusgrade and Intelsat for supporting The
Boeing looks ahead (with special guest Darren Hulst)
Darren Hulst, Boeing's vice president of commercial marketing, joins Jon Ostrower and Brett Snyder on this episode to talk about the company's 20-year market outlook for commercial aircraft. This year's CMO — released Saturday in the United States — forecasts 43,600 new airplanes from 2025 to 2044. Darren gets into the details about how his team formulates the prediction and what th
The JetBlue-United partnership says a lot about the industry
It's been a few weeks since JetBlue and United announced their partnership, and Brian Sumers and Brett Snyder have some analysis about what it says about the rest of the industry. The short version: United looks good, JetBlue can't lose, Delta looks dismissive, and American still looks like it lost out. Brett and Brian get into the details on this episode.We would like to thank Plusgrade
JetZero has potential
Will the next major competitor to Boeing and Airbus be JetZero and its blended wing passenger airplane? Jon Ostrower and Brett Snyder talk about JetZero's Z4 design, which aims to offer significant fuel efficiency gains over traditional tube-and-wing aircraft, and United Airlines' investment in the company. Like other companies seeking to develop new aircraft and technology, funding is a
Michael O'Leary knows what the %$# he's doing
This week, Jon Ostrower and Brian Sumers discuss Ryanair's recent financial performance and its chief executive's extremely disciplined focus on its growth and cost control strategies — and his colorful dismissals of anything in the way of its goals. (Please be advised this episode contains bleeped vulgarities that are direct quotes, not commentary from the hosts.)We would like to thank
What's next for U.S. regionals
With Mesa set to merge into Republic, Brian Sumers, Jon Ostrower, and Brett Snyder look at what's coming for a shrinking industry. They ask whether mainline airlines still need so many regional partners now that E175s and CRJs are much more expensive to operate than ever, and they discuss whether there's any new aircraft technology coming that might disrupt the regional industry.We would
Caviar, ottomans, and more premium inventions
This episode is about the finer things. Brian Sumers and Brett Snyder discuss the ever-escalating race to premium, including United's forthcoming changes to its premium international service, and Delta and American's investments in and strategies for their premium offerings.We would like to thank Plusgrade and TCG Digital for supporting The Air Show.Visit www.theairshowpodcast.com to get
A Newark state of mind
This week, Jon Ostrower and Brett Snyder discuss EWR's air traffic control staffing and equipment issues, and the decision to relocate operations to Pennsylvania with special guest Will Guisbond from The Air Current. Then, Brett and Jon talk about the potential partnership between JetBlue and United Airlines, driven by JetBlue's need for a domestic partner and United's desire to re-
What you need to know about Boeing, tariffs and Chinese aviation
Impacts from the trade war with China are landing at Boeing and in U.S. aviation more broadly. Due to high tariffs, Chinese airlines are declining to take deliveries of Boeing aircraft — as many as 50 planes destined for China this year will need to be re-marketed to new buyers. But that's just the beginning of it, as Jon Ostrower explains. China's long-term goal is to be self-sufficient
Are Spirit and Sun Country a Match?
Brett Snyder has been watching Spirit's network strategy closely, and this week he floats the idea that Spirit is not only becoming more like Sun Country but it could benefit from joining forces with the airline. Brian Sumers, however, thinks this is ridiculous. Come join them and Jon Ostrower as they float statistics in a very... spirited... debate.We would like to thank Rokt for supportin
Some China news, United's earnings, and your questions
Jon Ostrower and Brian Sumers talk about United's earnings call, and the challenges surfacing for Boeing now with delivering aircraft to Chinese airlines. Plus: Brian and Jon answer your questions about ultra-long-haul flying, OEM's commitment to sustainability, and where Avelo Airlines is "cooked."We would like to thank Intelsat for supporting The Air Show.Visit www.theairshow
Uncertainty reigns and this industry feels the pain
With economic uncertainty casting a shadow over the U.S. economy, Brian Sumers, Brett Snyder, and Jon Ostrower dive into the impact this will have on both the aircraft manufacturers and the airlines themselves. (Spoiler alert: it's not good news.)We would like to thank Intelsat for supporting The Air Show.
The homework years
Jon Ostrower brings the latest news from Airbus’s recent summit in Toulouse: planned innovations in aircraft, efficiency and sustainability, despite an increasingly fragmented global economic and political world. Ostrower tells Brett Snyder the next decade will be “the homework years” — when a lot of work gets done and technology developed to inform a more productive future. And in the U.S., as Bo
What's certain is uncertainty
Amid economic and political uncertainty in North America, everyone is trying to read the tea leaves, memes and booking data to figure out what's going on, and that includes the leadership of Canadian and Mexican airlines. Brett Snyder and Brian Sumers talk about what executives are saying and doing about transborder flying in North America, going into the summer season and looking ahead to th
The next leader of the FAA + Spirit's growing debt
This week, Brett Snyder, Jon Ostrower and Brian Sumers discuss President Trump's pick for FAA administrator: Bryan Bedford, CEO of Republic Airways. They also discuss Spirit Airlines' turnaround plan as it emerges from four months of bankruptcy protection, and what it did (and did not) accomplish during that period.We would like to thank TCG Digital for supporting The Air Show.Visit www.
Demand is softening
Amid uncertainty in the U.S. economy and political climate, airlines say they're seeing softness in domestic demand. How bad is it? Brian Sumers and Brett Snyder followed the J.P. Morgan Industrials conference this week and they discuss whether airlines are taking this seriously enough or whether they are in denial, and whether Southwest has any real strategy, or whether it's just coasti
It's sexy to be nominated at the CNAs
Brett Snyder's annual Cranky Network Awards is the event of the year and the place to be for the airline industry professionals that some people (possibly his co-hosts on this podcast) think are the nerdiest of the aviation nerds: network planners. In all seriousness (well, not all...), Brian Sumers, Jon Ostrower and Brett talk about the winners, what makes routes sexy or not, and the behind-
Change is hard
Southwest Airlines is in a major transition — layoffs, an activist investor, and a changing product. Of course, it's an especially major transition for this airline because of its conservative culture, strategy, and history. Brett Snyder, Brian Sumers and Jon Ostrower debate the impact of Elliott Management's involvement, former CEO Gary Kelly's legacy, and the potential for new lea
United Makes a Move to Dominate Chicago
United thinks it has found a way to once and for all make the airline Chicago's dominant player, but American is still standing in the way. Jon and Brett talk about exactly what United has found, and then discuss what American's options are. It's going to be a roller coaster of a decade at O'Hare.We would like to thank TCG Digital for supporting The Air Show.Visit www.theairsh
Now Boom moves on to the hard part
Brian Sumers, Brett Snyder, and Jon Ostrower discuss Boom's recent supersonic test flights — a big achievement for the start-up — and the challenges ahead. Is there a market for a return to supersonic commercial flight? Is there enough money to develop an airliner? Can Boom develop its own engine?We would like to thank TCG Digital for supporting The Air Show.Questions, responses or feedback?
An American tragedy on the Potomac
Jon Ostrower, Brian Sumers and Brett Snyder discuss the tragic collision of American Eagle flight 5342 and a US Army Black Hawk helicopter near Washington National Airport last week, ending an unprecedented era of US aviation safety. Jon Ostrower talks through what is known about the incident, what is ahead as the NTSB investigates, and the potential impacts of speculation — on social media and b
JetBlue turns to connections
Brian Sumers puts Brett Snyder on the hot seat on a bunch of things going on at US airlines this month. They discuss schedule changes JetBlue made in Boston and New York, and rapid-fire questions about American and Chicago, Hawaiian and its 787s, new capacity in Anchorage, and the Delta show at CES.We would like to thank TCG Digital and Juliett Alpha for sponsoring this episode.Questions, response
Spirit's next act
As it plans to emerge from bankruptcy, America's first ULCC is trying to reinvent itself as a more upscale airline with higher costs. Spirit Airlines says it needs to move upmarket to attract new customers who want a better product. But hosts Brian Sumers, Jon Ostrower, and Brett Snyder are skeptical. They wonder if this is just a short pit stop on the way to consolidation.Questions, response
This is not a predictions episode
It's our final episode of 2024! Brett Snyder, Brian Sumers and Jon Ostrower chat about what 2025 may bring: mergers and a new regulatory environment? a handoff at the FAA? assigned seating on an airline previously opposed to assigned seating? Plus: The Air Show's top interview requests for 2025.We would like to thank Juliett Alpha for sponsoring this episode.Questions, responses or feedb
Ben Minicucci on Alaska's global ambitions
Ben Minicucci joins the show to discuss Alaska's big news today — and then some. Minicucci talks about the airline's aggressive growth plans, which it says target $1 billion in incremental profits by 2027. Those plans include new international routes to Asia next year, building up and defending its Seattle hub, expanding premium and loyalty offerings, and more.We would like to thank Acce
Is 'durable and differentiated' enough for Delta?
The top U.S.-based airline continues to play it cool. Delta's execs were casual during the airline's most recent investor day — yes, Delta's targeting younger, more affluent customers and it's experimenting with A.I. for revenue management, but why overstate the possibilities? Jon Ostrower, Brian Sumers and Brett Snyder talk about the state of calm, cool, confident Delta. Is it
Marty St. George on his second act at JetBlue
Marty St. George joins the show this week to discuss his second stint at JetBlue, this time as president. With Brian Sumers, Jon Ostrower and Brett Snyder, St. George discusses the turnaround he intends to oversee at the struggling JetBlue to improve its profitability, culture, and operations (called Jet Forward). St. George also talked about how he's evolved as a manager and decision-maker,
A321XLR - Revolution or Replacement?
The A321XLR entered service with Iberia on November 14, and so begins the next generation of long-haul, narrowbody flying. Will this usher in an era of new and exciting routes or will it just end up being a 757 replacement? Brett, Brian, and Jon ponder that topic in this week's episode.Visit www.theairshowpodcast.com to get in touch with us.
Southwest's détente
Is the drama over? Is this a ceasefire? An agreement to cooperate? Brett Snyder, Brian Sumers and Jon Ostrower discuss the recent détente between Southwest Airlines and Elliott Investment Management. Elliott gained five of Southwest's 13 board seats, and the two sides agreed to table the rest of their disagreements until Valentine's Day 2026. Will Southwest fix its revenue problem by the
Boeing still ain't going
The Boeing strike continues. On Wednesday, 64% of machinists rejected Boeing's negotiated proposal, extending the strike indefinitely. Earlier that day, Boeing's third-quarter earnings revealed an expected $6.2 billion loss and an official delay until 2026 of the 777X. It's not great, for really anyone. Jon Ostrower discusses the dynamics here with Brian Sumers and Brett Snyder. We
United's network: PDEWs and PQ
United Airlines is making moves and announcing splashy new routes — the kind you might expect from an airline with a healthy balance sheet and an innovative network chief. And still, there were some surprise additions to United's plans. Brett Snyder and Brian Sumers discuss Patrick Quayle's approach, including the airline's out-of-the-box new routes from Newark and Tokyo Narita.We w
American and Southwest play opposites
Brett Snyder and Jon Ostrower discuss Q2 2024 data for the domestic airline market. American Airlines faced significant challenges. Southwest, in contrast, actually did alright! This DOT data set also sheds light on the performance of new-ish ultra-low-cost carriers, Avelo and Breeze, which are privately held.We would like to thank our sponsor, Intelsat.Questions, responses or feedback? Visit www.
Southwest is ready to change
Brett Snyder recaps his trip to Dallas for Southwest Airlines' investor day, even though we already knew the news: assigned seating, expanded extra-legroom sections, and network changes, plus how Southwest is planning to improve productivity. And the big question: will all of this be enough to please Elliott Management, Southwest's activist investor?We would like to thank our sponsors, R
Alaska and Hawaiian: now what?
Now that the U.S. government has approved the merger, Brett Snyder, Brian Sumers, and Jon Ostrower talk (and speculate) about how Alaska might navigate the logistics of acquiring Hawaiian. Alaska has a lot of work to do to combine the airlines' fleet, loyalty programs, and network strategy. It also needs to do something highly unusual for a U.S. airline — run two full-service brands on a sing
A strike lands at Boeing
It was a busy week in the aviation world in the Pacific Northwest. We'll get to the Alaska-Hawaiian merger soon — this week Jon Ostrower, Brett Snyder and Brian Sumers talk about the strike by the largest group of workers at Boeing, the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM). The strike, the first in 16 years, affects production on the 737, 767, and 777 lines. Boe
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