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The Air Show

The Air Show

Cranky Flier LLC 102 Episodes Aug 20, 2026

Jon Ostrower, Brian Sumers and Brett Snyder discuss the business of the sky on this aviation podcast.

Episodes

Southwest's COO on the MAX 7 and Ops Fixes
Southwest's COO on the MAX 7 and Ops Fixes Aug 20, 2026 2207 Southwest’s Chief Operating Officer Andrew Watterson joins Brett Snyder to talk about the certification of the MAX 7, the airline’s operational troubles, and yes, even Andrew’s responsibilities themselves.Thank you to Points, a Plusgrade company and SkyGo for sponsoring this week's episode.
The Shifting Role of LaGuardia
The Shifting Role of LaGuardia Aug 6, 2026 2092 LaGuardia is one of the most congested airports in the country, and the way that airport has been used has changed dramatically over time. Jon Ostrower, Brian Sumers and Brett Snyder dig into LaGuardia’s service over the years and where it might go in the future.Thank you to Points, a Plusgrade company for sponsoring this week's episode.
The Air Show Attends An Air Show
The Air Show Attends An Air Show Jul 31, 2026 1832 Jon Ostrower is back to talk about what he saw at the Farnborough International Airshow in the UK. He tells Brian Sumers and Brett Snyder about the breakthrough of a Saab 340B modified with a hybrid electric power design, how the show was surprisingly weighted towards the defense industry, and more.Thank you to SkyGo for sponsoring this week's episode.
The Unsettled Transpacific
The Unsettled Transpacific Jul 23, 2026 1905 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
Mergers Improve Competition Jul 16, 2026 1629 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?
Is There Room For An All-Premium Airline? Jul 9, 2026 1946 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
The Unique Hawaiian Interisland Market Jun 26, 2026 2174 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
Gossip, Hot Topics, and Jumpseats at IATA Jun 18, 2026 1867 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
Jon Says U.S. Airlines Are Going In Reverse Jun 5, 2026 1972 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
Fort Lauderdale: The Most Interesting Airport in America May 21, 2026 1597 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
Allegiant Drops The Drama May 14, 2026 1875 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
The Government’s Role In Spirit’s Demise May 7, 2026 1651 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.

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