Skift Airline Weekly Lounge

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. Follow the Hosts: Gordon Smith – ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Jay Shabat – ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 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/skiftnews/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ WhatsApp: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Subscribe to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@SkiftNews⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and never miss an update from the airline and travel industries.

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. Follow the Hosts: Gordon Smith – ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Jay Shabat – ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 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/skiftnews/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ WhatsApp: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Subscribe to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@SkiftNews⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and never miss an update from the airline and travel industries.

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. They also explore how network strategies are evolving, where low-cost carriers are pressing for expansion, and what global growth signals mean for legacy airlines. Follow the Hosts: Jay Shabat – ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Meghna Maharishi – ⁠LinkedIn⁠ 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/skiftnews/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ WhatsApp: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Subscribe t

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. Follow the Hosts: Gordon Smith – ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Jay Shabat – ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Meghna Maharishi – LinkedIn 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/skiftnews/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ WhatsApp: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Subscribe to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@SkiftNews⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and never miss an update from the airline and travel industries.

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. Follow the Hosts: Gordon Smith – ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Jay Shabat – ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 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/skiftnews/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ WhatsApp: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Subscribe to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@SkiftNews⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and never miss an update from the airline and travel industries.

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.  Follow the Hosts: Gordon Smith – ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Jay Shabat – ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 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/skiftnews/⁠⁠⁠⁠ WhatsApp: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/⁠⁠⁠⁠ Subscribe to ⁠⁠⁠⁠@SkiftNews⁠⁠⁠⁠ and never miss an update from the airline and travel industries.

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 unsustainable in today’s market. Structural industry shifts hurt ULCCs – post-pandemic demand favors premium and international travel, squeezing carriers like Spirit and Frontier that rely on dense domestic leisure routes. Air Canada’s strike shows labor power – flight attendants achieved rare wins like boarding pay, setting precedents for North American labor negotiations. Financial impact on Air Canada is major – losing nearly a quarter of annual operating profits during peak season could drag down 2025 results despite prior momentum. Fleet and strategy decisions loom – Air Canada’s choice

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.  Follow the Hosts: Gordon Smith – ⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠ Jay Shabat – ⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠ 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/skiftnews/⁠⁠⁠ WhatsApp: ⁠⁠⁠https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/⁠⁠⁠ Subscribe to ⁠⁠⁠@SkiftNews⁠⁠⁠ and never miss an update from the airline and travel industries.

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. Follow the Hosts: Gordon Smith – ⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠ Jay Shabat – ⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠ 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/skiftnews/⁠⁠ WhatsApp: ⁠⁠https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/⁠⁠ Subscribe to ⁠⁠@SkiftNews⁠⁠ and never miss an update from the airline and travel industries.

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. 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/skiftnews/⁠ WhatsApp: ⁠https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/⁠ Subscribe to ⁠@SkiftNews⁠ and never miss an update from the airline and travel industries.

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 the competitive landscape in the airline industry. Takeaways Delta and United reported strong operating margins of 13% and 12%. American Airlines' operating margin was 8%, indicating challenges ahead. Southwest Airlines reported a disappointing 3% margin, half of last year's performance. Non-fuel costs have significantly increased for airlines, impacting profitability. Premium travel demand remains strong, benefiting airlines like Delta and United. American Airlines has a higher domestic exposure compared to its competitors. A distribution misstep has negatively affected American Airlines' per

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 highlights the current state of the airline industry amidst economic uncertainties and evolving trade relations. Takeaways United Airlines reported an 11.6% operating margin for Q2 2025. Despite disruptions, United's demand for premium services remains strong. United's growth strategy includes up gauging to larger aircraft. Economic uncertainties persist, but the outlook remains optimistic. Ryanair achieved a 21% operating margin, benefiting from strong travel demand. Tariff negotiations between the US and EU could impact airline operations. Ryanair's capacity is constrained due to aircraft deli

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 to this decision, including engine reliability issues, geopolitical volatility, and regulatory barriers. Join us as we unpack the implications for the airline industry and what this means for Wizz Air's future. Takeaways Wizz Air Abu Dhabi is halting operations and exiting its joint venture due to engine issues, geopolitical volatility, and regulatory challenges. The withdrawal follows earlier signs of market softness and service suspensions in Abu Dhabi. Wizz Air's broader network is unaffected, with refunds or rebookings for impacted bookings. The move underscores the difficulties low-cost

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 America. The conversation also touches on the dynamics of airline partnerships, the role of IATA in the industry, and the current state of air traffic demand globally. Takeaways Oman Air has joined the One World Alliance as its 15th member. The One World Alliance aims to strengthen its presence in the Middle East. There is a debate on the depth versus breadth of airline alliances. One World lacks representation in Sub-Saharan Africa and South America. Indigo Airlines is not prioritizing alliance membership currently. Hawaiian Airlines is expected to join One World by 2026. Airline alliances pr

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 landscape. Looking ahead, they highlight the importance of monitoring oil prices and supply chain issues as the industry moves into the second half of the year. Takeaways The first half of 2025 saw strong global demand for air travel. Weather conditions are impacting tourism patterns in Europe. The U.S. dollar's decline has significant implications for airlines. Tariffs have created uncertainty but the overall impact was modest. Consolidation discussions are prevalent in the airline industry. Airlines are exploring mergers and partnerships to strengthen their positions. The integration of Air India and

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 industry. Boeing's presence at the Paris Air Show was notably diminished due to recent tragedies. Embraer is facing challenges in the US market due to pilot scope clauses. Vietjet is aggressively expanding its fleet to accommodate growing demand in Vietnam. Vietnam's aviation market is on track for record traffic in 2025. New airport infrastructure is being developed in Vietnam to support growth. The competition among airlines in Vietnam is intensifying with new entrants. Foreign investment in Vietnam's aviation sector is increasing, particularly from Asian carriers. The future of new airlines in

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 price concerns, and growth in various airports worldwide. Takeaways Virgin Australia has shown significant improvement post-bankruptcy. The airline's IPO has raised questions about its valuation. Qatar Airways' investment may open international opportunities for Virgin. Travel demand in Australia remains strong despite economic uncertainties. Capacity trends indicate a stabilization in airline demand. Fuel prices are a growing concern for the airline industry. Chicago's airport is experiencing notable growth in capacity. Charlotte airport is seeing a decline in seat availability. Vietnam is

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.  Takeaways Wizz Air is facing significant operational challenges due to engine issues. Spirit Airlines reported a negative 29% operating margin in Q1 2025. Non-fuel costs for Spirit Airlines have increased by 70% since 2019. Wizz Air's market strategy is under scrutiny as they exit certain markets. Indigo Partners may adjust aircraft orders in response to Wizz Air's struggles. Florida remains a key market for low-cost carriers like Spirit Airlines. Leadership changes at Spirit Airlines may influence future strategies. Wizz Air's growth opportunities lie in Eastern Europe and Ukraine. The air

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 mergers. With insights into loyalty programs and advertising strategies, the hosts provide a comprehensive overview of the current state of the airline industry. Read or preview the latest issue of Airline Weekly here: https://airlineweekly.skift.com/issues/ Takeaways The JetBlue and United partnership is not a merger but a modest collaboration. United aims to regain access to JFK airport through this partnership. JetBlue is focusing on strengthening its loyalty program to recover financially. The airline industry is experiencing significant pressure to consolidate. Regulatory scrutiny remains a conc

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. Connect with Airline WeeklyLinkedIn: 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/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/Subscribe to @SkiftNews and never miss an update from the airline and travel industries.