airline weekly lounge podcast by Skift

Does SAS Really Need 40 A330neos?

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.

The latest Airline Weekly global earnings scoreboard is in and the airline on top may not be the one you'd expect.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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. 

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. 

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.

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. 

Delta and United are dominating airline profits while American falls behind, and Frontier struggles to recover.

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.

 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.

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. 

We’re sharing a preview of a new podcast from Skift called Skift Take Sessions.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

In this special episode, we bring you the full recording from our recent LinkedIn Live webinar (Click This Link For Video Version).

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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 conversation highlights the contrasting business models of low-cost carriers in Europe and the U.S., as well as the resilience of airlines in navigating economic uncertainties.

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.

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 prices, demand trends, and the overall uncertainty in the airline market as they look ahead to the summer season and beyond.

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 then shifts to innovations in aviation, including flying cars and supersonic jets, exploring the skepticism surrounding these technologies and the regulatory hurdles they face.

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. The conversation provides insights into the evolving landscape of the aviation industry in Asia.

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 also touches on the competitive landscape with United Airlines and the broader implications of fluctuating oil prices on airline profitability.

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 the Canadian airline market, exploring how recent economic developments and tariffs are affecting travel patterns and airline strategies in Canada.

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. Tony shares insights into the fleet development, including orders for Boeing and Airbus aircraft, and the significance of loyalty programs in building customer engagement. The conversation highlights the exciting future of Riyadh Air as it prepares to take to the skies.

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 conversation also highlights Pegasus Airlines in Turkey, discussing its profitability and expansion plans. The hosts emphasize the dynamic nature of the airline industry in India and Turkey, showcasing the potential for continued growth and innovation.

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 impact of Germany's economic challenges, and the delays in acquiring new aircraft. The hosts speculate on the future of Lufthansa as it attempts to improve profitability and navigate a complex airline environment.

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 and provides insights into future trends and expectations for the airline industry.

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 the competitive landscape of the airline industry, market reactions, and potential implications for mergers and acquisitions. The episode concludes with reflections on the historical context of these changes and what they mean for the future of Southwest Airlines.

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 international markets, including competition and currency fluctuations. The episode concludes with insights into Qantas' ambitious Project Sunrise, aiming for nonstop flights to major cities by 2027.

This week hosts Gordon Smith and Jay Shabat discuss the upcoming Skift India Forum, focusing on major airline players like Air India and Indigo. They explore Singapore Airlines' strategic investment in Air India and the implications of fleet expansions for Indigo. The conversation shifts to insights from the U.S. airline industry, highlighting trends in consolidation and the future of low-cost carriers. The hosts provide a comprehensive overview of the evolving landscape of the airline industry, emphasizing the significance of market dynamics and strategic partnerships.

In this week's episode, Gordon Smith is joined by Airline Weekly's Jay Shabat and Skift airlines reporter Meghna Maharishi. Part one is focused on the big picture trends as U.S. earnings season draws to a close. In part two, the trio discuss the first involuntary layoffs in Southwest history and assess their wider impact on the airline. 

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 public reaction. The hosts analyze the implications of these changes and the competitive landscape between British Airways and Virgin Atlantic, concluding with insights into the future of both airlines.

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 also addressing the challenges faced by low-cost carriers in the current economic climate. Additionally, they touch on rumors surrounding United Airlines and JetBlue, providing insights into the broader landscape of airline mergers and acquisitions.

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 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 South America. The conversation also delves into the historical context of airline operations in Italy and the strategic positioning of Lufthansa in the European market.

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 in growth among various countries and the impact of economic conditions on the airline industry.

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. 

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. 

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

Description 

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.

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.

Presented by American Airlines

Presented by American Airlines

Presented by American Airlines

Presented by American Airlines

Presented by American Airlines

Presented by American Airlines

Presented by American Airlines

Presented by American Airlines

Presented by American Airlines

Presented by American Airlines