Q1 saw almost across-the-board margin improvement among Europe's network airlines but higher fuel prices have put a damper on expectations for the rest of 2026. 

In this episode, John Strickland and Garth Lund look at how the three network airlines groups in Europe performed in Q1 and the lessons for the year ahead. 

What we dive into:

• Improved performance at Air France partially closing the gap to IAG
• How Lufthansa Group is taking more aggressive action to address its challenges
• IAG continues to lead in margin performance
• Why the LCC model remains robust despite Spirit Airlines' demise

Between higher fuel prices, shifting demand, and airspace closures, the Iran conflict has impacted both the demand and supply side of the air travel market. 

In this episode, John Strickland and Garth Lund look at how airlines are managing the effects of the crisis. 

What we dive into:

• Fuel price impact: How fuel hedging policies have influenced airlines' responses 
• Revenue opportunities: Can airlines drive higher revenue to offset higher costs?
• Gulf mega-hubs: Medium and long-term impact on the Gulf carriers
• Network opportunities: Route adjustments by European airlines
• Taking tough decisions: Airlines coming out of the crisis as stronger businesses

While Lufthansa and Air France-KLM navigate complex turnarounds, IAG is delivering a 15% operating margin.

In our debut episode of Airline Insight, John Strickland and Garth Lund break down the strategic divide between Europe’s "Big Three" and what 2026 holds for the sector.

What we dive into:

• The IAG edge: How IAG has consistently outperformed the competition.
• The LCC struggle: Why Vueling, Eurowings, and Transavia are seeing such mixed results.
• 2026 outlook: A look at the next 12 months for European aviation.