Airline Weekly Lounge Podcast

By Skift

The editors of Airline Weekly discuss the most interesting developments within the commercial airline industry. In keeping with Airline Weekly’s style, conversation generally centers on one question: ... more

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FAQs about Airline Weekly Lounge Podcast:

How many episodes does Airline Weekly Lounge Podcast have?

The podcast currently has 589 episodes available.

Airline Weekly Lounge Podcast episodes:

July 31, 2025American, Alaska, Southwest: Who Came Out on Top?
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' performance.

American Airlines faces a credit card contract disadvantage compared to Delta and United.

Alaska Airlines is performing well, with a strong loyalty program and corporate travel exposure.

The upcoming European airline earnings reports are highly anticipated.
Connect with Airline Weekly
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/airline-weekly/
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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.
...more
33min
July 24, 2025United Airlines and Ryanair in an Age of Uncertainty
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 delivery delays.

The US economy shows signs of resilience despite tariff concerns.

Low oil prices are beneficial for consumer spending and airline profitability.

The future of US-EU trade relations remains uncertain, with potential implications for the aviation sector.
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.
...more
34min
July 17, 2025Wizz Air Abu Dhabi: What Went Wrong?
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 carriers face in new, complex markets.

Wizz Air's decision reflects a trend of reassessing market opportunities amid global changes.
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.
...more
34min
July 10, 2025Who Wants to Join an Airline Alliance?
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 primarily benefit loyal customers by providing access to global networks.

Southwest Airlines has joined IATA but remains independent from alliances.

The airline industry is experiencing robust growth post-COVID.

The domestic US market is currently shrinking, contrasting with global growth.
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.
...more
31min
July 03, 2025The 2025 Half-Time Airline Report
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 Astara is a notable example of consolidation.

The performance of the U.S. dollar affects international travel demand.

Oil prices and supply chain issues will be critical in the second half of 2025.

The airline industry is always subject to unexpected changes and challenges.
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.
...more
24min
June 26, 2025Paris Air Show 2025: Highs and Lows
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 Vietnam will depend on their ability to secure aircraft in a tight market.
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.
...more
33min
June 19, 2025The Resurgence of Virgin Australia
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 the fastest growing market in terms of airline capacity.

The airline industry is facing challenges from economic factors and competition.
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.
...more
26min
June 12, 2025Grounded Ambitions: Can Spirit and Wizz Soar Again?
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 airline industry is experiencing a combination of bad luck and operational challenges.

Both airlines need to find ways to reduce costs and improve profitability.
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.
...more
37min
June 05, 2025Making Sense of the JetBlue and United Partnership
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 concern for any potential airline mergers.

JetBlue's financial struggles have intensified since the pandemic.

United's advertising platform could become a significant revenue source.

The partnership allows JetBlue to offer more international destinations to its members.

American Airlines is feeling competitive pressure from the JetBlue-United alliance.

The future of airline mergers is uncertain amid changing regulatory environments.
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.
...more
25min
May 29, 2025 IATA's Willie Walsh Talks Tariffs, Air Traffic Control and Oil Prices
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 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.
...more
27min

FAQs about Airline Weekly Lounge Podcast:

How many episodes does Airline Weekly Lounge Podcast have?

The podcast currently has 589 episodes available.

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