The Airways Podcast

In season 6, episode 2 of the Airways Podcast, before we get to the main topics, we share our experiences flying on United’s CRJ550 and the new Airbus A321neo. We also discuss Delta’s A321neo, which is stylish but lacks practicality in seating and storage space.

Finally, we give mixed reviews on Delta’s overall performance due to delays and operational inefficiencies, particularly at Boston Logan, and praise United’s domestic performance for consistency and comfort.

Main Topics

Alaska-Hawaiian Airlines Merger

* Despite recent aggressive antitrust policies, DOJ clears the merger after a 90-day review period.

* Discussion on potential future regulatory steps, including slot and gate concessions.

* Speculation on operational impacts, including how Alaska might handle Hawaiian’s routes and the financial challenges involved.

Delta Airlines COO Departure

* COO’s exit following Delta’s tech outage raises questions about whether it was a direct result of the incident.

* Delta’s operational reliability has slipped post-pandemic, contributing to dissatisfaction.

Ethiopian Airlines' New Mega Airport

* The announcement of a new airport in Bishoftu, which will open in 2029, is designed to improve capacity and mitigate the operational challenges of Addis Ababa’s high elevation.

* The significance of Ethiopian Airlines’ growth and prospects as Africa’s leading airline.

Other Insights

Reflections on the current state of Southwest Airlines and its inter-island flights in Hawaii.

Strategic considerations in the airline industry: balancing growth, mergers, and maintaining operational reliability.

Hosted by Helwing Villamizar, Rohan Anand, and Vinay Bhaskara

Produced by Helwing Villamizar

Music by Alisia from Pixabay

Episode Links

Alaska-Hawaiian Merger Clears DOJ Review Period

Delta Air Lines COO to Depart Following Tech Outage

Ethiopian Airlines, Dar to Build Mega Airport City

In the season six premiere of the Airways Podcast, we explore major seating changes across multiple airlines:

1. Southwest Airlines' revolution:

* Shift to assigned seating

* Impact on the airline’s iconic boarding position model

* Introduction of extra legroom seating (approximately 36% of seats)

2. IndiGo's new offering:

* Launch of "stretch seats" for enhanced passenger comfort

3. Spirit Airlines' premium strategy:

* Introduction of a new seating product

* Aimed at capitalizing on the rising demand for premium travel

Join us as we discuss these significant changes in airline seating strategies and their potential impact on the passenger experience across different carriers.

Is this the end of the ULCC model as we know it in the U.S., or is it just another swing from the industry's strategic pendulum?

Hosted by Helwing Villamizar, Rohan Anand, and Vinay Bhaskara

Produced by Helwing Villamizar

Music by Alisia from Pixabay

Episode Links

Southwest to Offer Assigned, Premium Seats, Redeye Flights

IndiGo Launches 'Stretch' Business Class Product

Spirit Joins the Great Low-Cost-Carrier Reboot

In this season finale, we dive into the latest developments in the aviation industry:

1. EU Approves ITA-Lufthansa Tie-Up: The European Union has approved Lufthansa's takeover of ITA Airways, marking a significant step in consolidating the European aviation market.

2. Boeing Acquires Spirit AeroSystems: Boeing announced its acquisition of Spirit AeroSystems, a strategic move to bolster its supply chain and enhance its manufacturing capabilities.

3. Cebu Pacific Orders 152 A321neos: Cebu Pacific has ordered 152 Airbus A321neo aircraft, the largest order in the Philippines' history. This significant move underscores the carrier’s commitment to modernizing its fleet and expanding its route network.

4. Delta's New JFK DeltaOne Lounge: Delta Air Lines has unveiled its luxurious new DeltaOne lounge at JFK Airport, offering premium amenities and services to enhance the travel experience for its top-tier customers.

Tune in to hear expert analysis and insights on these key industry shifts, and stay tuned for season six of the Airways Podcast.

Hosted by Helwing Villamizar, Rohan Anand, and Vinay Bhaskara

Produced by: Helwing Villamizar

Music: Fesliyan Studios

Episode Links

EU Approves Lufthansa Group-ITA Airways Deal

ITA Airways will become the fifth network airline deeply integrated within the Lufthansa Group.

Boeing Agrees to Acquire Spirit AeroSystems

The Boeing board has agreed to buy Spirit AeroSystems for US$37.25 per share.

Cebu Pacific, Airbus Sign MOU for 152 A321neo Jets

Cebu Pacific has signed a historic agreement with Airbus for up to 152 Airbus A321neo aircraft.

The majesty of an Airbus A380 against a backdrop of cloud-laden skies dominates the scene. This and more will be in the August 2024 issue!

In this episode, the Airways Podcast crew discusses the state of the U.S. airline industry in the first quarter of 2024, which saw mixed financial results for major and regional airlines.

While some carriers managed to eke out small operating profits, others suffered significant losses, reflecting the aviation industry's ongoing production challenges and uneven recovery among major operators.

Hosted by Helwing Villamizar, Rohan Anand, and Vinay Bhaskara

Produced by: Helwing Villamizar

Music: Fesliyan Studios

Episode Links

Snapshot: US Airlines Q1 2024 Financial Performance

Airways Shop. Sign up for free and get 10% off

Since Generative AI hit the mainstream in early 2023, the airline industry has been researching how to implement the tool into their business models. In fact, according to a recent study, at the end of 2023, nearly 100% of airlines were creating programs to implement generative AI into their operations.Thor Olof Philogène knows this well. As CEO and co-founder of leading insights platform Stravito, Philogène has steered the implementation of generative AI capabilities into the platform to deliver precisely tailored support through a “supercharged search experience” and quicker access to consumer insights and market research for global brands, including one of the world’s largest airlines, Delta Air Lines.Many airlines' heavy reliance on consumer insights, data, and large-scale knowledge management makes them vulnerable to swaying consumer trends. In this episode, Thor argues that all companies would benefit from a generative AI solution tailored to their needs.

Hosted by Helwing Villamizar, Rohan Anand, and Vinay Bhaskara

Produced by Helwing Villamizar

Music: Fesliyan Studios

Episode Links

How Artificial Intelligence Is Enhancing Air Traffic Control

New Website: Latest News Page

June 2024 Issue of Airways 10% off available at shop.airwaysmag.com

In this episode, the Airways Podcast crew returns with full force after tamdem travels to Asia and South America to discuss their trips, followed by Korean Air and Japan Airlines’ aircraft orders, the management shake up at Boeing and United Airlines’ FAA audit.

Hosted by: Helwing Villamizar, Rohan Anand, and Vinay Bhaskara

Produced by: Helwing Villamizar

Music: Fesliyan Studios

Episode Links

Korean Air Orders 33 Airbus A350 Aircraft

Japan Airlines Orders 42 New Aircraft

Dave Calhoun to Step Down as Boeing CEO

In episode seven, season five of The Airways Podcast, join host Vinay Bhaskara and special guest, Indian aviation expert and former President of the Bangalore Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Devesh R. Agarwal, as they delve deep into India Aviation.

India's aviation industry is experiencing significant growth. According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the country will become the world's third-largest air passenger market by 2030, after China and the United States. This rapid growth in air traffic is supported by various factors, including a rising middle class, increasing government spending, and the expansion and modernization of airports.

India's population is expected to increase from 1.3 billion to 1.5 billion by 2030. Currently, aviation penetration in India is only around 4-5% of the population, indicating significant potential for further growth.

Consequently, the Indian government is actively investing in the aviation sector by building new airports, expanding existing ones, and improving air traffic management systems. Additionally, World Trade Center Bengaluru recently hosted the World Trade Centers Association’s annual Global Business Forum to expand trade and investment opportunities for businesses worldwide in India’s aviation sector. Over the next five years, around 80 new airports will be opened in India.

These initiatives, India’s low-cost carriers, and the country's positive economic factors are just some of the topics you’ll hear in this informative and engaging conversation.

Hosted by Helwing Villamizar, Rohan Anand, and Vinay Bhaskara

Produced by Helwing Villamizar

Music by Fesliyan Studios

Episode Links

* Video: The Future of Air India—Back to Excellency

* Analyzing the 10 Largest Aviation Markets

* Indigo Orders 500 Airbus Planes, Becomes Larges Indian Airline

* Airways Magazine March 2024 Issue

In episode six, season five of The Airways Podcast, join the crew and special guest, aviation analyst and author Jay Shabat, as they delve deep into the art of analyzing the commercial airline industry.

They discuss how external factors impact commercial aviation, the relationship between airlines and local economies, the challenges in building new airports, Delta Air Lines’ fleet strategy, and even try to predict future U.S. hub cities. It's a doozy!

Skift senior analyst Jay Shabat has spent nearly 20 years writing for Airline Weekly, an airline industry newsletter he launched after working as an analyst for US Airways and Air France. Shabat co-hosts the Airline Weekly Lounge podcast for Skift Airline Weekly and has authored Glory Lost & Found, a history of Delta Air Lines and American Places, which profiles local economies across the U.S.

Hosted by Helwing Villamizar, Rohan Anand, and Vinay Bhaskara

Produced by Helwing Villamizar

Music by Fesliyan Studios

Episode Links

* Glory Lost and Found: How Delta Climbed from Despair to Dominance in the Post-9/11 Era

* American Places: A Profile of Local Economies Across the U.S.

* Airways Magazine March 2024 Issue

In the latest episode of The Airways Podcast, join the crew and special guest Jens Kuhlen, President for North America at Gategroup, as they delve deep into the intricacies of the airline catering industry.

Gategroup’s subsidiary, Gate Gourmet (Switzerland, 1992), began as a catering service for Swissair. Over the years, it has grown into a global company with the most comprehensive catering network in the aviation industry. Gate Gourmet specializes in creating exceptional culinary concepts, handling everything from menu design to execution.

Present in 33 countries with over 135 units, the company provides reliable and standardized catering provisioning services, ensuring on-time performance for its airline customers and delivering a memorable onboard experience for passengers.

Jens Kuhlen joined Gategroup in 2015, initially assuming the role of Vice President of Group Controlling at Gategroup’s Zurich headquarters. He later progressed to the role of Chief Financial Officer for Gategroup’s North American region before being promoted to President of North America in 2022.

With a diverse professional history spanning over 25 years, Kuhlen holds a wealth of expertise in airline catering, corporate banking, and restructuring consulting.

Sit back, relax, and immerse yourself in the fascinating world of the airline food catering system, as told by an industry expert.

Hosted by Helwing Villamizar, Rohan Anand, and Vinay Bhaskara

Produced by Helwing Villamizar

Music by Fesliyan Studios

Episode Links

* Gategroup.com

* Airways Magazine March 2024 Issue

The fourth quarter and full year 2023 financial reports from major US airlines provide the crew valuable insights into their performance and the overall state of the aviation industry. American Airlines' Haneda Airport tentative approval and GOL's Chapter 11 Filing are also part of the mix in episode five of the fifth season of the Airways Podcast.

The crew also discusses Delta Air Lines and Aeromexico's antitrust immunity ending. The US government announced that it does not plan to renew the immunity granted to Delt and Aeromexico for their codeshare agreement.

This decision came after the Mexican government made significant changes at Mexico City International Airport, the country's main hub.

What does 2024 hold for these and other airlines?

Hosted by Helwing Villamizar, Rohan Anand, and Vinay Bhaskara

Produced by Helwing Villamizar

Music: Fesliyan Studios

Episode Links

* US airlines’ Q4/FY 2023 Financial Results

* American’s Tentative Approval for JFK- Haneda Nonstop Flights

* GOL Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy

* US Cancels Delta-Aeromexico Codeshare Inmunity

* Airways Magazine March 2024 Issue