Recorded just before the opening of the Dubai Airshow 2025, this episode of the Airways Podcast captures Rohan, Vinay, and Helwing’s pre-show predictions—now contrasted with the major announcements breaking on Day 1.

What the Crew Predicted vs. What Actually Happened

In the episode, the hosts explore Emirates’ potential next steps, including discussions around the A350-1000 and long-haul fleet strategy. But on Day 1, Emirates went in a different direction, placing a massive order for 65 Boeing 777-9 aircraft, valued at $38 billion. This reinforces Emirates’ long-term commitment to the 777X program and positions the airline for future growth with next-generation long-haul capacity.

Key Day 1 Orders Across the Show

Ethiopian Airlines ordered 11 Boeing 737 MAX, continuing its pan-African network expansion.

Air Senegal signed for nine 737 MAX jets to support Europe, U.S., and Middle East route growth.

Air Côte d’Ivoire ordered four Embraer E175-E1s with options for eight more, strengthening West African regional connectivity.

Helvetic Airways placed a firm order for three Embraer E195-E2s with options for five more.

Engine & Services

flydubai confirmed its purchase of 60 GEnx-1B engines for its incoming 787-9 fleet, along with long-term support from GE Aerospace.

Technology Launch

Emirates announced its implementation timeline for Starlink high-speed Wi-Fi, beginning with installations on Boeing 777s and targeting full fleet activation by mid-2027.

Inside the Episode

Alongside the Dubai Airshow outlook, the hosts explore:

Rohan’s long-haul experience via Air Canada and why aircraft type matters more than ever.

Vinay’s case for JetBlue Mint as the best U.S. business-class product today.

Industry-wide challenges, which include delivery delays and concerns about engine reliability.

How Middle Eastern and Asian carriers continue to lead the premium service landscape.

Perfect timing for listeners following Day 1 of the Dubai Airshow—pairing fresh news with pre-show insights from the Airways team.

⚠️ Programming Note:This episode was recorded a month ago, and due to scheduling delays, we’re only now releasing it. If the “Winners and Losers” segment feels slightly outdated, that’s the reason — but the conversation still offers highly relevant insights into Alaska Airlines and the broader U.S. airline landscape.

📌 Quick Industry Update (as of Sun, November 2, 2025):Since recording, Alaska Airlines has made several major headlines:

* “One Code to Rule the West Coast” – Alaska has now secured a single operating certificate with Hawaiian Airlines, marking a key step in their integration.

* The carrier also announced 13 new West Coast routes, further cementing its regional dominance.

* And most recently, an IT outage forced a temporary ground stop, briefly halting all Alaska flights on the night of its quarterly earnings release.

Keywords

Alaska Airlines, aviation, travel, airline industry, mergers, customer loyalty, in-flight experience, airline competition, Seattle, Hawaiian Airlines

Summary

In this episode of the Airways Podcast, the hosts dive into the world of Alaska Airlines — its evolving identity, strategic growth, and distinct position in the U.S. airline landscape. Guest Brandon Farris, Senior Advisor at Airways Magazine, joins to discuss his personal experiences with the airline and how it has changed over time, especially following the merger with Virgin America.

The conversation explores travel experiences, network strategy, brand identity, on-board product, loyalty culture, and the competitive tension between Alaska and other carriers such as Delta and Southwest. The episode wraps with future predictions for the airline and reflections on current industry shifts.

Takeaways

* Alaska Airlines maintains strong customer loyalty in the Pacific Northwest.

* The merger with Virgin America reshaped its network and fleet strategy.

* Alaska is increasing international service, including expansion into Asia.

* The in-flight experience and food offerings are consistently well-reviewed.

* Alaska’s quirky branding and identity help it stand out from larger carriers.

* Competition in Seattle, especially with Delta, remains intense.

* Post-merger, Alaska is prioritizing better utilization of aircraft and new routes.

* Market share and brand positioning continue shifting across U.S. airlines.

* Alaska’s domestic catering is considered among the best in the industry.

* The airline’s long-term outlook remains strong with new aircraft and routes coming online.

Sound Bites

* “I could take photos.”

* “Alaska’s quirky.”

* “Alaska has won in Seattle.”

Chapters

* Introduction to Alaska Airlines and the West Coast Aviation Scene

* Brandon Farris: Journey with Alaska Airlines

* Alaska Airlines’ Network Expansion and Changes

* The Legacy of Virgin America and Its Impact on Alaska Airlines

* The Shrinking Landscape of West Coast Airports

* Alaska Airlines’ Strategic Shifts

* Seattle vs. Portland: The New Hub Dynamics

* Regulatory Challenges in Airline Mergers

* Alaska Airlines vs. Southwest: A Market Comparison

* Alaska’s International Expansion Plans

* The Future of Hawaiian Airlines and Its Routes

* Exploring Airline Preferences and Perceptions

* Loyalty and Competition in the Airline Industry

* Brand Identity and Customer Experience

* Market Dynamics and Airline Strategies

* Winners and Losers in the Airline Landscape

Discover the All-New Airways Digital

Airways Digital provides readers with the flexibility to access North America’s leading commercial aviation magazine anytime, anywhere. Check out the new free previewer web app today!

Preorder the 2026 Airways Calendar Today!

The Airways Photography team has selected their finest aviation images for the Airways 2026 calendar—twelve months of aircraft photography that actually looks good on your wall. Preorder now!

Hosted by Helwing Villamizar, Rohan Anand, and Vinay Bhaskara

Produced by Helwing Villamizar

Media: Alaska Airlines, Andrew Henderson, Brandon Farris, Daniel Gorun, and Michael Rodeback

In this episode of the Airways Podcast, hosts Helwing Villamizar and Rohan Anand engage with Hooman Yazhari, partner in Michelman & Robinson's restructuring and corporate practice group, to discuss the current state of the aviation industry, particularly in light of recent tariff changes and the challenges faced by airlines like Spirit Airlines.

Hooman Yazhari helps businesses navigate transformational moments, having led global enterprises from distressed to great. He has over 25 years of executive and board leadership experience, bringing a business-first and holistic perspective to complex legal matters.

The conversation delves into the intricacies of airline operations, the influence of consumer perception on brand value, and the future of aviation in terms of sustainability and innovation. Yazhari shares insights on the cultural differences in bankruptcy processes across regions and emphasizes the importance of leadership in navigating the industry's challenges.

The episode concludes with predictions for the future of aviation and reflections on the industry's resilience and potential for growth.

Saily: Affordable eSIM data for international travel

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Discover the All-New Airways Digital

Airways Digital provides readers with the flexibility to access North America's leading commercial aviation magazine anytime, anywhere. Check out the new free previewer web app today!

Hosted by Helwing Villamizar, Rohan Anand, and Vinay Bhaskara

Produced by Helwing Villamizar

Media: American Airlines, United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, Spirit Airlines, Frontier, Allegiant, Airbus, and Boeing.

In this episode of the Airways podcast, hosts Rohan Anand-Mahajan, Vinay Bhaskara, and Helwing discuss the recent labor strikes at Air Canada, the implications for the airline industry, and the financial distress faced by Spirit Airlines. They explore the dynamics of labor relations, the impact of strikes on brand reputation, and the competitive landscape of the airline market. The conversation also touches on the cyclical nature of the airline industry, highlighting how airlines navigate challenges and opportunities in a post-pandemic world.

Takeaways

Labor relations in Canada are more robust compared to those in the US.

The strike impacted thousands of passengers and had brand implications.

Air Canada is a dominant player in the Canadian market.

Spirit Airlines is in financial distress and may not survive the year.

The airline industry is cyclical, with periods of boom and bust.

US legacy carriers have improved their competitive positioning against ULCCs.

Labor grievances are heightened in profitable airlines post-pandemic.

Airlines are navigating staffing and operational challenges.

The future of Spirit Airlines remains uncertain amidst market changes.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Air Canada Strikes

01:40 Impact of Labor Actions on Air Travel

09:20 Air Canada's Position in the Market

13:02 Flight Attendant Contracts and Labor Relations

18:58 The Cyclical Nature of the Airline Industry

28:10 Transition to Spirit Airlines' Financial Distress

35:33 The Evolution of Airline Business Models

39:04 The Competitive Landscape of Low-Cost Carriers

41:53 Mergers and Acquisitions in the Airline Industry

44:38 The Future of JetBlue and United

47:24 Current Trends in the Airline Industry

50:34 The Role of Leadership in Airline Success

54:58 Reflections on the Airline Industry's Future

Saily: Affordable eSIM data for international travel

Stay connected wherever your travels take you with Saily's convenient eSIM data plans. No more hunting for local SIM cards or dealing with expensive roaming charges.

Summer deal: Save 5% off your first purchase with code AIRWAYSMAG5, plus earn up to 5% cashback in Saily credits on all plans!

Discover the All-New Airways Digital

Airways Digital provides readers with the flexibility to access North America's leading commercial aviation magazine anytime, anywhere. Check out the new free previewer web app today!

Hosted by Helwing Villamizar, Rohan Anand, and Vinay Bhaskara

Produced by Helwing Villamizar

Media by Air Canada, Spirit Airlines, and Alexandre Henry Alves via Pexels

In the first episode of season 9 of the Airways podcast, hosts Rohan Anand, Vinay Bhaskara, and producer Helwing Villamizar discuss the importance of mental health in aviation in light of the recent incidents affecting Air India and the broader implications of geopolitics on air travel. They delve into the stigma surrounding pilot mental health, the ripple effects of aviation disasters, and speculate on Delta Air Lines' potential future with the Boeing 787.

Topics

* Mental Health in Aviation

* Recent Aviation Incidents and Their Impact

* Pilot Mental Health: A Growing Concern

* The Role of Social Media in Aviation Safety Perception

* Air India: A Love Letter to the Past and Future

* Crisis Management in Aviation

* The Future of Air India and Its Challenges

* Tata Group and Singapore Airlines: A Broader Perspective

* Corporate Responsibility and Community Support

* The Allure of Aviation and Travel

* Geopolitical Impacts on Air Travel

* Emerging Routes and Market Dynamics

* Cargo and Economic Factors in Aviation

* Delta's Fleet Strategy and Future Plans

Saily: Affordable eSIM data for international travel

Stay connected wherever your travels take you with Saily's convenient eSIM data plans. No more hunting for local SIM cards or dealing with expensive roaming charges.

Summer deal: Save 5% off your first purchase with code AIRWAYSMAG5, plus earn up to 5% cashback in Saily credits on all plans!

Discover the All-New Airways Digital

Airways Digital provides readers with the flexibility to access North America's leading commercial aviation magazine anytime, anywhere. Check out the new free previewer web app today!

Hosted by Helwing Villamizar, Rohan Anand, and Vinay Bhaskara

Produced by Helwing Villamizar

Media by Michael Rodeback, Aner Ortiz De Zarate, Brandon Farris, and Johan Ljungdahl, Pixabay

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

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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