The Airways Podcast

By A biweekly review of commercial flightSociety & Culture News Places & Travel

The Airways Podcast episodes

November 02 S10E08: Airline AI Starts With the Data: Tim McMullen of DataArt
A new airline app can sit on top of reservation technology with roots stretching back decades. Making those systems work together is much of the work passengers never see.
On this episode of the Airways Podcast, DataArt’s Tim McMullen joins Rohan Anand and Vinay Bhaskara to discuss how airlines modernize their technology while keeping the operation running.
Tim explains why reliable data underpins successful AI projects and why replacing every older system is not always necessary. He also shares a personal example of what gets lost between systems: reaching a million-mile milestone at an airline without anyone acknowledging it during the journey.
The conversation covers the different priorities of premium and low-cost carriers, ZIPAIR’s approach to payments, and the complications of sharing passenger information across airline partners. Tim also discusses how AI is changing software development, where human judgment remains necessary, and why some business problems are better solved without AI.
Plus: Rohan and Vinay disagree about just how magical a Sunday morning at Newark can be.
Hosts: Rohan Anand and Vinay BhaskaraGuest: Tim McMullen, DataArtSponsor: mizar.solutionsProduced by Helwing Villamizar

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit airwaysmagazine.substack.com/subscribe
1 hr 10 min
October 16 S10E07: Alaska’s Premium Push, the Starlink Effect & Aviation Security
Rohan Anand and Vinay Bhaskara examine Alaska’s new premium offerings, its position in the trans-Pacific market, and the role of fleet utilization and airline alliances in its strategy. They also compare onboard Wi-Fi experiences and discuss whether reliable connectivity could become a deciding factor when travelers book long-haul flights.
The conversation begins with infrastructure and gate-capacity challenges at Denver and Chicago O’Hare, then turns to a recent flydubai in-flight incident, safety considerations, and the broader implications of geopolitical tensions for Middle Eastern and U.S. airlines.
In this episode:
* Alaska’s premium strategy and the competitive market for upgraded cabins
* Starlink’s potential to raise expectations for onboard connectivity
* Trans-Pacific routes, fleet deployment, and airline partnerships
* Airport infrastructure constraints and their effects on operations
* The flydubai incident and the intersection of aviation safety and geopolitics
Hosted by Rohan Anand and Vinay Bhaskara
Produced by Helwing Villamizar

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit airwaysmagazine.substack.com/subscribe
51 min
August 28 S10E6: Inside Breeze Airways: Austin Speaker on Airline Tech, Growth, and Strategy
In this episode, Austin Speaker shares his extensive journey through the airline industry, from Southwest to Breeze Airways, and discusses the evolution of airline IT systems, distribution channels, and industry trends post-pandemic. Discover insights into passenger systems, industry mergers, and the future of airline technology. In this episode, Austin shares insights into Breeze’s operational strategy, fleet management, market focus, and the passion that keeps him engaged in the airline industry. Rohan and Austin discuss Breeze’s growth, seasonal network, fleet transitions, and future plans, offering a deep dive into modern airline operations.
key topics
Austin Speaker’s career journey from Southwest to Breeze Airways
Evolution of airline passenger systems and IT infrastructure
Impact of industry mergers and system migrations
Role of distribution channels including GDS, NDC, and OTA partnerships
Post-pandemic travel trends and airline strategies Breeze’s operational strategy and market focus
Fleet management and aircraft transitions
Seasonal network and route planning
Growth metrics and future fleet orders
Industry challenges like fuel costs and regulation
guest links
LinkedIn - https://linkedin.com/in/austin
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 Rohan Anand and Vinay Bhaskara
Produced by Helwing Villamizar

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit airwaysmagazine.substack.com/subscribe
1 hr 14 min
July 12 S10E5: SAS, easyJet, and American’s Return to Tokyo
Join Rohan Anand and Vinay Bhaskara as they discuss SAS’ major widebody order and Copenhagen hub strategy, easyJet’s potential private-equity takeover, and American Airlines’ return to Chicago O’Hare–Tokyo Narita service. The episode also covers recent travel experiences, airport pain points, long-haul narrowbody limits, and the evolving shape of global airline alliances.
key topics
SAS’ Airbus A330neo order and Copenhagen hub strategy
The future of SAS within the Air France-KLM/SkyTeam ecosystem
The limits of the Airbus A321LR/XLR long-haul promise
easyJet’s potential Castlelake takeover
Why easyJet’s airport slots may be more valuable than its fares
American Airlines’ return to Chicago O’Hare–Tokyo Narita
American’s transpacific strategy and oneworld partnerships
Chicago O’Hare, Tokyo Narita, and the AA/Japan Airlines joint venture
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 Rohan Anand and Vinay Bhaskara
Produced by Helwing Villamizar

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit airwaysmagazine.substack.com/subscribe
53 min
May 28 S10E4: The State of the US Aviation Industry Post-Spirit
Join Rohan Anand and Vinay Bhaskara as they reflect on a decade of the Airways podcast, analyze the current state of the US airline industry in 2026, and explore recent travel experiences, airline mergers, and industry trends.
key topics
Decade of the Airways podcast
State of the US airline industry in 2026
Impact of Spirit Airlines’ demise
Airline mergers and market consolidation
Travel experiences and airline product updates
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!
Become a Sponsor of The Airways Podcast
If you’re interested in sponsoring the Airways Podcast in 2026, please get in touch with us at [email protected]
Hosted by Rohan Anand and Vinay Bhaskara
Produced by Helwing Villamizar

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit airwaysmagazine.substack.com/subscribe
47 min
March 13 S10E3: FAA at ORD, Middle East Conflict and Its Impact on Global Air Travel
In this episode, Rohan and Vinay explore the latest in aviation, including airport disruptions, airline capacity strategies at Chicago O'Hare, and the geopolitical impacts on global air travel, with a special focus on the Middle East conflict and its ripple effects.
Key Topics
* Current State of Air Travel and Personal Updates
* Challenges in Air Travel Operations
* FAA Intervention and Airline Capacity Issues
* Airline Competition and Market Dynamics
* Impact of Middle East Conflicts on Global Aviation
* Air Travel Disruptions and Challenges
* Impact of Geopolitical Conflicts on Aviation
* Long-term Effects on Middle Eastern Hubs
* Boeing’s Strategic Moves in China
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!
Become a Sponsor of The Airways Podcast
If you’re interested in sponsoring the Airways Podcast in 2026, please get in touch with us at [email protected]
Hosted by Rohan Anand and Vinay Bhaskara
Produced by Helwing Villamizar

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit airwaysmagazine.substack.com/subscribe
58 min
February 23 Mexico Airspace Crisis: What Travelers Need to Know
This live update covers the recent civil unrest and airspace closures in Mexico, focusing on their impact on travel, safety, and local conditions. Rohan Anand-Mahajan provides real-time insights into flight cancellations, security issues, and resources for stranded travelers.
Key Topics
* Impact of civil unrest on air travel in MexicoFlight cancellations and airport closures in Puerto Vallarta and GuadalajaraSafety and security concerns amid violence and cartel activityResources for stranded travelers and international assistanceReal-time updates on airport operations and civil unrest developments
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!
Become a Sponsor of The Airways Podcast
If you’re interested in sponsoring the Airways Podcast in 2026, please get in touch with us at [email protected]
Hosted by Rohan Anand and Vinay Bhaskara
Produced by Helwing Villamizar

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit airwaysmagazine.substack.com/subscribe
11 min
February 20 S10E2: O’Hare is Heating Up — Gates, Widebodies, and Venezuela
In Season 10, Episode 2 of the Airways podcast, Rohan and Vinay discuss the competitive landscape of the airline industry, focusing on the battle for Chicago O’Hare between American Airlines and United Airlines. They explore the implications of gate space, market share, and Southwest Airlines' impact.
The conversation also touches on American Airlines’ challenges and future outlook, as well as Air Canada’s fleet expansion plans with the addition of Airbus A350-1000s. The episode highlights the complexities and unpredictability of the aviation market.
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!
Become a Sponsor of The Airways Podcast
If you’re interested in sponsoring the Airways Podcast in 2026, please get in touch with us at [email protected]
Hosted by Rohan Anand and Vinay Bhaskara
Produced by Helwing Villamizar

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit airwaysmagazine.substack.com/subscribe
43 min
February 06 S10E1: American Airlines and the Future of Chicago O'Hare
In season 10, episode 1, Rohan Anand discusses the current situation at Chicago O’Hare, analyzing the evolution of airline hubs, carrier competition, the impact of the pandemic, and the airport's future outlook. Rohan highlights the challenges facing American Airlines and the importance of Chicago as a key aviation market.
Takeaways
Competition among airlines at Chicago O’Hare is intensifying.
Chicago O’Hare is a crucial hub for airlines.
American Airlines faces major challenges in today’s market.
Airline capacity is at stake and affects pricing.
Chicago’s importance as a market cannot be underestimated.
Airline narratives must be backed by solid data.
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!
Become a Sponsor of The Airways Podcast
If you’re interested in sponsoring the Airways Podcast in 2026, please get in touch with us at [email protected]

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit airwaysmagazine.substack.com/subscribe
20 min
December 31, 2025 S9E6: A Year in Review - The Biggest Stories of 2025
In this episode of the Airways podcast, hosts Rohan Anand, Helwing Villamizar, and Vinay Bhaskara discuss the major themes and events in aviation for the year 2025. They cover the status of American Airlines, significant safety incidents, geopolitical impacts on air travel, developments in Indian aviation, the growth of Middle Eastern airlines, challenges faced by Spirit Airlines, and the dynamics of the Canadian and Mexican aviation markets. The episode concludes with tentative predictions for 2026, highlighting trends and expectations for the future of the aviation industry.
Takeaways
* American Airlines launches a bold status-match challenge to win premium flyers.
* DFW continues its meteoric rise as one of the world’s busiest mega-hubs.
* A string of safety incidents puts operational discipline under the microscope.
* Geopolitics redraw global airspace maps, forcing airlines to reroute and adapt.
* India’s aviation boom hits turbulence amid new rules and fierce market pressure.
* Gulf carriers double-down on global dominance with massive fleet and network expansion.
* Spirit faces survival mode — a Frontier tie-up may be its best runway.
* Cross-border politics ripple through Canadian and Mexican aviation strategies.
* Alaska Airlines plots a smarter, stronger network footprint after absorbing Hawaiian.
* 2026 outlook: record demand meets rising complexity — growth continues, but so do the headwinds.
Sponsor The Airways Podcast
If you’re interested in sponsoring the Airways Podcast in 2026, please get in touch with us at [email protected]
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!
The 2026 Airways Calendar is Here!
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. Order today!
Hosted by Helwing Villamizar, Rohan Anand, and Vinay Bhaskara
Produced by Helwing Villamizar

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit airwaysmagazine.substack.com/subscribe
1 hr 5 min

About The Airways Podcast

From the publisher's feed

The Airways Podcast, hosted by aviation analysts Rohan Anand and Vinay Bhaskara and produced by Airways Digital Editor Helwing Villamizar, is a bimonthly show that covers the latest news and updates from the commercial aviation industry.