Big news in the U.S. ultra-low-cost-carrier market this week, as Spirit and Frontier announced their plans to merge. Meanwhile, Allegiant's long-serving CEO Maury Gallagher, who helmed one of the most profitable airlines in the world, announced his retirement. Madhu Unnikrishnan and Edward "Ned" Russell. discuss the hurdles ahead for the merger, why Gallagher's retirement is significant, as well as why India's IndiGo is not concerned about a revitalized Air India.

The ULCC Shakeup

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: How do you make money in this industry?

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In part one, Gordon Smith and Jay Shabat discuss a fascinating week at Southwest, as the low-cost carrier navigates the challenges of a very vocal new activist investor. In part two, Gordon chats with Skift Airlines Reporter Meghna Maharishi about a major new feature examining female representation across the aviation sector. 

What's Going on at Southwest Airlines?

Captain Theresa Claiborne was the first black female pilot in the United States Air Force and joined United Airlines as its second-ever black female pilot. Last month, she retired from United after 34 years and 10,000s of flight hours. Captain Claiborne has piloted everything from the KC-135 to the Boeing 787 and has done it all while championing diversity and inclusion. In her first-ever podcast interview she reflects on a genuinely illustrious career, before discussing her vision for the future. Get more airline news at http://airlineweekly.skift.com

Captain Theresa Claiborne Interview

In part one of this week's specially extended episode, Gordon Smith and Jay Shabat discuss a dramatic few days at American Airlines. In part two, attention turns to Southeast Asia as we discover how some of the region's biggest carriers are performing.  
 Get more airline news at http://airlineweekly.skift.com

American Airlines and Southeast Asia

In part one, Gordon Smith and Jay Shabat discuss the latest earnings from low-cost giant Ryanair. In part two, our focus turns to the upcoming summer travel season and what it means for the big U.S. airlines.Background Reading:Ryanair ‘Don’t Care’ Who the Next Boeing CEO Is https://skift.com/2024/05/20/ryanair-dont-care-who-the-next-boeing-ceo-is/ Ryanair CEO Slams Boeing Culture: ‘They Love Talking Corporate Bullsh*t’ https://skift.com/2024/03/20/ryanair-ceo-slams-boeing-culture/ What Are Summer Travel Trends for 2024? https://skift.com/2024/04/12/ask-skift-what-are-summer-travel-trends-for-2024/ What Are the Most Searched Cities for Summer 2024 Flights? ﻿https://skift.com/2024/03/19/what-are-the-most-searched-cities-for-summer-2024-flights/

Ryanair Earnings and U.S. Summer Trends

In part one of today's episode, Gordon Smith and Jay Shabat discuss Emirates' record-breaking results and ask how long these good times can last. In part two, we turn our attention to Brazil and find out how two of the country's biggest airlines are performing.  Read the latest issue of Airline Weekly every Monday morning at http://airlineweekly.skift.com.

The ULCC Shakeup

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