The Airline Weekly Lounge Podcast

Takeaways From the IATA Annual Meeting
Edward Russell

The mood in Istanbul at the IATA Annual General Meeting was definitely jubilant this year. Despite all the challenges airlines face — and, frankly, when do they not face challenges? — attendees celebrated strong demand, cheaper fuel, and other tailwinds....

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Summer Air Travel Record Forecast
Edward Russell

U.S. airports saw roughly 300,000 more travelers than in 2019 over the Memorial Day weekend holiday, a sign of a busy summer to come. Are airlines ready? Edward Russell and Jay Shabat discuss. Plus, Delta is hit with a greenwashing...

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The Return of Icelandair
Edward Russell

Icelandair had a rough few years before and during Covid. But the airline believes it has turned the financial corner, and forecasts its best results in seven years. Edward Russell and Jay Shabat discuss. Plus, Turkish Airlines' big plans for...

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Air Canada Is off to a Good Start
Jason Clampet

Air Canada lost money in the first quarter of 2023. But that's no surprise. Wintertime losses are common for the carrier. But the red ink was minimal, setting it up for a strong year. Plus, a discussion about San Francisco's...

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Ryanair Makes Up With Boeing
Edward Russell

Ryanair gave Boeing a boost, and let bygones be bygones, by ordering up to 300 new 737 Maxes. It's the European discounter's largest-ever order. Edward Russell and Jay Shabat discuss the deal. Plus, Air France-KLM and IAG's first-quarter results. Ryanair Looks...

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Alan Joyce’s Legacy at Qantas
Edward Russell

Alan Joyce took over Qantas just as the Great Recession descended in 2008. He set about turning around its money-losing longhaul business, forging new international ties, and cementing Qantas' dominance of the Australian domestic market. Edward Russell and Jay Shabat...

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JetBlue and New York’s Problems
Edward Russell

JetBlue has a New York problem. The city that made the airline could hold it back this summer if the Federal Aviation Administration's air traffic control staffing issues are as bad as forecast. Edward Russell and Jay Shabat discuss. Plus,...

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United and Alaska Airlines Navigate Uncertainty
Jay Shabat

Airline Weekly's Jay Shabat is joined by former Airline Weekly Editor Madhu Unnikrishnan to discuss United Airlines' and Alaska Airlines' first quarter earnings reports from earlier this week. The conversation starts with United's challenges in January and February, and notes...

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First Quarter U.S. Airline Earnings Preview
Edward Russell

Delta Air Lines kicked off the first-quarter earnings season this week. Edward Russell and Jay Shabat discuss what they expect. Plus, can American Airlines catch up to the pack? Delta Margin Recovery to Near Pre-Pandemic Levels in Second Quarter American...

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Let’s Hear It For Delta’s Atlanta Airport Powerhouse
Edward Russell

Atlanta retained its title as the world's busiest airport last year, shocker we know. But more interesting is the rise of the Denver and Istanbul airports — to third and seventh busiest, respectively — that were not even in the...

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Lufthansa Nears ITA Airways Deal
Edward Russell

Lufthansa is closer than ever to a deal for Italy's state-owned carrier, Alita..., oops, ITA Airways. But can Lufthansa turn loss-making ITA into a gem? That remains to be seen. Edward Russell and Jay Shabat discuss, plus the Istanbul Airport's...

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The Different Ways Aviation Is Booming in India and Saudi Arabia
Jason Clampet

Big changes are underway in Saudi Arabia and India, with both poised for rapid growth in airline traffic. Each, however, is taking a distinct approach with respect to protecting their domestic airlines. Airline Weekly's Jay Shabat discusses with Skift's Asia...

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