Airline Business Podcast

In the latest episode – sponsored by Panasonic Avionics – Graham and Lewis look back on a first-quarter earnings season that saw a variety of challenges around the world, but also positivity on what will follow in 2024. They also discuss the new Airline Business website (www.flightglobal.com/airline-business). Airlines optimistic for another strong summer on transatlantic despite weakening signs https://www.flightglobal.com/analysis/airlines-optimistic-for-another-strong-summer-on-transatlantic-despite-weakening-signs/158381.article Sun Country profitable as other US discounters slog through first quarter https://www.flightglobal.com/analysis/sun-country-profitable-as-other-us-discounters-slog-through-first-quarter/158182.article US airline industry ‘evermore rigged game’ favouring major carriers: Spirit Airlines CEO https://www.flightglobal.com/analysis/us-airline-industry-evermore-rigged-game-favouring-major-carriers-spirit-airlines-ceo/158159.article Why IndiGo believes time is right for widebody move wi

In the latest episode - sponsored by Panasonic Avionics - Graham and Lewis discuss the impact of the recently announced changes at the top of Boeing, which came after several airlines voiced concerns about aspects of the airframer's management. They then look back to the Airlines for Europe (A4E) meeting in Brussels, examining the issues on which the region's largest carriers have a united voice. Music credit: Tea K Pea “highabove”/Creative Commons Fewer ‘spanners under floorboards’ but O’Leary still seeks Boeing improvements https://www.flightglobal.com/airlines/fewer-spanners-under-floorboards-but-oleary-still-seeks-boeing-improvements/157472.article Airlines candid on Boeing concerns https://www.flightglobal.com/airline-business/airlines-candid-on-boeing-concerns/157376.article Boeing chief Calhoun to leave at end-2024 as Deal departs Commercial Airplanes https://www.flightglobal.com/airframers/boeing-chief-calhoun-to-leave-at-end-2024-as-deal-departs-commercial-airplanes/157509.article Boeing manage

In the latest episode - sponsored by Panasonic Avionics - Graham and Lewis look back on an inauspicious start to 2024 in terms of airline safety and consolidation moves. They then consider what airlines including United Airlines, Ryanair and Wizz Air had to say about the year ahead in their recent earnings calls. Music credit: Tea K Pea “highabove”/Creative Commons Spirit pushes back on ‘misguided narrative’ about stability without JetBlue https://www.flightglobal.com/strategy/spirit-pushes-back-on-misguided-narrative-about-stability-without-jetblue/156863.article European regulators ‘welcome’ JetBlue’s summer Amsterdam access https://www.flightglobal.com/networks/european-regulators-welcome-jetblues-summer-amsterdam-access/156788.article Regulators in no mood to wave through airline M&A activity https://www.flightglobal.com/airlines/regulators-in-no-mood-to-wave-through-airline-manda-activity/156749.article SAS chief looks to SkyTeam gains to outweigh ‘emotionally difficult’ Star Alliance exit https:

In the latest instalment of the podcast - sponsored by Panasonic Avionics -Graham and Lewis discuss the airlines to watch over the next 12 months. Among the carriers in the spotlight are Air France-KLM, Lufthansa, Norwegian, Turkish Airlines, Qatar Airways, Etihad Airways, Qantas, Air India, JetBlue and the Abra Group. Music credit: Tea K Pea “highabove”/Creative Commons From aircraft availability to consolidation: 10 airline stories that will shape industry in 2024 https://www.flightglobal.com/airlines/from-aircraft-availability-to-consolidation-10-airline-stories-that-will-shape-industry-in-2024/156248.article Turkish Airlines secures AOC for low-cost unit AJet https://www.flightglobal.com/strategy/turkish-airlines-secures-aoc-for-low-cost-unit-ajet/156348.article Lufthansa orders first 737 Max jets as part of deal for up to 200 narrowbody aircraft https://www.flightglobal.com/fleets/lufthansa-orders-first-737-max-jets-as-part-of-deal-for-up-to-200-narrowbody-aircraft/156253.article Acquisition moves

In the latest instalment of the Airline Business Podcast – sponsored by Panasonic Avionics – Graham and Lewis look back on the past 12 months for the airline industry, considering the high and low points. They also discuss what might be ahead in 2024. Music credit: Tea K Pea “highabove”/Creative Commons From aircraft availability to consolidation: 10 airline stories that will shape industry in 2024 https://www.flightglobal.com/airlines/from-aircraft-availability-to-consolidation-10-airline-stories-that-will-shape-industry-in-2024/156248.article When it comes to airline M&A, is the gain still worth the pain? https://www.flightglobal.com/airlines/when-it-comes-to-airline-manda-is-the-gain-still-worth-the-pain/156138.article Bulk aircraft orders continue as airlines stock up for future growth https://www.flightglobal.com/airlines/bulk-aircraft-orders-continue-as-airlines-stock-up-for-future-growth/156282.article Why airline industry focus is on the margins of profitability https://www.flightglobal.com/air

In the latest instalment of the Airline Business Podcast – sponsored by Panasonic Avionics – Graham and Lewis discuss the aircraft orders placed at this year’s Dubai air show and what they might mean for capacity growth in the region, particularly when it comes to widebody jets. They also look at the air cargo sector’s declining fortunes since its pandemic-era highs and consider whether a turnaround in demand is on the horizon. Music credit: Tea K Pea “highabove”/Creative Commons Widebodies account for almost half the order business at Dubai show https://www.flightglobal.com/orders-and-deliveries/widebodies-account-for-almost-half-the-order-business-at-dubai-show/155870.article Dubai air show underlines Middle East carrier growth ambitions https://www.flightglobal.com/airlines/dubai-air-show-underlines-middle-east-carrier-growth-ambitions/155885.article Emirates to expand A350 commitment with additional -900s https://www.flightglobal.com/airlines/emirates-to-expand-a350-commitment-with-additional-900s/15

Graham and Lewis discuss the latest consolidation moves in Europe, as Air France-KLM announces plans to take a minority stake in SAS. They also consider the industry’s sustainability challenge, in light of the IATA World Sustainability Symposium in Madrid, including hurdles in the development of a sustainable aviation fuel industry. Finally, they consider the latest opinions on the industry’s outlook, as strong demand and constrained capacity continue to support yields. This episode is sponsored by Panasonic Avionics. If you have any questions, comments or suggestions, please email podcast@flightglobal.com Music credit: Tea K Pea “highabove”/Creative Commons Air France-KLM has potential avenue to becoming controlling SAS shareholder https://www.flightglobal.com/airlines/air-france-klm-has-potential-avenue-to-becoming-controlling-sas-shareholder/155232.article SAS to leave Star for SkyTeam after picking Air France-KLM and Castlelake as investors https://www.flightglobal.com/airlines/sas-to-leave-star-f

Graham and Lewis look back on another strong set of quarterly results from the global airline industry, while considering whether the coming months will see ‘normalisation’ in more markets. They then discuss the success or otherwise of the various start-up carriers that have launched operations over the past few years – and prospects for a few that are yet to get off the ground. Music credit: Tea K Pea “highabove”/Creative Commons More signs of airline markets ‘normalising’ as fares soften https://www.flightglobal.com/airlines/more-signs-of-airline-markets-normalising-as-fares-soften/154592.article US pent-up demand shifts to long-haul at expense of domestic https://www.flightglobal.com/airlines/us-pent-up-demand-shifts-to-long-haul-at-expense-of-domestic/154406.article Air cargo grapples with plummeting rates and freighter oversupply fears https://www.flightglobal.com/airlines/air-cargo-grapples-with-plummeting-rates-and-freighter-oversupply-fears/154454.article Pegasus sees post-Covid travel boom ebbi

Graham and Lewis discuss the operational challenges being seen in Europe and North America, as ATC issues and airspace restrictions combine with weather events and other factors. They also consider the longer-term capacity challenges in the industry and the impact of sustainability concerns on airline growth plans. They then revisit this year's Airline Strategy Awards, highlighting some of the winning stories. Music credit: Tea K Pea “highabove”/Creative Commons READ MORE ON FLIGHTGLOBAL.COM: Airlines need to prepare for more extreme weather events https://www.flightglobal.com/airlines/airlines-need-to-prepare-for-more-extreme-weather-events/154019.article Walsh claims France is ‘harming the environment’ by failing to address ATC strikes https://www.flightglobal.com/airlines/walsh-claims-france-is-harming-the-environment-by-failing-to-address-atc-strikes/153589.article IAG cites Iberia lessons as BA and Aer Lingus battle operational challenges https://www.flightglobal.com/strategy/iag-cites-iberia-lessons-a

Graham and Lewis discuss how European and North American carriers performed during the recent earnings season, which saw a degree of ‘normalisation’ and plenty of positivity about the summer, despite the slower recovery of corporate travel. They then consider the growing problems around aircraft maintenance delays, particularly in light of India’s Go First grounding its fleet. Next they discuss Ryanair’s bumper – and long-expected – order for Boeing 737 Max 10 jets, before looking at the legacy of departing Qantas chief executive Alan Joyce. Music credit: Tea K Pea “highabove”/Creative Commons IAG reports Q1 operating profit as leisure demand gives it summer confidence https://www.flightglobal.com/airlines/iag-reports-q1-operating-profit-as-leisure-demand-gives-it-summer-confidence/153155.article Lufthansa predicts ‘summer travel boom’ after loss-making Q1 https://www.flightglobal.com/airlines/lufthansa-predicts-summer-travel-boom-after-loss-making-q1/153107.article US carriers see revenues surge, bu

Graham and Lewis talk through the growing list of consolidation moves within the global industry, discussing why deals take such a long time to get over the line. They then look back on Graham’s recent interview with Lufthansa Group chief executive Carsten Spohr and what he had to say about the Italian market, before considering the launch of Riyadh Air and a bumper widebody deal for Saudi carriers. Finally, Lewis talks through our latest survey of women in the C-suite, with data showing the number of female chief executives has shot up over the past 12 months. Music credit: Tea K Pea “highabove”/Creative Commons Airlines struggle to fast-track consolidation https://www.flightglobal.com/airlines/airlines-struggle-to-fast-track-consolidation/152276.article Significant rise in women leading airlines offsets falls elsewhere in C-suite https://www.flightglobal.com/airlines/significant-rise-in-women-leading-airlines-offsets-falls-elsewhere-in-c-suite/151863.article Carsten Spohr on how Lufthansa is back o

Graham and Lewis discuss the recent collapses of European carriers Flybe and Flyr, asking whether those developments belie a much brighter outlook for the industry in 2023. They also consider recent comments from United Airlines chief executive Scott Kirby about fundamental changes to the industry coming out of the pandemic, which he suggests could make growth plans undeliverable if peers fail to act. Expanding on Kirby’s comments, they further consider whether the industry is better prepared for the strong demand ahead as carriers and the wider sector gear up for the northern hemisphere summer. Music credit: Tea K Pea “highabove”/Creative Commons How significant are exits of Flybe and Flyr from Europe’s airline market? https://www.flightglobal.com/airlines/how-significant-are-exits-of-flybe-and-flyr-from-europes-airline-market/151879.article Investors see value in airlines as 2023 outlook improves https://www.flightglobal.com/airlines/investors-see-value-in-airlines-as-2023-outlook-improves/151997.articl

Graham and Lewis discuss some of the most interesting developments in 2022, including KLM’s challenges, ITA Airways wrangling, Norwegian’s renaissance, JetBlue’s move for Spirit, Abra Group ambitions in Latin America, Air India’s transformation and consolidation, differing fortunes at domestic market-less Singapore Airlines and Cathay Pacific, and Saudi ambitions as it looks to launch new flag carrier. The Airline Business 38: tracking key data indicators from airlines around the world https://www.flightglobal.com/airlines/the-airline-business-38-tracking-key-data-indicators-from-airlines-around-the-world/151438.article Legal action possible as Air France-KLM vows to fight Schiphol cap https://www.flightglobal.com/airlines/legal-action-possible-as-air-france-klm-vows-to-fight-schiphol-cap/149682.article Airline CEO changes in 2022 dominated by appointment of women and upheaval in India https://www.flightglobal.com/airlines/airline-ceo-changes-in-2022-dominated-by-appointment-of-women-and-upheaval-in-india/14

Graham and Lewis discuss IATA's recent forecast for 2023, which showed the industry tipping into profitable territory after a punishing few years. They also discuss airport charges following more developments at Heathrow, and consider Virgin Atlantic's growth plans. They then focus ot the A380's fortunes following Etihad's decision to bring some back into service, before discussing United Airlines' recent bumper aircraft order - and a potential order from Air India. Music credit: Tea K Pea "highabove"/Creative Commons IATA forecasts global airline industry will return to profit in 2023 https://www.flightglobal.com/airlines/iata-forecasts-global-airline-industry-will-return-to-profit-in-2023/151224.article Razor-thin airline industry profit projection for 2023 reflects complex web of factors https://www.flightglobal.com/airlines/razor-thin-airline-industry-profit-projection-for-2023-reflects-complex-web-of-factors/151271.article Virgin chief prepped for ‘subdued’ 2023 but no sign yet of bookings impact http

Graham and Lewis discuss a strong third-quarter results season for airlines in Europe and North America, as constrained capacity met surging demand. They also consider whether that momentum can continue into 2023 and look at developments in the air cargo sector. Then, following the recent ICAO agreement on a long-term aspirational goal for aviation, they examine the next steps for the airline industry on its journey to net-zero CO2. Finally, Graham talks about prospects for the Latin American airline sector after his recent trip to the ALTA Airline Leaders Forum in Buenos Aires. Music credit: Tea K Pea "highabove"/Creative Commons Why airline confidence is high despite headwinds https://www.flightglobal.com/airlines/why-airline-confidence-is-high-despite-headwinds/150844.article Air France-KLM eyes TAP, Transavia and territories for growth as ITA deadline nears https://www.flightglobal.com/airlines/air-france-klm-eyes-tap-transavia-and-territories-for-growth-as-ita-deadline-nears/150747.article Air Fran

Graham and Lewis discuss the transition from a positive summer period in terms of demand and - in some cases - profits to an uncertain winter, with a long list of challenges clouding the 2023 outlook. Jon Hemmerdinger then joins Graham to discuss the recent tie-up between United Airlines and Emirates, and Frontier Airlines' strategy after losing out on Spirit. Finally, Graham and Lewis consider some of the consolidation moves in markets in recent weeks, before discussing the grounding of flights at Romanian operator Blue Air. Music credit: Tea K Pea “highabove”/Creative Commons The two unusual phenomena faced by airlines as headwinds strengthen https://www.flightglobal.com/airlines/the-two-unusual-phenomena-faced-by-airlines-as-headwinds-strengthen/150120.article United and Emirates strike broad partnership that will ‘terrify’ competitors https://www.flightglobal.com/strategy/united-and-emirates-strike-broad-partnership-that-will-terrify-competitors/150200.article JetBlue-Spirit deal will leave Frontie

Graham and Lewis discuss the resumption of Boeing 787 deliveries and the impact of supply-chain issues on fleet planning. They also look back to July’s Farnborough air show, which saw Boeing dominate the order announcements as Airbus unveiled a string of commitments before and after the event. Music credit: Tea K Pea “highabove”/Creative Commons Boeing resumes 787 deliveries, handing aircraft to American Airlines https://www.flightglobal.com/airframers/boeing-resumes-787-deliveries-handing-aircraft-to-american-airlines/149804.article Dreamliner deliveries resume but capacity constraints remain https://www.flightglobal.com/strategy/dreamliner-deliveries-resume-but-capacity-constraints-remain/149795.article Airbus and Boeing delays add to ‘global supply bottleneck’: Lufthansa chief https://www.flightglobal.com/airlines/airbus-and-boeing-delays-add-to-global-supply-bottleneck-lufthansa-chief/149744.article Boeing Max deals lead Farnborough air show order activity https://www.flightglobal.com/farnborough-20

Graham and Lewis consider the main talking points from the recent IATA AGM in Doha, at which the association outlined an improved economic outlook for the industry. At the same time as better news on Covid restrictions being dropped, however, executives also acknowledged a new set of headwinds. They also discuss the return of the Airbus A380 at some carriers, after questions were asked about its future during the pandemic. The superjumbo is returning to operations amid a stronger-than-expected recovery in demand and delays in other key widebody aircraft programmes. They also discuss a recent bumper aircraft order by Chinese carriers and the forthcoming Farnborough air show. Risks and uncertainties persist despite IATA’s brighter economic outlook https://www.flightglobal.com/iata-agm-2022/risks-and-uncertainties-persist-despite-iatas-brighter-economic-outlook/149108.article Defiant Walsh says airline industry can handle coming headwinds https://www.flightglobal.com/iata-agm-2022/defiant-walsh-says-airline-i

Graham and Lewis consider the blame game that is emerging as airlines and the wider air travel sector grapple with operational challenges. They also discuss the next sustainability steps for airlines – including sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and offsetting – as the industry prepares to meet in Doha for this year's IATA AGM. Music credit: Tea K Pea "highabove"/Creative Commons IATA chief hits back at ‘idiot politicians’ who blame UK airlines for staff shortages https://www.flightglobal.com/airlines/iata-chief-hits-back-at-idiot-politicians-who-blame-uk-airlines-for-staff-shortages/148907.article EasyJet chief calls for ‘sober view’ of capacity limits at UK airports this summer https://www.flightglobal.com/airlines/easyjet-chief-calls-for-sober-view-of-capacity-limits-at-uk-airports-this-summer/148908.article Air France-KLM chief concerned over staff shortage spreading to Paris and 787 delays https://www.flightglobal.com/airlines/air-france-klm-chief-concerned-over-staff-shortage-spreading-to-paris-and-

Graham and Lewis discuss big airline expectations from the recent results season, alongside the operational challenges that threaten to limit the recovery and the uncertainty regarding what might follow. And as more of the Asia-Pacific region brings down border restrictions, they consider the impact of China’s continued ‘zero-Covid’ policy on airlines within that country and on overseas carriers that relied on its citizens’ seemingly endless appetite for international travel. Willie Walsh on the airline sector’s road to recovery and a sustainable future https://www.flightglobal.com/strategy/willie-walsh-on-the-airline-sectors-road-to-recovery-and-a-sustainable-future/148482.article Has the golden age of Chinese air travel come to an end? https://www.flightglobal.com/airlines/has-the-golden-age-of-chinese-air-travel-come-to-an-end/148514.article Air cargo market told to brace for ‘growing challenges’ as demand falls https://www.flightglobal.com/strategy/air-cargo-market-told-to-brace-for-growing-challenges