Airline Business Podcast

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

Graham and Lewis return to discuss the challenges facing airlines as they ramp-up operations heading into the northern hemisphere summer, notably amid staffing shortages and rising fuel prices. They also take a look at the competition to purchase Spirit Airlines, after JetBlue Airways threw its hat into the ring for the US ultra-low-cost carrier, weeks after Frontier Airlines had agreed to purchase its rival. They further consider whether the move reflects growing interest in consolidation as regions emerge from the pandemic. Music credit: Tea K Pea "highabove"/Creative Commons How Russian airspace restrictions are adding hours to some Europe-Asia flights https://www.flightglobal.com/networks/how-russian-airspace-restrictions-are-adding-hours-to-some-europe-asia-flights/148245.article Spirit’s board to weigh pros and cons of competing offers https://www.flightglobal.com/strategy/spirits-board-to-weigh-pros-and-cons-of-competing-offers/148179.article JetBlue would dismantle Spirit as ultra-low-cost competit

Graham and Lewis discuss a bleak financial results season, as airlines count the costs of a ruinous April-June period while grappling with a bumpier-than-expected comeback in the current quarter. The dynamics playing out in global markets are also examined, including the recovery mismatches in domestic and international sectors, the challenges presented by the ending of government support schemes, and the retrenchment of the traditional network carriers. They also discuss the European Commission’s pending decision on a winter waiver for the 80:20 slot rule at the region’s airports, and the impact that could have on the ambitions of industry disruptors. Airline losses mount for second quarter after revenues collapse https://www.flightglobal.com/strategy/airline-losses-mount-for-second-quarter-after-revenues-collapse/139640.article Asia-Pacific airlines temper optimism with caution - but for how long? https://www.flightglobal.com/strategy/asia-pacific-airlines-temper-optimism-with-caution-but-for-how-long/139

As airlines begin to ramp up operations, Graham and Lewis discuss the demand situation and the likely pitfalls ahead. They consider whether low passenger confidence in the safety of travel is likely to dampen demand, and how the progress of the virus is a critical factor in the shape of the recovery. They also discuss the safety of airports and aircraft, and the particular challenges facing the major regions. European carriers put emphasis on reach in short-haul return https://www.flightglobal.com/networks/european-carriers-put-emphasis-on-reach-in-short-haul-return/138976.article Layoffs expected when pay support ends for US carriers https://www.flightglobal.com/strategy/layoffs-expected-when-pay-support-ends-for-us-carriers/138946.article Assessing government support for Asia-Pacific carriers https://www.flightglobal.com/strategy/assessing-government-support-for-asia-pacific-carriers/138866.article By the numbers: coronavirus effect on the global fleet https://www.flightglobal.com/fleets/by-the-number

Airlines begin cutting their fleets in earnest, Latin America's biggest carrier heads into restructuring and Asia-Pacific operators grapple with how to kick-start services.

With talk in some markets turning to how airline markets might open up again as coronavirus cases peak, Graham and Lewis examine the current state of the industry and where it might be heading. Among the topics considered, they look at Virgin Australia’s demise and the moral hazard faced by governments around helping airlines. Could we see more state-owned carriers in future? They also discuss how airlines might deal with the demand for social distancing on flights – or, indeed, whether it is an issue carriers can solve. And they consider which markets might be first to return - particularly in geographic terms. Read more on FlightGlobal's website: Rather than solving social distancing, airlines face a waiting game https://www.flightglobal.com/strategy/rather-than-solving-social-distancing-airlines-face-a-waiting-game/138044.article US carriers tap relief funding as crisis deepens https://www.flightglobal.com/strategy/us-carriers-tap-relief-funding-as-crisis-deepens/137920.article European carriers fac

Graham and Lewis talk through the latest developments in the airline industry as the majority of the world’s fleet is grounded amid the coronavirus crisis. They discuss the prospects for carriers facing a cash crunch as revenues dry up – including whether the unprecedented circumstances might prompt consolidation as operators either collapse or merge with rivals. Having recently spoken to serving airline chief executives, Graham and Lewis also highlight the approaches being taken by Etihad and Air Baltic. Graham is then joined by Americas air transport editor Pilar Wolfsteller to discuss developments in the Americas, including tough decisions to be made regarding their future fleets. Airline traffic unlikely to return to pre-crisis levels before start of 2021 https://www.flightglobal.com/strategy/airline-traffic-unlikely-to-return-to-pre-crisis-levels-before-start-of-2021/137654.article Former airline chiefs on government role in airline survival and future shape of sector https://www.flightglobal.com/ai

Graham and Lewis talk through the latest figures and thoughts from IATA as airlines across the world ground their fleets in response to the coronavirus outbreak. Graham is then joined by Asia-Pacific bureau chief Greg Waldron to talk through the specific impact on markets in that region – including some potentially positive developments in China. Read more of our coverage on flightglobal.com: Airline coronavirus story could go from ‘Apocalypse Now’ to ‘The Big Short’ https://www.flightglobal.com/strategy/airline-coronavirus-story-could-go-from-apocalypse-now-to-the-big-short/137523.article Airline passenger revenues to fall $252 billion in 2020 amid coronavirus: IATA https://www.flightglobal.com/strategy/airline-passenger-revenues-to-fall-252-billion-in-2020-amid-coronavirus-iata/137491.article China’s domestic airline market 'may be at turning point': IATA https://www.flightglobal.com/strategy/chinas-domestic-airline-market-may-be-at-turning-point-iata/137496.article How coronavirus could impact airli

Join executive editor Graham Dunn and managing editor Lewis Harper as they discuss the impact of the coronavirus, which has been described by IATA as a “crisis” for the airline industry. Graham and Lewis consider markets across the world, including Italy’s, which has joined those in Asia and elsewhere in feeling a strong impact from the outbreak. They also look at IATA’s latest estimates for the virus’s economic impact They then consider the recent collapses of Air Italy and Flybe – including the environmental dimension to any government intervention to rescue operators. Finally, Graham is joined by FlightGlobal’s Americas bureau chief Jon Hemmerdinger to discuss the latest on the Boeing 737 Max programme. Read more on the stories discussed: IATA flags up to $113 billion revenue hit from coronavirus ‘crisis’ https://www.flightglobal.com/airlines/iata-flags-up-to-113-billion-revenue-hit-from-coronavirus-crisis/137101.article Cathay flags ‘substantial loss’ for first half of 2020 https://www.flightglobal.co

The new edition of the Airline Business podcast is now available. Join executive editor Graham Dunn and managing editor Lewis Harper as they discuss a tough – and, at times, perplexing – start to the year for airlines. If the industry thought it was getting some respite from a challenging first couple of weeks in 2020, fortunes quickly dipped again as the impact of the coronavirus began to be felt by airlines in China and beyond. At the same time, however, fuel prices are helpfully low, and a moderating of capacity growth continues to benefit the yield environment. Graham and Lewis also discuss the latest happenings at ailing UK carrier Flybe, and the strategy behind LOT Polish Airline’s purchase of German leisure carrier Condor. Airlines cut back China flights as WHO declares coronavirus a global emergency https://www.flightglobal.com/airlines/airlines-cut-back-china-flights-as-who-declares-coronavirus-a-global-emergency/136458.article Which airlines are most exposed to mainland China amid the coronavir

Join Graham Dunn, Lewis Harper and Max Kingsley-Jones as they look back on 2019 and the past decade, and forward to what 2020 might have in store for airlines. Why IATA is sounding a more optimistic note for airlines in 2020 https://www.flightglobal.com/airlines/why-iata-is-sounding-a-more-optimistic-note-for-airlines-in-2020/135745.article Do high-profile failures tell the airline story of 2019? https://www.flightglobal.com/airlines/do-high-profile-failures-tell-the-airline-story-of-2019/134612.article 2019 airline year in review https://www.flightglobal.com/in-depth/2019-airline-year-in-review/134609.article Key airline CEO appointments in 2019 https://www.flightglobal.com/in-depth/key-airline-ceo-appointments-in-2019/134614.article Ryanair chief Michael O’Leary on group CEO role, strikes, 737 Max and environmental scrutiny https://www.flightglobal.com/airlines/michael-oleary-on-tackling-ryanairs-biggest-challenges/135845.article Hong Kong Airlines’ woes offer hard lessons https://www.flightglobal.com

Join executive editor Graham Dunn and managing editor Lewis Harper as they discuss signs of slowing in the performance of carriers in Europe and elsewhere. They also examine IAG’s potential purchase of Spanish carrier Air Europa and the latest developments in Brazil as the country’s government attempts to kick-start growth of commercial aviation. FlightGlobal's executive director of content Max Kingsley-Jones then joins Lewis to talk through developments from this year’s Dubai air show, including a raft of orders from Emirates and some new 737 Max deals for Boeing. ANALYSIS: Climate tightens in third quarter for European airlines https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/analysis-climate-tightens-in-third-quarter-for-euro-462055/ Lufthansa ramps up group cost-cutting measures https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/lufthansa-ramps-up-group-cost-cutting-measures-462063/ Consumer confidence, Max grounding drive Delta's Q3 revenue boost https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/consumer-confidence-max

Join executive editor Graham Dunn and managing editor Lewis Harper as they discuss another round of winter failures in the European market – including Thomas Cook's collapse. They also examine Virgin Atlantic's plans for a third runway at Heathrow after a rebranding of Flybe, the surprise LATAM-Delta tie-up and growth at China's airports as Beijing Daxing opens. FlightGlobal's executive director of content Max Kingsley-Jones then joins Graham to talk through this month's Airline Business cover interview with Emirates Airline's president Tim Clark. ANALYSIS: Airlines still feeling heat in European leisure market https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/analysis-airlines-still-feeling-heat-in-european-le-461465/ Flybe and widebody orders key to Virgin Atlantic's Heathrow aims https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/flybe-and-widebody-orders-key-to-virgin-atlantics-460957/ INTERVIEW: Mark Anderson on foundations for Virgin Connect https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/interview-mark-anderson-on-fo

Join executive editor Graham Dunn and managing editor Lewis Harper as they discuss Michael O'Leary's new group role at Ryanair, troubles at French leisure carrier Aigle Azur, and the latest on the Boeing 737 Max's return to service, including Southwest's take on the type's branding. They also examine turmoil in the air cargo markets and the latest passenger capacity trends. FlightGlobal's Asia-Pacific bureau chief Greg Waldron then joins Graham to talk through this month's Airline Business cover interview with Vietnam Airlines' chief executive Duong Tri Thanh and the Vietnamese market in general. ANALYSIS: EASA concerns show scale of Max challenge https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/analysis-easa-concerns-show-scale-of-max-challenge-460726/ Southwest will retain 'Max' moniker when grounding lifts https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/southwest-will-retain-max-moniker-when-grounding-l-460469/ Aigle Azur receives 14 takeover bids https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/aigle-azur-receives-14-tak

Join executive editor Graham Dunn and managing editor Lewis Harper as they discuss a summer of strike action in Europe, Rupert Hogg's departure from Cathay Pacific amid turmoil in Hong Kong, the impact of the Boeing 737 Max grounding on second-quarter financials, Trump's intervention in the Gulf carrier spat, and FlightGlobal's latest survey of women in the C-suite. They also talk through this month's Airline Business cover interview with Indigo Partners founder Bill Franke. Cathay chairman cites recent 'pressure' on brand as chief departs https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/cathay-chairman-cites-recent-pressure-on-brand-as-460324/ Max grounding costs tear into TUI figures https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/max-grounding-costs-tear-into-tui-figures-460243/ SIA subsidiary SilkAir suffers quarterly loss amid Max grounding https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/sia-subsidiary-silkair-suffers-quarterly-loss-amid-m-460027/ Norwegian to end Irish transatlantic flights https://www.flightgloba