Airline Business Podcast

Graham and Lewis discuss how the industry has performed in 2024 and what might lie ahead in 2025. They also consider the role of alliances in today’s industry, while also discussing the latest consolidation trends. Music credit: Tea K Pea “highabove”/Creative Commons www.flightglobal.com/airline-business

Graham and Lewis discuss Spirit Airlines' Chapter 11 announcement while considering what a Trump presidency might mean for the industry. They also examine the latest goings on in Brazil, where Azul and Gol are attempting to overcome different challenges, before looking at some aggregate data from the third-quarter earnings season. Music credit: Tea K Pea “highabove”/Creative Commons. Read more on the Airline Business website: http://www.flightglobal.com/airline-business

Graham and Lewis discuss early signs in the third-quarter earnings season. They then examine the impact of more bad news on aircraft delivery delays, as Boeing grapples with strike action from machinists. Finally, they look back on this year’s IATA World Sustainability Symposium and what stakeholders had to say about progress towards the net-zero target. Music credit: Tea K Pea “highabove”/Creative Commons. Airline growth aspirations still crimped by ongoing OEM supply challenges https://www.flightglobal.com/analysis/airline-growth-aspirations-still-crimped-by-ongoing-oem-supply-challenges/160321.article United focuses on Boeing’s long-term stability over immediate delivery delays https://www.flightglobal.com/analysis/united-focuses-on-boeings-long-term-stability-over-immediate-delivery-delays/160327.article Delta’s ‘premium’ products providing edge over US competitors https://www.flightglobal.com/analysis/deltas-premium-products-providing-edge-over-us-competitors/160265.article Why IATA chief economist ex

Graham and Lewis discuss the recent airline earnings season after more clarity emerged on the European fare situation. They also examine capacity trends among Chinese carriers. Music credit: Tea K Pea “highabove”/Creative Commons. Fares enough? Ryanair rows back on European yield concern https://www.flightglobal.com/analysis/fares-enough-ryanair-rows-back-on-european-yield-concern/159789.article Why Lufthansa Airlines is suffering more than other airlines in the group https://www.flightglobal.com/analysis/why-lufthansa-airlines-is-suffering-more-than-other-airlines-in-the-group/159425.article Q2 2024 performance report for benchmark European airlines https://www.flightglobal.com/analysis/q2-2024-performance-report-for-benchmark-european-airlines/159834.article China’s top carriers again flag international uncertainty and competitive pressures https://www.flightglobal.com/analysis/chinas-top-carriers-again-flag-international-uncertainty-and-competitive-pressures/159808.article China’s international travel re

Graham and Lewis discuss the confusing picture that has emerged in the first half of the earnings season in Europe, plus the actions under way at US low-cost carriers as they seek to boost revenues and what might be in store in the Asia-Pacific region. They then look back at this year's Farnborough air show, which was a quiet one order-wise by historical standards, before taking an in-depth look at some of the winners from this year's Airline Strategy Awards. Music credit: Tea K Pea “highabove”/Creative Commons. Four days that brought high-flyers Delta and Ryanair back down to earth https://www.flightglobal.com/analysis/four-days-that-brought-high-flyers-delta-and-ryanair-back-down-to-earth/159388.article Timing counts for Southwest move to ditch flagship seating policy https://www.flightglobal.com/analysis/timing-counts-for-southwest-move-to-ditch-flagship-seating-policy/159377.article Why are EasyJet and Ryanair expressing such contrasting views on yields and demand? https://www.flightglobal.com/analysis/wh

In the latest episode – sponsored by Panasonic Avionics – Graham and Lewis discuss the industry outlook following the recent IATA AGM in Dubai, including an improved profit forecast from the association. They then look at the latest consolidation developments, including a surprise tie-up seeking to take remedies from IAG's acquisition of Air Europa, and potential moves from the Middle East's Qatar Airways. They also discuss the new Airline Business website (www.flightglobal.com/airline-business) ahead of the second-quarter earnings season. Music credit: Tea K Pea “highabove”/Creative Commons Is there an answer to the SAF question that keeps being asked? https://www.flightglobal.com/analysis/is-there-an-answer-to-the-saf-question-that-keeps-being-asked/158672.article SAF supply dominates IATA AGM as Walsh sees no straight line to net-zero target https://www.flightglobal.com/analysis/saf-supply-dominates-iata-agm-as-walsh-sees-no-straight-line-to-net-zero-target/158619.article Stability follows volatility as IA

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 ht

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

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