Airlines Confidential Podcast 320 - Guest Co-Host Maya Leibman. Guest: Don Carty, Chairman, Porter Airlines
Jan 14, 2026
Don Carty, a seasoned airline executive and chairman of Porter Airlines, shares fascinating insights from his extensive career in the airline industry. He discusses Porter's strategic evolution amidst the pandemic and how they pivoted to acquire a new fleet. The conversation touches on the challenges of airline profitability and the potential emergence of a fourth major U.S. carrier. Carty also reflects on his experiences with leadership, technology, and navigating U.S.-Canada traffic tensions while addressing listener questions about baggage fees.
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Small Carriers Need Scale
- Small leisure carriers need to scale to survive and often seek creative partners to do it.
- Allegiant's acquisition of Sun Country shows consolidation among niche carriers can build complementary networks.
M&A Moves Affect Competitive Field
- Concurrent merger efforts shift regulatory dynamics and simplify outcomes for remaining bidders.
- Allegiant–Sun Country and Frontier–Spirit moves likely clear the way for a single acceptable buyer for Spirit.
5G Conflict Forces Costly Avionics Fixes
- FAA expects costly radio altimeter upgrades to avoid 5G interference and seeks public comment on a $4.5B plan.
- The issue pits FAA safety concerns against FCC spectrum sales and could shift costs across airlines and business aviation.