Airlines Confidential Podcast

This week: Scott McCartney's Guest Co-Host is Oscar Munoz; Guest: Steve Sisneros, VP Airport Affairs, Southwest Airlines, News: Real ID kicks in; SWA Bags Fly Free no more; Newark caps traffic - United takes biggest hit; Better ATC tech & better runway utilization; ATC leadership failures; Success pending ratification on United flight attendant contract; Delta's new confusing fare classes & subclasses; Listener Input: Conflicting opinions on EWR slot restrictions.

This week: Guest Co-Host: Charles Duncan; Guest: Richard Anderson, Fmr CEO, Delta Airlines; News: Airline fares drop; Newark personnel and technology forces contraction; SWA expands international service; United projects getting back into JFK; How might JetBlue benefit from a United alliance?

This week: Guest Co-Host Henry Hardevelt; Guest: Adam Stahl, Acting Administrator, TSA; News: Real ID takes effect; US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy presents plan for ATC technology upgrade; What's happening at Newark? Gate reallocation drama with United & American in Chicago; Decline in business travel continues; Validity of JD Power survey? Listener input on Real ID, Affordable Skies Coalition.

This week: Scott's Guest Co- Host is Maya Leibman; Guest: Linda Jojo, Fmr EVP/Chief Customer Officer, United. News: Rep. Sam Graves (R) proposes $15B ATC modernization; United cuts flights at Newark due to ATC equipment and staffing issues; Projected United - JetBlue partnership; How problematic will TSA enforcement of Real ID be? New less fun names for SWA fare bundles; A Freddie Awards recap; United & others seat count changes at ORD; Listener Q: Why is AA suing JetBlue, and what happened to JetBlue BOS-ISP?

Christina Cassotis, the dynamic CEO of the Allegheny County Airport Authority, co-hosts with John Pepper, VP of Corporate Development at Allegiant Air. They dive into the regulatory hurdles stalling Allegiant's alliance with Viva Aerobus after three years. Discussion also touches on the airline industry's financial health, the operational readiness for new airports, and the rising challenges low-cost airlines face in the post-pandemic landscape. Tune in for insights on the future of low-fare aviation and the complexities of the ongoing pilot shortage.

Doug Parker, former chairman and CEO of American Airlines, joins Aengus Kelly, CEO of AerCap Holdings, to discuss the intricate world of aviation. They dive into United's promising earnings amidst economic uncertainties and the leadership changes at Spirit Airlines, hinting at potential mergers. Kelly shares insights on aircraft leasing dynamics and the impact of tariffs on the industry, while Parker highlights American's strategy for offering free Wi-Fi to enhance customer loyalty. Their candid reflections shine a light on a constantly evolving sector.

Guest co-host Dave Hilfman, an airline industry veteran, joins Emmy-winning producer Chris Sloan to dive into the fascinating Pacific Island Hopper route. They share anecdotes about island-hopping adventures and the unique experiences of both crew and passengers. The discussion also touches on the challenges faced by airlines, including economic pressures and FAA modernization struggles. Additionally, they explore the potential merger between Republic Airways and SkyWest, examining its implications for regional air travel.

Guest Host: Oscar Munoz, Guests: Milind Tavshikar, CEO, SmartKargo & Marco Ferrara, Mngr Product/Strategy, Delta; Ted Christie out as Spirit CEO: Republic buying Mesa; Info on new Executive Aviation focused MBA program at U of Colorado; Airline stocks take another beating; United adding interesting Asian flights; Economic changes potential effects on Southwest; Listener feedback on Southwest, and shades position during boarding and deplaning.

This conversation features Charles Duncan, a veteran airline leader, and Eamonn Brennan, the former Director General of Eurocontrol. They humorously tackle collegiate rivalries before diving into serious aviation issues. Discover insights on airline competition, strategies by JetBlue, and the need for modernization in air traffic control. Eamonn highlights challenges and reforms in European airspace management, while a debate on pilot training practices raises questions about airmanship versus flight hours. It's an engaging mix of wit and industry knowledge!

In this discussion, travel industry analyst Henry Harteveldt co-hosts with Justin Jones, EVP of Operations at Southwest Airlines. They dive into significant challenges like Heathrow's power failure and the evolving landscape of international travel regulations. Justin shares insights on Southwest's impressive cancellation rate and upcoming changes in baggage handling that could impact customer satisfaction. The episode also highlights crucial issues in pilot training and the ongoing supply chain disruptions facing airlines.