Airlines Confidential Podcast

Marian Boyd, member of Boyd Group International, discusses the recent ruling blocking the JetBlue-Spirit merger. They critique the ruling, discuss the need for a fifth competitor in the airline industry, reflect on rapid expansion and bankruptcy, and share their experience organizing a conference. They also discuss Spirit Airlines' engine issues and their potential financial impact.

This week, aviation expert Jon Ostrower discusses the JAL Evacuation, the Alaska Door Plug, and the current Boeing fiasco. The episode also covers the appointment of Joanna Geraghty as the new JetBlue CEO. The speakers explore the challenges faced by ultra-low-cost carriers (ULCCs) and the rise of smaller airlines offering better services.

Hosts discuss recent air travel accidents and on-time performance of airlines in 2023; Delta's efficient fleet and Tokyo crash; Aviation incidents and the need for improved evacuation procedures; Importance of engineering and trust in the airline industry.

This week: 2024 Predictions; Southwest system fixes worked; Goldman Sachs cancellation stats; The issue with Chicago Midway; Hollywood takes note of airlines; Possible 2024 merger candidates; Listener Q on leg room vs seat pitch.

This week: Andrew Watterson, COO, Southwest Airlines; Stephanie Pope promoted to COO at Boeing; Delta beefs up Austin TX schedule; Listener Q on high speed rail LA-Vegas. Happy Holidays. Next episode: Jan 3 with 2024 Predictions.

This week: A DHL acquisition of Santa? + other holiday adjustments ;) - Digging into the Alaska-Hawaiian deal & SWA's role; Closing arguments made in the JetBlue - Spirit case; Listener input on the shape of DCA, Pluses of Amtrak, and you won the Powerball-what type of airline would you start?

Chris Sloan, an expert on aviation and the creator of The Airchive, discusses the potential acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines by Alaska Airlines and the impact of the GLP1 weight loss drug revolution on travel. The podcast also covers cockpit recorder upgrades, the origins and growth of AirCive, aircraft trivia and firsts, the shortage of air traffic controllers in Europe and the US, and the role of CIOs and CTOs in the aviation industry.

This week: Thanksgiving travel recap; Can't Make This Up covers "dog food" in China Eastern Business Class & Striking an anti-strike law; New Saudi passenger rights; Problems with the author's ideas in the book: Why Flying is Miserable & How to Fix It; Was there ever a Golden Age of travel? Listener Q: Is the SWA model broken?

This week: Rick Cotton, Executive Director, Port Authority of New York & New Jersey; AMS slots update; Focus on the safety report & FAA training; Passenger ordered to pay for flight disruption/diversion; Listener Q: Do airlines shop around for better fuel prices?

This week: Ben & Scott go in depth on next generation airplanes; United loyalty program revisions; Some business travel numbers; SUX and other interesting identifiers; Listener input on premium seat value.