The Air Show

Brian and Brett dive into the booming transatlantic market, revealing a staggering 75% increase in daily flights over two decades. They explore the impact of joint ventures on competition, noting that just three groups dominate fares. Independent airlines like Icelandair and TAP still navigate this landscape, while the viability of low-cost carriers is questioned. Seasonal shifts in travel and the rise of leisure destinations highlight changing patterns, as they ponder the future of European markets and national carriers.

The discussion dives into the significance of branding and product for airlines, contrasting it with operational metrics. There's a fascinating look at how the film 'Up in the Air' might have temporarily boosted American's image. The hosts critique recent advertising efforts, questioning their alignment with modern expectations. They also explore whether branding can succeed without operational changes and how frontline staff fatigue affects brand representation. Finally, they ponder if recent operational issues signal deeper, systemic troubles.

Jude Bricker, CEO of Sun Country Airlines, offers insights at the APEX Global EXPO 2025. He discusses Spirit Airlines’ recent bankruptcy and the implications of a potential merger. The conversation touches on the unique challenges faced by ultra-low-cost carriers, including fleet management and rising operational costs. Bricker explains Sun Country's variable capacity model as a game-changer. He also explores innovative aircraft acquisition strategies in a post-pandemic market and the importance of enhancing in-flight experiences to attract modern travelers.

Spirit Airlines faces bankruptcy for the second time, raising questions about the future of the U.S. airline industry. The discussion covers the airline's financial struggles, including cash depletion and investor confidence. As Spirit tries to navigate its recovery plan, they explore challenges like operational hurdles and ongoing competition. With potential mergers on the horizon, the hosts debate the sustainability of Spirit's business model and the implications of capacity reductions on their market strategy.

Dive into the complex world of American Airlines as experts analyze its massive $29 billion debt and strategic choices. The focus shifts to competitive hurdles in the Sun Belt region versus traditional hubs, with insights on revenue struggles and loyalty challenges. Discover innovative ideas like the Seat Blocker that enhance passenger experiences. The discussion also sheds light on concerning on-time performance issues, fleet management missteps, and the urgent need for new aircraft to stay competitive in a rapidly changing market.

With network changes, new routes and new "brand expressions," Alaska Airlines is starting to solidify its plan to transform into a global airline. Jon Ostrower and Brett Snyder discuss Alaska's news, its increasingly complex fleet, and also what these transformative steps could mean for Alaska's home market (Seattle) and nearest competitor there (Delta).We would like to thank Plusgrade for supporting The Air Show.Visit www.theairshowpodcast.com to get in touch with us.

Southwest is in the midst of a transformation. Brian Sumers, Jon Ostrower, and Brett Snyder discuss how it’s going so far. It was a rough second quarter but at least one of the hosts is unusually optimistic about the airline’s future.We would like to thank Plusgrade for supporting The Air Show.Visit www.theairshowpodcast.com to get in touch with us.

Jon Ostrower and Brian Sumers welcome Steven Greenway, CEO of Saudi Arabia’s low-cost carrier Flyadeal, for a primer on Saudi aviation, the airline’s international ambitions amid a geopolitical shift for Saudi Arabia on the world’s stage, and how its all-Airbus fleet is performing in the desert heat.We would like to thank Plusgrade for supporting The Air Show.Visit www.theairshowpodcast.com to get in touch with us.

Brett Snyder and Brian Sumers discuss Delta’s new routes from Los Angeles to Hong Kong and Chicago, planned for next June. Is this…all about United?We would like to thank Plusgrade for supporting The Air Show.Visit www.theairshowpodcast.com to get in touch with us.

Jon Ostrower, Brett Snyder and Brian Sumers discuss what is known — and unknown — after the release of the preliminary report on the fatal Air India Boeing 787 crash.Visit www.theairshowpodcast.com to get in touch with us.