The Air Show

Brett Snyder's annual Cranky Network Awards is the event of the year and the place to be for the airline industry professionals that some people (possibly his co-hosts on this podcast) think are the nerdiest of the aviation nerds: network planners. In all seriousness (well, not all...), Brian Sumers, Jon Ostrower and Brett talk about the winners, what makes routes sexy or not, and the behind-the-scenes (and grooming routines) of this year's prestigious bash.We would like to thank TCG Digital for supporting The Air Show.Visit www.theairshowpodcast.com to get in touch with us.

Southwest Airlines is in a major transition — layoffs, an activist investor, and a changing product. Of course, it's an especially major transition for this airline because of its conservative culture, strategy, and history. Brett Snyder, Brian Sumers and Jon Ostrower debate the impact of Elliott Management's involvement, former CEO Gary Kelly's legacy, and the potential for new leadership to drive change.We would like to thank TCG Digital for supporting The Air Show.Visit www.theairshowpodcast.com to get in touch with us.

United thinks it has found a way to once and for all make the airline Chicago's dominant player, but American is still standing in the way. Jon and Brett talk about exactly what United has found, and then discuss what American's options are.  It's going to be a roller coaster of a decade at O'Hare.We would like to thank TCG Digital for supporting The Air Show.Visit www.theairshowpodcast.com to get in touch with us.

The podcast dives into Boom's ambitious quest for supersonic flight, celebrating recent test flight successes while grappling with skepticism about market demand. It discusses the financial hurdles of developing a new airliner and the crucial need for a proprietary engine. The conversation also critiques the marketing strategies of major airlines and debates the lessons learned from the Concorde experience. Listeners will find insights on the operational challenges and the role of team culture in shaping the future of supersonic aviation.

Jon Ostrower, Brian Sumers and Brett Snyder discuss the tragic collision of American Eagle flight 5342 and a US Army Black Hawk helicopter near Washington National Airport last week, ending an unprecedented era of US aviation safety. Jon Ostrower talks through what is known about the incident, what is ahead as the NTSB investigates, and the potential impacts of speculation  — on social media and by officials — in shaping public perception after disasters like this.Questions, responses or feedback? Visit www.theairshowpodcast.com to get in touch with us, and thank you for listening to the show.

Brian Sumers puts Brett Snyder on the hot seat on a bunch of things going on at US airlines this month. They discuss schedule changes JetBlue made in Boston and New York, and rapid-fire questions about American and Chicago, Hawaiian and its 787s, new capacity in Anchorage, and the Delta show at CES.We would like to thank TCG Digital and Juliett Alpha for sponsoring this episode.Questions, responses or feedback? Visit www.theairshowpodcast.com to get in touch with us.

As it plans to emerge from bankruptcy, America's first ULCC is trying to reinvent itself as a more upscale airline with higher costs. Spirit Airlines says it needs to move upmarket to attract new customers who want a better product. But hosts Brian Sumers, Jon Ostrower, and Brett Snyder are skeptical. They wonder if this is just a short pit stop on the way to consolidation.Questions, responses or feedback? Visit www.theairshowpodcast.com to get in touch with us, and thank you for listening to the show.

It's our final episode of 2024! Brett Snyder, Brian Sumers and Jon Ostrower chat about what 2025 may bring: mergers and a new regulatory environment? a handoff at the FAA? assigned seating on an airline previously opposed to assigned seating? Plus: The Air Show's top interview requests for 2025.We would like to thank Juliett Alpha for sponsoring this episode.Questions, responses or feedback? Visit www.theairshowpodcast.com to get in touch with us, and thank you for listening to the show.

Ben Minicucci, CEO of Alaska Airlines and a key player in the aviation industry, discusses the airline's exciting plans for growth. He shares details about the acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines, highlighting projected synergies and international expansion into Asia. The conversation also delves into competitive strategies, emphasizing the importance of Seattle as a hub and the integration of services between both airlines. Minicucci reveals the airline's ambitious goal of $1 billion in profits by 2027, showcasing efforts to enhance customer satisfaction and operational efficiency.

Delta Airlines is looking cool and confident as it targets younger, affluent customers while experimenting with AI for pricing. Discussions reveal strategic shifts in premium cabin offerings and a cautious approach to new aircraft. The rivalry with United Airlines raises questions about Delta's competitive edge and the risk of complacency. With an emphasis on streamlined operations and loyalty programs, the team ponders whether Delta’s confidence is well-placed or if a touch of humility is needed as competition heats up.