The Air 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.

Marty St. George, president of JetBlue with a wealth of experience in the airline industry, discusses his ambitious turnaround strategy for JetBlue. He focuses on restoring profitability while preserving the airline's unique culture. St. George dives into the challenges that emerged post-COVID, the impact of engine management, and enhancing customer experiences with premium offerings. He also emphasizes loyalty program enhancements and shares insights on strategic aircraft choices, illustrating the importance of efficiency and performance in aviation.

The A321XLR has entered service, signaling a new direction in long-haul flights. Experts discuss its potential to redefine routes and whether it simply replaces the Boeing 757. The conversation dives into its impressive range, along with the real-world challenges airlines may face. Additionally, the impact of Southwest Airlines possibly joining IATA is analyzed, and how this might change their international strategy. Overall, there's excitement about the A321XLR's role in connecting under-served markets and enhancing operational efficiencies.

Is the drama over? Is this a ceasefire? An agreement to cooperate? Brett Snyder, Brian Sumers and Jon Ostrower discuss the recent détente between Southwest Airlines and Elliott Investment Management. Elliott gained five of Southwest's 13 board seats, and the two sides agreed to table the rest of their disagreements until Valentine's Day 2026. Will Southwest fix its revenue problem by then?We would like to thank Rokt for sponsoring this episode.Questions, responses or feedback? Visit www.theairshowpodcast.com to get in touch with us.

The Boeing strike continues. On Wednesday, 64% of machinists rejected Boeing's negotiated proposal, extending the strike indefinitely. Earlier that day, Boeing's third-quarter earnings revealed an expected $6.2 billion loss and an official delay until 2026 of the 777X. It's not great, for really anyone. Jon Ostrower discusses the dynamics here with Brian Sumers and Brett Snyder. We would like to thank our sponsor, Intelsat.Questions, responses or feedback? Visit www.theairshowpodcast.com to get in touch with us.

United Airlines is making moves and announcing splashy new routes — the kind you might expect from an airline with a healthy balance sheet and an innovative network chief. And still, there were some surprise additions to United's plans. Brett Snyder and Brian Sumers discuss Patrick Quayle's approach, including the airline's out-of-the-box new routes from Newark and Tokyo Narita.We would like to thank Rokt for sponsoring this episode.Questions, responses or feedback? Visit www.theairshowpodcast.com to get in touch with us.

Dive into the contrasting fortunes of American and Southwest Airlines as they navigate Q2 2024 challenges. Discover how American faced significant hurdles while Southwest thrived amidst market fluctuations. Delve into the rise of new ultra-low-cost carriers like Avelo and Breeze, showcasing their financial ups and downs. Explore the evolving in-flight experience with free Wi-Fi innovations aimed at enhancing passenger satisfaction. This engaging discussion highlights the dynamic landscape of the airline industry.

Brett Snyder, an aviation expert known for his insights from industry events, shares his recent experience at Southwest Airlines' investor day. He highlights the airline's new strategies like assigned seating and expanded legroom, aiming to boost customer satisfaction. The discussion dives into the challenges of modernizing operations and the tension with activist investor Elliott Management. With humor and critical analysis, Brett examines whether these changes will suffice to please investors and transform Southwest's future.