Airline Weekly Lounge
Skift
The editors of Airline Weekly discuss the most interesting developments within the commercial airline industry. In keeping with Airline Weekly’s style, conversation generally centers on one question: How do you make money in this industry?
Episodes
Mentioned books
Jan 8, 2026 • 42min
Inside the Ethiopian Airlines Playbook
Ethiopian Airlines emerges as a standout success in African aviation. The hosts delve into its impressive growth, strategic hub in Addis Ababa, and unmatched intra-Africa connectivity. Key factors like government support and a thriving cargo business fuel its profitability. They also discuss the impact of China on its expansion and the competitive threats from Gulf and Turkish airlines. As the conversation shifts to U.S. airlines, they highlight upcoming earnings, challenges for Spirit Airlines, and Alaska's ambitious long-haul strategy.
Jan 1, 2026 • 26min
The David Neeleman Interview
David Neeleman, the aviation entrepreneur behind JetBlue, Azul, and Breeze Airways, shares his insights on the airline industry. He criticizes government shutdowns for their operational impact and highlights Breeze's commitment to on-time performance. Neeleman discusses international expansion plans and the challenges of entering the US market for new airlines. He expresses skepticism about sustainable aviation fuels and predicts consolidation among low-cost carriers. With an optimistic outlook for 2026, he also touches on Breeze's upcoming loyalty program and IPO plans.
Dec 25, 2025 • 25min
The Joanna Geraghty Interview
Joanna Geraghty, CEO of JetBlue, brings her extensive airline expertise to the discussion. She highlights the challenges smaller carriers face in the U.S., stressing the need for a fairer competitive landscape. Geraghty also details JetBlue's strategic partnerships, including the Blue Sky tie-up with United, and outlines her optimism for 2026, driven by innovation and expanded premium offerings. She shares insights on improving air traffic control and the impact of international slot allocations on new entrants like JetBlue.
Dec 18, 2025 • 41min
Is Breeze in a Squeeze?
As Breeze Airways enters its fifth year of flying, Gordon and Jay discuss the challenges and opportunities for the David Neeleman-backed U.S. carrier. In part two, our attention turns to 2026, with a round-up of key industry topics to watch.
Follow the Hosts:
Gordon Smith – LinkedIn
Jay Shabat – LinkedIn
Connect with Airline Weekly
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/airline-weekly/
X: https://x.com/Airline_Weekly/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/airlineweekly/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/
WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/
Subscribe to @SkiftNews and never miss an update from the airline and travel industries.
Dec 11, 2025 • 29min
In Conversation with DFW Airport CEO, Chris McLaughlin
Gordon sits down with Chris McLaughlin, Chief Executive Officer of Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, for a special episode of the Airline Weekly Lounge. In this wide-ranging conversation, the pair discusses everything from route development and new terminals to AI and operational resilience.
Follow the Hosts:
Gordon Smith – LinkedIn
Jay Shabat – LinkedIn
Connect with Airline Weekly
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/airline-weekly/
X: https://x.com/Airline_Weekly/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/airlineweekly/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/
WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/
Subscribe to @SkiftNews and never miss an update from the airline and travel industries.
Dec 4, 2025 • 23min
America's Airport All-Stars
Gordon and Jay reveal the major U.S. airports that are due to grow at an impressive rate in the coming quarter. From Texas to Tennessee, we break down the numbers and examine the factors driving rapid growth.
Follow the Hosts:
Gordon Smith – LinkedIn
Jay Shabat – LinkedIn
Connect with Airline Weekly
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/airline-weekly/
X: https://x.com/Airline_Weekly/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/airlineweekly/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/
WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/
Subscribe to @SkiftNews and never miss an update from the airline and travel industries.
Nov 27, 2025 • 36min
Inside Qantas' Project Sunrise
In part one, Gordon shares an insider perspective on a major new Skift feature examining the business case for Qantas' 'Project Sunrise' ultra long-haul flights. In part two, attention swings to European carriers as Jay rounds up the most profitable airlines for the all-important Q3 peak season.
Follow the Hosts:
Gordon Smith – LinkedIn
Jay Shabat – LinkedIn
Connect with Airline Weekly
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/airline-weekly/
X: https://x.com/Airline_Weekly/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/airlineweekly/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/
WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/
Subscribe to @SkiftNews and never miss an update from the airline and travel industries.
Nov 20, 2025 • 1h 3min
Airlines in 2026: Flying into Trouble?
In this special episode, we bring you the full recording from our recent LinkedIn Live webinar (Click This Link For Video Version).
Titled ‘Airlines in 2026: Flying into Trouble?’, Gordon is joined by Jay and Meghna to set the scene for the year ahead, with all of the challenges and opportunities that it may bring.
Follow the Hosts:
Gordon Smith – LinkedIn
Jay Shabat – LinkedIn
Meghna Maharishi - LinkedIn
Connect with Airline Weekly
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/airline-weekly/
X: https://x.com/Airline_Weekly/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/airlineweekly/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/
WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/
Subscribe to @SkiftNews and never miss an update from the airline and travel industries.
Nov 13, 2025 • 39min
Even Emirates Can't Rest on its Laurels
In part one, Gordon and Jay reflect on the latest financial insights from Emirates, and examine the challenges that could lie ahead for the Dubai-based giant. In part two, the conversation turns to a disappointing set of Q3 results from KLM.
Follow the Hosts:
Gordon Smith – LinkedIn
Jay Shabat – LinkedIn
Connect with Airline Weekly
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/airline-weekly/
X: https://x.com/Airline_Weekly/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/airlineweekly/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/
WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/
Subscribe to @SkiftNews and never miss an update from the airline and travel industries.
Nov 6, 2025 • 29min
What Makes Ryanair So Darn Profitable?
In part one, Gordon and Jay break down Ryanair’s latest earnings and uncover what keeps Europe’s biggest low-cost airline flying high. In part two, they share key takeaways from the CEOs of Etihad and Oman Air at the Skift Global Forum East — including how Gulf carriers see the next phase of global travel growth.
Follow the Hosts:
Gordon Smith – LinkedIn
Jay Shabat – LinkedIn
Connect with Airline Weekly
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/airline-weekly/
X: https://x.com/Airline_Weekly/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/airlineweekly/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/
WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/
Subscribe to @SkiftNews and never miss an update from the airline and travel industries.
