Edward Russell

Edward was Skift’s Washington, D.C.-based airlines reporter from 2020-2023. He’s covered the industry from the American-US Airways combo to the depths of the coronavirus pandemic. He enjoys bikes, trains and runs with his dog, Heathrow.

United, Delta, and Alaska tails at Washington Reagan National airport.

North America

U.S. Airlines Forecast Record Summer Despite Air Traffic Controller Shortage

U.S. airlines expect to fly a record number of travelers this summer despite a national air traffic controller shortage and other issues limiting the number of flights.

Edward Russell | 2 years ago

Transportation Secretary Buttigieg talks summer travel

North America

Secretary Buttigieg Warns of a Lengthy Air Traffic Control Staffing Shortage

U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg warned Tuesday of the air traffic controller shortage stretching well beyond this summer as the Federal Aviation Administration works to rebuild its ranks after the…

Edward Russell | 2 years ago

North America

What's Next for American and JetBlue After Court Rejects Alliance

The controversial northeast alliance between American Airlines and JetBlue Airways, dubbed a "pseudo-merger" by some, is no more. Well, in 30 days time and pending a possible appeal.

Edward Russell | 2 years ago

Icelandair Soars

We’ve now reached the point where most major airlines have published their first-quarter results. Singapore Airlines was among the carriers reporting last week, joining several other East Asian airlines near…

Edward Russell | 2 years ago

Anadolujet to the Fore

Ryanair is buying planes again. A lot of planes. The Irish LCC opted for Boeing’s largest narrowbodies on offer, its 737-10s. Ryanair ordered 150 of them, with options for another…

Edward Russell | 2 years ago

Europe

Ryanair Makes Up With Boeing

Ryanair gave Boeing a boost, and let bygones be bygones, by ordering up to 300 new 737 Maxes. It's the European discounter's largest-ever order. Edward Russell and Jay Shabat discuss the…

Edward Russell | 2 years ago

North America

Delta Leads Push for More Long-Distance Flights From Reagan National

Reagan National Airport, adjacent to downtown Washington, D.C., is one of just two airports in the U.S. with a perimeter that limits how far airlines can fly. While several exemptions…

Edward Russell | 2 years ago

North America

JetBlue Updates High-Margin TrueBlue Loyalty Program

JetBlue Airways has joined many of its peers in updating its lucrative loyalty program, TrueBlue, to better reward those travelers who spend the most on the airline.

Edward Russell | 2 years ago

Ryanair announced an order for 300 Boeing 737 Maxes Tuesday

Europe

Ryanair Looks East With New Boeing 737 Maxes From Its Largest Order Ever

Ryanair laid out its future growth plans Tuesday with a mega deal for up to 300 Boeing 737-10s. The planes will allow the giant discounter to continue to grow seats…

Edward Russell | 2 years ago

TAP Air Portugal and KLM planes at Schiphol airport

Europe

Air France-KLM Eyes Expansion in Booming South America With Potential TAP Deal

Air France-KLM, International Airlines Group, and the Lufthansa Group shared more than just a bullish outlook for travel demand during recent investor calls. They all want a bigger piece of…

Edward Russell | 2 years ago