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.

Delta, United Spin Expanded New York Schedules as Slot Waivers End

Following recent announcements from Delta Air Lines and United Airlines, anyone outside of the airline industry could be excused for thinking the travel recovery is roaring forward, with road warriors…

Edward Russell | 3 years ago

Avianca Restructuring Plan Backed by United, Most Creditors

Avianca's bankruptcy reorganization got a big boost on Tuesday with 99 percent of its creditors backing the Colombian carrier's restructuring plan.

Edward Russell | 3 years ago

Southwest Airlines ticket counter Seattle

Guidance From Airlines Still Held Captive by Shifting Covid Conditions

There is one question that is top of mind in most major U.S. airline C-suites: When corporate travelers will return? The answer to that question has proven more difficult to…

Edward Russell | 3 years ago

All Eyes on Business Travel

More carriers reported their third-quarter earnings and, for most, it was a tale of two quarters: Strong demand in July and a precipitous drop in September as a new surge…

Edward Russell and Madhu Unnikrishnan | 3 years ago

Qantas Expansion Shows Power of Vaccinations in Travel Recovery

After standing down almost all of its entire international network for more than a year, Qantas Airways is coming back with a vengeance. The carrier is adding Delhi to its…

Edward Russell | 3 years ago

Southwest Slows Pandemic Recovery Amid Operational and Staffing Issues

Southwest Airlines is backing off plans for a quick recovery following a series of operational challenges that culminated in a meltdown that saw nearly 2,000 flights cancelled earlier this month.

Edward Russell | 3 years ago

Is Premium Leisure the Next Big Thing?

Delta opened the third-quarter earnings season with confidence. After posting its first quarterly profit sans government aid since early 2020, the airline is looking to a year-end holiday bump and…

Edward Russell and Madhu Unnikrishnan | 3 years ago

Delta's Premium Leisure Bet

This week in the Lounge, Madhu and Ned breakdown Delta's third-quarter earnings, and take bets on whether premium leisure is the travel trend of the future that CEO Ed Bastian…

Edward Russell | 3 years ago

United Airlines in Talks With Dulles Airport to Make Overdue Concourse Upgrades

United Airlines and the operator of Washington Dulles International Airport are in talks over a potential multi-billion dollar upgrade that could see the airport's widely derided Concourse C/D finally replaced.

Edward Russell | 3 years ago

Philippine Airlines to End New York, Toronto Flights Under Restructuring Plan

Bankrupt Philippine Airlines will end service to New York and Toronto as part of a rejigging of its route map under a restructuring plan it filed with a U.S. bankruptcy…

Edward Russell | 3 years ago