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.

Avianca Combats New Budget Competition With Point-to-Point Routes

Avianca sees the proliferation of discount carriers as its main competitive threat as it emerges from its Covid-19 pandemic induced restructuring. And for good reason, JetSmart, Viva Aerobus, Viva Air…

Edward Russell | 4 years ago

Will South African Make a Comeback?

The Airline Weekly team heads south to look at South African Airways’ restructuring and restart after an 18-month suspension. Can the notoriously poorly run airline emerge a successful carrier? We…

Edward Russell | 4 years ago

South African Airways Emerges From 18-Month Hiatus With Just 6 Routes to Fly

A greatly shrunken South African Airways is prepping to restart flights later in September after an 18-month pandemic hiatus. The relaunch comes as the South African government nears a potential…

Edward Russell | 4 years ago

U.S. Airlines May Have Already Seen Worst of Delta Variant Impact

Several major U.S. airlines have reported worse-than-expected August performance amid the surge in Covid-19 cases caused by the Delta variant across the country. But the bite of the latest surge…

Edward Russell | 4 years ago

Startup Connect Airways Partners With American Ahead of Year-End Launch

Startup Connect Airways has landed a big partner for its planned service connecting Toronto's Billy Bishop airport with the U.S.: American Airlines.

Edward Russell | 4 years ago

JetBlue Makes The Water Jump to London

Airline Weekly Senior Reporter Edward Russell talks to PaxEx.Aero Founder and Editor Seth Miller about his experience onboard JetBlue's inaugural flight to London earlier this month. Can the carrier that…

Edward Russell | 4 years ago

How Wine Sales Helped Qantas Cut Its Pandemic Losses

Qantas Airways' full year results were awash with red as the carrier continued to weather the Covid-19 pandemic crisis. But there was at least one bright spot: wine sales.

Edward Russell | 4 years ago

American Airlines Says Delta Variant Could Slow Business Travel Recovery Further

American Airlines is the latest carrier to report lower than forecast revenues in August amid the surge in Covid-19 Delta variant cases. And while that has not changed the carrier's…

Edward Russell | 4 years ago

Pentagon Evacuation Deployment Could Boost Airlines' Top Line in Third Quarter

When several U.S. carriers were activated to help with the evacuation efforts in Afghanistan, they were quick to say that the operations would not impact their businesses.

Edward Russell | 4 years ago

Wow Air Reboot Play Plans U.S. Start Next Summer

Icelandic budget startup Play Airlines plans to make its debut in the U.S. next summer, three years after predecessor Wow Air closed its doors.

Edward Russell | 4 years ago