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.

JetBlue

JetBlue's Approval for London Routes Start of Larger Global Ambitions

JetBlue Airways has made the grade for takeoff to the UK this summer with the official green light for its planned service to London, a first step toward larger global…

Edward Russell | 4 years ago

The Pandemic's Network Legacy

Airline networks have changed as a result of the pandemic. Some were clear money grabs — United flying from cities in the Upper Midwest to Florida in the winter —…

Edward Russell and Madhu Unnikrishnan | 4 years ago

Connect Airways

Latest Airline Startup Connect Plans U.S.-Canada Routes

The coronavirus pandemic has proved a double-edged sword for airlines. While many carriers have faced the toughest challenges in their history, others are using those same struggles as an opportunity…

Edward Russell | 4 years ago

American Airlines

Washington National Airport Delivers New $400 Million Concourse Early Due to Pandemic Lull

Workers are putting the finishing touches on a new concourse at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, one of the few major airport projects that was able to use the coronavirus…

Edward Russell | 4 years ago

American Airlines

American Adds to Summer Route Frenzy Amid Concerns of Overcapacity

U.S. airlines are scrambling to add leisure routes for this summer, as eager would-be travelers book flights amid the country's rapidly advancing vaccination program.

Edward Russell | 4 years ago

Air France

France Uses Climate Legislation to Replace Short Flights With Trains

French legislators are moving forward with plans to limit short flights in favor of the country's extensive high-speed rail network with a new law that bars most flights on select…

Edward Russell | 4 years ago

Are Alliances Back in Style?

Are alliances back in style? In recent years, some airlines and analysts have said the industry has moved beyond alliances and toward a future of bilateral agreements between unaligned carriers.…

Edward Russell and Madhu Unnikrishnan | 4 years ago

United Airlines

United Airlines Marks Recovery Turning Point With Plans to Hire 300 Pilots

United Airlines will begin hiring pilots again after a year-long hiatus due to the coronavirus pandemic, therefore becoming the first major U.S. carrier to do so ahead of what is…

Edward Russell | 4 years ago

American Airlines

Government Profits as American and Sun Country Repay CARES Act Loans

Flush with cash and optimistic for the future, U.S. airlines have begun paying back some of the loans they received from the federal government through the CARES Act during the…

Edward Russell | 4 years ago

American Airlines

Pilot Training Backlog Could Slow Anticipated Recovery at American Airlines

American Airlines is gearing up for what could be a busy summer travel season in the U.S. by getting many of its jets that remain in storage ready to fly…

Edward Russell | 4 years ago