What's Going Wrong at JetBlue?
Gordon and Jay open with JetBlue's latest quarterly results, unpacking what's behind the airline's struggles and what it might take to get back on course. Then they turn to Norwegian,…
Gordon Smith is Airlines Editor at Skift and Editor at Airline Weekly. He’s been writing about the sector for more than a decade and enjoyed a front-row seat for some of the aviation industry’s biggest stories. Since joining Skift in January 2024, he has interviewed more than a dozen global airline CEOs, often helping make headlines along the way (special thanks to Michael O’Leary!). His informed insights have led to contributions for international media, including the London Evening Standard and Canada’s CBC Radio.
Alaska Air’s Mounting Troubles
Drama, drama, in the air. Drama, drama everywhere. The U.S. airline industry is witnessing dramatic changes indeed. No, United isn’t merging with American. But Southwest is quietly achieving a heroic turnaround, posting Delta-like profit margins. But as Southwest soars, Alaska Airlines is flying in the opposite direction. We take a closer look in this week’s feature story.
Will Washington Save Spirit Airlines?
Could the U.S. Government shore up Spirit Airlines? Gordon and Jay break down the latest industry chatter about the troubled carrier's future, including fresh commentary from President Trump. Then they…
Island Fever: Puerto Rico’s Miracle Recovery
There are fewer flights departing U.S. airports today than in 2019 — even as seat counts have edged higher on larger aircraft. Growth overall has been modest, but a handful of markets tell a very different story. Few shine brighter than Puerto Rico, where booming tourism and shifting airline strategies have resulted in a remarkable surge. Now, rising fuel costs and industry shakeups are testing that momentum. We take a closer look in this week’s feature story.
Could United Really Merge with American Airlines?
Will two of America's biggest airlines become one? Gordon and Jay dig into whether a United-American mega-merger is actually on the table and ask what further consolidation would mean for…
Delta’s New Uncertainty
Last year: revenue uncertainty. This year: fuel cost uncertainty. Whatever the challenge, Delta keeps finding a way through. But with a potential $2 billion fuel hit looming, the pressure is building. Can Delta stay ahead of the latest shock — or is this one different? We break it down in this week’s feature story.
Delta Confronts the Oil Price Crisis
Delta’s latest results are in and the fuel price challenge is front and center. Gordon, Jay, and Meghna dive into what the numbers say about the airline’s strategy and resilience.…
Why Are China’s Airlines Struggling?
Chinese airlines are missing the party. While carriers across East Asia thrive on red-hot premium demand, Mainland China’s 'Big Three' have struggled for six straight years, hampered by lost North American routes, outdated fleets, and stiff competition. Can they catch up, or will rising fuel costs and diplomatic tensions continue to create headwinds? We explore what the future might hold in this week’s feature story.
Who Will Lead IATA Next?
The aviation industry is navigating a turbulent stretch of leadership upheaval, fuel cost pressures, and strategic overreach, with Willie Walsh's surprise move to IndiGo and Alaska Airlines' Hawaii-Mexico drag serving as the clearest signals of an industry in flux.
Trouble in the Philippines
Cebu Pacific is feeling the pressure. Fuel prices have surged, yet rising fares and resilient demand are keeping revenues climbing almost as fast. How long can this delicate balance last? We explore the growing risks facing airlines in this week’s feature story.