Jay Shabat

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.

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…

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’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.…

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demand, Mainland China’s 'Big Three' have struggled for six straight years, hampered by lost North American routes, outdated fleets, and stiff competition.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.

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.

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.

Jet fuel has doubled, demand hasn't blinked — welcome to the aviation crisis where only half the industry is suffering.

Jet fuel has surged past $4 per gallon, pushing Q1 costs sharply higher for U.S. airlines. Yet demand remains strong, fares are rising, and new revenue streams – from loyalty programs to premium seating – are helping carriers offset the spike. As we explain in this week’s feature story, airlines are running a high-stakes race: can revenues keep pace with soaring fuel costs, or will the balance tip as we head into Q2?

Fuel accounts for roughly 20–30% of an airline’s operating costs—so when prices surge, the impact can be immediate and significant.