Jay Shabat

Ryanair: Steady As She Goes

“Steady as she goes.” That’s Michael O’Leary’s latest assessment of Ryanair’s business – a phrase that feels almost understated coming from one of aviation’s most outspoken CEOs. But beneath the familiar bluster, the numbers tell a quietly impressive tale. In this week’s feature story, we look past the theatrics to examine why Europe’s largest low-cost carrier remains one of the industry’s steadiest performers.

United's Got Swagger

United Airlines is feeling good. After another strong earnings report last week, CEO Scott Kirby took aim at rivals with unmistakable confidence. United, he insists, now belongs in an exclusive club at the very top of the U.S. airline industry. But how durable is that swagger? In this week’s feature story, we dig into United’s success and discover how it’s closing the margin gap with Delta despite clear structural disadvantages.

The Sunshine Merger

Allegiant and Sun Country are merging at a time when low-cost models are under pressure – and even Delta is flagging weakness in its Main Cabin. In this week's feature story, we explore the strategic logic, risks, and opportunities behind the low-cost leisure tie-up.

Ethiopian Airlines Thinks Big 

With plans underway for a $10 billion mega-airport designed to rival Atlanta in scale, Ethiopian Airlines is doubling down on a growth strategy that many would consider over-audacious given the country's economic realities. However, Ethiopian’s track record, network reach, and impressive financial performance suggest this is no ordinary gamble, as we discover in this week's feature story.

Airline Weekly's Top Trends of 2025

The global airline industry navigated another turbulent year, marked by geopolitical shocks, shifting demand, and big strategic bets — yet it emerged highly profitable. From the softening of U.S. markets to the wave of post-bankruptcy success stories, 2025 delivered no shortage of plot twists. In this week’s feature story, we break down the most important industry trends and developments shaping the year just ended and ask the critical questions airlines face heading into 2026.