Issues

“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 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.

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.

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.

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.

David Neeleman launched Breeze with the promise of reinventing travel for underserved cities. Nearly five years on, the U.S. airline still hasn’t cracked annual profitability. With rising costs, powerful rivals, and a growth plan that stretches from Jamaica to California, 2026 will be a pivotal year. In this week’s feature story, we explore the factors that will determine whether Neeleman’s latest venture can finally take off.

For most airlines, the post-Covid era started in 2022 or 2023. For the AirAsia family, it feels like it’s only just beginning now. In this week’s feature story, we explore AirAsia’s long-delayed restructuring, its move to fuse shorthaul and longhaul operations, and the sweeping fleet ambitions that could redefine low-cost flying well beyond its Asia-Pacific heartland.

Nashville is a city best known for its music. Airlines know it for something else: Spectacular growth. Of America’s 75 busiest airports, none are growing faster than the Tennessee capital's international gateway. In this week’s feature story we examine the factors driving its recent success.

Despite a global backdrop filled with geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainty, European airlines delivered a strong and highly profitable summer. Ryanair at 36% margins, long-haul premium demand booming, consolidation reshaping the map, and tourism still powering the continent like a force of nature. This week’s feature story tries to make sense of it all.

The Dubai Airshow returns this week, and once again Emirates steps into the spotlight – but the landscape has shifted dramatically since its 2013 shopping spree. The carrier faces tighter airport constraints, delayed next-generation aircraft, and intensifying competition. Yes, Emirates remains financially strong and is buoyed by Dubai’s global appeal, but complacency isn’t an option. In this week’s feature story, we explore how the airline may choose to adapt as challenges mount.