Airline Weekly Lounge

Both Ryanair and Alaska Airlines reported some decline in yields in the second quarter and continuing into the third. But they also made clear: Overall travel demand remains robust on both sides of the Atlantic. Edward Russell and Jay Shabat discuss what's happening.Reading ListAlaska Airlines Sees Domestic Fares Weaken as Americans Take More International Trips

American Airlines and United Airlines just reported record second-quarter results, including double-digit operating margins. Will the magic continue through the third quarter and beyond? Edward Russell and Jay Shabat discuss.Reading List American Airlines Raises Outlook After Strong Second Quarter Results United Airlines to Shrink Newark Departures 10% to Avoid Future Flight Disruptions Delta Results Lifted by Strong Europe and Latin America Demand

Norse Atlantic Airways President Charles Duncan is optimistic, if nothing else, about the longhaul low-cost airline’s future. But even with some summer profits under its belt, he and his team still spend nine months of the year planning for the low-demand winter season. Duncan chats with Edward Russell about the airline’s strategy a year after launch, and how it plans to make the aforementioned winter work.Reading List Long-Haul Discounter Norse Atlantic Sees London Expansion as Key to Profits More Airlines Use Next-Gen Tech to Sell Journeys on Other Carriers or Trains Cranky Flier Interview with Norse Atlantic President Charles Duncan

After a decade of reckless growth in the aughts, Norwegian Air made a strategically smart decision in its deal to buy regional Wideroe. The combination would, if approved by regulators, make Norwegian-Wideroe larger than SAS in terms of seats in the Nordics. Edward Russell and Jay Shabat discuss. Plus, JetBlue is ending its alliance with American Airlines.Reading List: Norwegian Air Steps Up Pressure on SAS With $105 Million Wideroe Deal What’s Next for American and JetBlue? What’s Next for American and JetBlue After Court Rejects Alliance

Delta Air Lines held an investor day this week where CEO Ed Bastian said business was “gangbusters.” That’s what Wall Street wanted to hear but it appears also true for a company that sees significant delta ahead, and is actively working to grow high-margin tertiary businesses. Edward Russell and Jay Shabat discuss. Plus, the operational distress in the northeastern U.S. this week.Reading List Delta Sees ‘Gangbusters’ Recovery, Downplays Industry Concerns Delta Pins New Hopes on Gen Z and Millennials, Not Business Travelers United’s New York Distress Shows how Weather Can Royally Mess Up an Airline’s Operations

Indian airlines IndiGo and Air India grabbed headlines with orders at the Paris Airshow this week. Can the country support all of their planned growth? Edward Russell and Jay Shabat discuss. Plus, the recovery for Alaska Airlines.Reading List IndiGo’s Giant Airbus Order Will Test Its and India’s International Aviation Ambitions Air India Seals $34 Billion in Aircraft Orders With Airbus and Boeing Alaska Airlines CEO: No Small Cities Face Axe – Yet

Air Canada is flying double-daily high-density Boeing 777s — its equivalent of an Airbus A380 as Mark Galardo put it — to Athens this summer to meet some of the best travel demand it has ever seen. Galardo, the airline's executive vice president for revenue and network planning, joined host Edward Russell in the Lounge to chat about summer demand, Air Canada's recovery, and the evolving Canadian domestic market.Reading List Air Canada Is off to a Good Start Airline Execs Dismiss Slowdown Fears, Say It is ‘Best Recession’ Industry Ever Faced

The mood in Istanbul at the IATA Annual General Meeting was definitely jubilant this year. Despite all the challenges airlines face — and, frankly, when do they not face challenges? — attendees celebrated strong demand, cheaper fuel, and other tailwinds. Will the good times continue? Edward Russell, fresh off the plane back, and Jay Shabat discuss. Plus, the industry's sustainability challenge and IndiGo's international plans.

U.S. airports saw roughly 300,000 more travelers than in 2019 over the Memorial Day weekend holiday, a sign of a busy summer to come. Are airlines ready? Edward Russell and Jay Shabat discuss. Plus, Delta is hit with a greenwashing lawsuit.

Icelandair had a rough few years before and during Covid. But the airline believes it has turned the financial corner, and forecasts its best results in seven years. Edward Russell and Jay Shabat discuss. Plus, Turkish Airlines’ big plans for Anadolujet.Reading List Icelandair Rides High Yields to Profits Turkish Airlines to Spin Off Low-Cost Carrier Anadolujet