The Airways Podcast

In season 6, episode 2 of the Airways Podcast, before we get to the main topics, we share our experiences flying on United’s CRJ550 and the new Airbus A321neo. We also discuss Delta’s A321neo, which is stylish but lacks practicality in seating and storage space. Finally, we give mixed reviews on Delta’s overall performance due to delays and operational inefficiencies, particularly at Boston Logan, and praise United’s domestic performance for consistency and comfort. Main Topics Alaska-Hawaiian Airlines Merger * Despite recent aggressive antitrust policies, DOJ clears the merger after a 90-day review period. * Discussion on potential future regulatory steps, including slot and gate concessions. * Speculation on operational impacts, including how Alaska might handle Hawaiian’s routes and the financial challenges involved. Delta Airlines COO Departure * COO’s exit following Delta’s tech outage raises questions about whether it was a direct result of the incident. * Delta’s operational reliability has slipped post-pandemic, contributing to dissatisfaction. Ethiopian Airlines' New Mega Airport * The announcement of a new airport in Bishoftu, which will open in 2029, is designed to improve capacity and mitigate the operational challenges of Addis Ababa’s high elevation. * The significance of Ethiopian Airlines’ growth and prospects as Africa’s leading airline. Other Insights Reflections on the current state of Southwest Airlines and its inter-island flights in Hawaii. Strategic considerations in the airline industry: balancing growth, mergers, and maintaining operational reliability. Hosted by Helwing Villamizar, Rohan Anand, and Vinay Bhaskara Produced by Helwing Villamizar Music by Alisia [https://pixabay.com/users/alisiabeats-39461785/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=170190] from Pixabay [https://pixabay.com/music//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=170190] Episode Links Alaska-Hawaiian Merger Clears DOJ Review Period [https://www.airwaysmag.com/new-post/alaska-hawaiian-merger-clears-doj-review] Delta Air Lines COO to Depart Following Tech Outage [https://www.airwaysmag.com/new-post/delta-coo-depart-tech-outage] Ethiopian Airlines, Dar to Build Mega Airport City [https://www.airwaysmag.com/new-post/ethiopian-airlines-mega-airport-city] This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit airwaysmagazine.substack.com/subscribe [https://airwaysmagazine.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2]

In the season six premiere of the Airways Podcast, we explore major seating changes across multiple airlines: 1. Southwest Airlines' revolution: * Shift to assigned seating * Impact on the airline’s iconic boarding position model * Introduction of extra legroom seating (approximately 36% of seats) 2. IndiGo's new offering: * Launch of "stretch seats" for enhanced passenger comfort 3. Spirit Airlines' premium strategy: * Introduction of a new seating product * Aimed at capitalizing on the rising demand for premium travel Join us as we discuss these significant changes in airline seating strategies and their potential impact on the passenger experience across different carriers. Is this the end of the ULCC model as we know it in the U.S., or is it just another swing from the industry's strategic pendulum? Hosted by Helwing Villamizar, Rohan Anand, and Vinay Bhaskara Produced by Helwing Villamizar Music by Alisia [https://pixabay.com/users/alisiabeats-39461785/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=170190] from Pixabay [https://pixabay.com/music//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=170190] Episode Links Southwest to Offer Assigned, Premium Seats, Redeye Flights [https://www.airwaysmag.com/new-post/southwest-assigned-premium-seats-redeyes] IndiGo Launches 'Stretch' Business Class Product [http://www.airwaysmag.com/new-post/indigo-stretch-business-class-product] Spirit Joins the Great Low-Cost-Carrier Reboot [http://www.airwaysmag.com/new-post/spirit-low-cost-carrier-reboot] This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit airwaysmagazine.substack.com/subscribe [https://airwaysmagazine.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2]

In this season finale, we dive into the latest developments in the aviation industry: 1. EU Approves ITA-Lufthansa Tie-Up: The European Union has approved Lufthansa's takeover of ITA Airways, marking a significant step in consolidating the European aviation market. 2. Boeing Acquires Spirit AeroSystems: Boeing announced its acquisition of Spirit AeroSystems, a strategic move to bolster its supply chain and enhance its manufacturing capabilities. 3. Cebu Pacific Orders 152 A321neos: Cebu Pacific has ordered 152 Airbus A321neo aircraft, the largest order in the Philippines' history. This significant move underscores the carrier’s commitment to modernizing its fleet and expanding its route network. 4. Delta's New JFK DeltaOne Lounge: Delta Air Lines has unveiled its luxurious new DeltaOne lounge at JFK Airport, offering premium amenities and services to enhance the travel experience for its top-tier customers. Tune in to hear expert analysis and insights on these key industry shifts, and stay tuned for season six of the Airways Podcast. Hosted by Helwing Villamizar, Rohan Anand, and Vinay Bhaskara Produced by: Helwing Villamizar Music: Fesliyan Studios [https://www.fesliyanstudios.com/about] Episode Links EU Approves Lufthansa Group-ITA Airways Deal [http://www.airwaysmag.com/new-post/lufthansa-group-ita-airways-merger] ITA Airways will become the fifth network airline deeply integrated within the Lufthansa Group. Boeing Agrees to Acquire Spirit AeroSystems [http://www.airwaysmag.com/new-post/boeing-to-buy-spirit-aerosystems] The Boeing board has agreed to buy Spirit AeroSystems for US$37.25 per share. Cebu Pacific, Airbus Sign MOU for 152 A321neo Jets [http://www.airwaysmag.com/new-post/cebu-pacific-airbus-mou] Cebu Pacific has signed a historic agreement with Airbus for up to 152 Airbus A321neo aircraft. The majesty of an Airbus A380 against a backdrop of cloud-laden skies dominates the scene. This and more will be in the August 2024 issue [https://shop.airwaysmag.com/products/august-2024]! This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit airwaysmagazine.substack.com/subscribe [https://airwaysmagazine.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2]

In this episode, the Airways Podcast crew discusses the state of the U.S. airline industry in the first quarter of 2024, which saw mixed financial results for major and regional airlines. While some carriers managed to eke out small operating profits, others suffered significant losses, reflecting the aviation industry's ongoing production challenges and uneven recovery among major operators. Hosted by Helwing Villamizar, Rohan Anand, and Vinay Bhaskara Produced by: Helwing Villamizar Music: Fesliyan Studios [https://www.fesliyanstudios.com/about] Episode Links Snapshot: US Airlines Q1 2024 Financial Performance [https://www.airwaysmag.com/new-post/us-airlines-q124-financial-performance] Airways Shop. Sign up for free and get 10% off [https://shop.airwaysmag.com/] This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit airwaysmagazine.substack.com/subscribe [https://airwaysmagazine.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2]

Since Generative AI hit the mainstream in early 2023, the airline industry has been researching how to implement the tool into their business models. In fact, according to a recent study [https://www.sita.aero/globalassets/sites/megatrends-2024/index.html?v=megatrends&m=2024], at the end of 2023, nearly 100% of airlines were creating programs to implement generative AI into their operations.Thor Olof Philogène knows this well. As CEO and co-founder of leading insights platform Stravito [https://www.stravito.com/], Philogène has steered the implementation of generative AI capabilities into the platform to deliver precisely tailored support through a “supercharged search experience” and quicker access to consumer insights and market research for global brands, including one of the world’s largest airlines, Delta Air Lines.Many airlines' heavy reliance on consumer insights, data, and large-scale knowledge management makes them vulnerable to swaying consumer trends. In this episode, Thor argues that all companies would benefit from a generative AI solution tailored to their needs. Hosted by Helwing Villamizar, Rohan Anand, and Vinay Bhaskara Produced by Helwing Villamizar Music: Fesliyan Studios [https://www.fesliyanstudios.com/about] Episode Links How Artificial Intelligence Is Enhancing Air Traffic Control [https://www.airwaysmag.com/legacy-posts/artificial-intelligence-air-traffic-control] New Website: Latest News Page [https://www.airwaysmag.com/latest-news] June 2024 Issue of Airways 10% off available at shop.airwaysmag.com [https://shop.airwaysmag.com/products/june-2024] This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit airwaysmagazine.substack.com/subscribe [https://airwaysmagazine.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2]