Airline Business Podcast

Graham and Lewis discuss how European and North American carriers performed during the recent earnings season, which saw a degree of ‘normalisation’ and plenty of positivity about the summer, despite the slower recovery of corporate travel. They then consider the growing problems around aircraft maintenance delays, particularly in light of India’s Go First grounding its fleet. Next they discuss Ryanair’s bumper – and long-expected – order for Boeing 737 Max 10 jets, before looking at the legacy of departing Qantas chief executive Alan Joyce. Music credit: Tea K Pea “highabove”/Creative Commons IAG reports Q1 operating profit as leisure demand gives it summer confidence https://www.flightglobal.com/airlines/iag-reports-q1-operating-profit-as-leisure-demand-gives-it-summer-confidence/153155.article Lufthansa predicts ‘summer travel boom’ after loss-making Q1 https://www.flightglobal.com/airlines/lufthansa-predicts-summer-travel-boom-after-loss-making-q1/153107.article US carriers see revenues surge, but challenges remain https://www.flightglobal.com/airlines/us-carriers-see-revenues-surge-but-challenges-remain/152916.article Corporate customers are back: United Airlines https://www.flightglobal.com/strategy/corporate-customers-are-back-united-airlines/152917.article How strong is the corporate air travel recovery? https://www.flightglobal.com/airlines/how-strong-is-the-corporate-air-travel-recovery/153242.article Ryanair reaches 737 Max 10 deal covering up to 300 aircraft https://www.flightglobal.com/airlines/ryanair-reaches-737-max-10-deal-covering-up-to-300-aircraft/153197.article Ryanair settles for higher price to secure 737 Max 10 slots https://www.flightglobal.com/airlines/ryanair-settles-for-higher-price-to-secure-737-max-10-slots/153198.article Third of Swiss Airbus A220s grounded as Lufthansa boss lists supply constraints https://www.flightglobal.com/airlines/third-of-swiss-a220s-grounded-as-lufthansa-boss-lists-supply-constraints/153111.article India’s Go First suspends flights, blames P&W engine woes for insolvency protection filing https://www.flightglobal.com/airlines/indias-go-first-suspends-flights-blames-pandw-engine-woes-for-insolvency-protection-filing/153099.article Qantas CEO succession a fitting outcome after Joyce’s diversity focus https://www.flightglobal.com/airlines/qantas-ceo-succession-a-fitting-outcome-after-joyces-diversity-focus/153120.article Unpacking Alan Joyce’s Qantas legacy https://www.flightglobal.com/airlines/unpacking-alan-joyces-qantas-legacy/153089.article Qantas appoints finance chief as new CEO https://www.flightglobal.com/airlines/qantas-appoints-finance-chief-as-new-ceo/153086.article

Graham and Lewis talk through the growing list of consolidation moves within the global industry, discussing why deals take such a long time to get over the line. They then look back on Graham’s recent interview with Lufthansa Group chief executive Carsten Spohr and what he had to say about the Italian market, before considering the launch of Riyadh Air and a bumper widebody deal for Saudi carriers. Finally, Lewis talks through our latest survey of women in the C-suite, with data showing the number of female chief executives has shot up over the past 12 months. Music credit: Tea K Pea “highabove”/Creative Commons Airlines struggle to fast-track consolidation https://www.flightglobal.com/airlines/airlines-struggle-to-fast-track-consolidation/152276.article Significant rise in women leading airlines offsets falls elsewhere in C-suite https://www.flightglobal.com/airlines/significant-rise-in-women-leading-airlines-offsets-falls-elsewhere-in-c-suite/151863.article Carsten Spohr on how Lufthansa is back on the front foot https://www.flightglobal.com/strategy/carsten-spohr-on-how-lufthansa-is-back-on-the-front-foot/152353.article Saudi aircraft orders underscore home carrier ambitions https://www.flightglobal.com/fleets/saudi-aircraft-orders-underscore-home-carrier-ambitions/152465.article Jazeera to create new Saudi low-cost airline https://www.flightglobal.com/airlines/jazeera-to-create-new-saudi-low-cost-airline/152463.article Saudi government unveils new national airline Riyadh Air https://www.flightglobal.com/airlines/saudi-government-unveils-new-national-airline-riyadh-air/152436.article

Graham and Lewis discuss the recent collapses of European carriers Flybe and Flyr, asking whether those developments belie a much brighter outlook for the industry in 2023. They also consider recent comments from United Airlines chief executive Scott Kirby about fundamental changes to the industry coming out of the pandemic, which he suggests could make growth plans undeliverable if peers fail to act. Expanding on Kirby’s comments, they further consider whether the industry is better prepared for the strong demand ahead as carriers and the wider sector gear up for the northern hemisphere summer. Music credit: Tea K Pea “highabove”/Creative Commons How significant are exits of Flybe and Flyr from Europe’s airline market? https://www.flightglobal.com/airlines/how-significant-are-exits-of-flybe-and-flyr-from-europes-airline-market/151879.article Investors see value in airlines as 2023 outlook improves https://www.flightglobal.com/airlines/investors-see-value-in-airlines-as-2023-outlook-improves/151997.article Why does United Airlines chief think competitors are ‘in denial’? https://www.flightglobal.com/airlines/why-does-united-airlines-chief-think-competitors-are-in-denial/151803.article European airports hope for ‘boring’ summer after ramp-up disruptions https://www.flightglobal.com/networks/european-airports-hope-for-boring-summer-after-ramp-up-disruptions/151926.article

Graham and Lewis discuss some of the most interesting developments in 2022, including KLM’s challenges, ITA Airways wrangling, Norwegian’s renaissance, JetBlue’s move for Spirit, Abra Group ambitions in Latin America, Air India’s transformation and consolidation, differing fortunes at domestic market-less Singapore Airlines and Cathay Pacific, and Saudi ambitions as it looks to launch new flag carrier. The Airline Business 38: tracking key data indicators from airlines around the world https://www.flightglobal.com/airlines/the-airline-business-38-tracking-key-data-indicators-from-airlines-around-the-world/151438.article Legal action possible as Air France-KLM vows to fight Schiphol cap https://www.flightglobal.com/airlines/legal-action-possible-as-air-france-klm-vows-to-fight-schiphol-cap/149682.article Airline CEO changes in 2022 dominated by appointment of women and upheaval in India https://www.flightglobal.com/airlines/airline-ceo-changes-in-2022-dominated-by-appointment-of-women-and-upheaval-in-india/148920.article ITA sees passenger revenues ahead of budget as Italy works on securing investor https://www.flightglobal.com/airlines/ita-sees-passenger-revenues-ahead-of-budget-as-italy-works-on-securing-investor/151446.article Air France-KLM eyes TAP, Transavia and territories for growth as ITA deadline nears https://www.flightglobal.com/airlines/air-france-klm-eyes-tap-transavia-and-territories-for-growth-as-ita-deadline-nears/150747.article Norwegian trialling expansion beyond Nordics with Riga base https://www.flightglobal.com/airlines/norwegian-trialling-expansion-beyond-nordics-with-riga-base/150704.article Norwegian saw historic-high unit revenue during profitable third quarter https://www.flightglobal.com/airlines/norwegian-saw-historic-high-unit-revenue-during-profitable-third-quarter/150700.article American and JetBlue expand alliance amid looming antitrust decision https://www.flightglobal.com/strategy/american-and-jetblue-expand-alliance-amid-looming-antitrust-decision/151295.article JetBlue-Spirit deal approved by Spirit shareholders https://www.flightglobal.com/strategy/jetblue-spirit-deal-approved-by-spirit-shareholders/150621.article Weathering storms: Avianca survives pandemic, bankruptcy and ‘painful’ changes https://www.flightglobal.com/strategy/weathering-storms-avianca-survives-pandemic-bankruptcy-and-painful-changes/151323.article Latin carriers re-emerge from crisis but with fresh uncertainties ahead https://www.flightglobal.com/strategy/latin-carriers-re-emerge-from-crisis-but-with-fresh-uncertainties-ahead/150904.article How Abra Group could change balance of airline power in Latin America https://www.flightglobal.com/networks/how-abra-group-could-change-balance-of-airline-power-in-latin-america/150546.article How enlarged Air India sets up two-horse race in Indian market https://www.flightglobal.com/strategy/how-enlarged-air-india-sets-up-two-horse-race-in-indian-market/151204.article Singapore Airlines agrees deal on Vistara merger with Air India https://www.flightglobal.com/strategy/singapore-airlines-agrees-deal-on-vistara-merger-with-air-india/151145.article SIA attributes strong results to early investment in capacity https://www.flightglobal.com/strategy/sia-attributes-strong-results-to-early-investment-in-capacity/150862.article Cathay flags ‘substantial’ 2022 loss despite improving environment https://www.flightglobal.com/strategy/cathay-flags-substantial-2022-loss-despite-improving-environment/151034.article How far through recovery are Middle East airlines? https://www.flightglobal.com/strategy/how-far-through-recovery-are-middle-east-airlines/151404.article Wizz Air helps to kick-start Saudi Arabia’s aviation powerhouse ambitions https://www.flightglobal.com/airlines/wizz-air-helps-to-kick-start-saudi-arabias-aviation-powerhouse-ambitions/150145.article

Graham and Lewis discuss IATA's recent forecast for 2023, which showed the industry tipping into profitable territory after a punishing few years. They also discuss airport charges following more developments at Heathrow, and consider Virgin Atlantic's growth plans. They then focus ot the A380's fortunes following Etihad's decision to bring some back into service, before discussing United Airlines' recent bumper aircraft order - and a potential order from Air India. Music credit: Tea K Pea "highabove"/Creative Commons IATA forecasts global airline industry will return to profit in 2023 https://www.flightglobal.com/airlines/iata-forecasts-global-airline-industry-will-return-to-profit-in-2023/151224.article Razor-thin airline industry profit projection for 2023 reflects complex web of factors https://www.flightglobal.com/airlines/razor-thin-airline-industry-profit-projection-for-2023-reflects-complex-web-of-factors/151271.article Virgin chief prepped for ‘subdued’ 2023 but no sign yet of bookings impact https://www.flightglobal.com/strategy/virgin-chief-prepped-for-subdued-2023-but-no-sign-yet-of-bookings-impact/151238.article United hands Boeing order for 100 787 Dreamliners and 100 737 Max https://www.flightglobal.com/fleets/united-hands-boeing-order-for-100-787-dreamliners-and-100-737-max/151308.article Air India to lease six 777-300ERs, six A320neos amid ‘aggressive expansion’ https://www.flightglobal.com/fleets/air-india-to-lease-six-777-300ers-six-a320neos-amid-aggressive-expansion/151218.article Strong end to 2022 prompts Lufthansa Group to raise full-year profit forecast https://www.flightglobal.com/airlines/strong-end-to-2022-prompts-lufthansa-group-to-raise-full-year-profit-forecast/151314.article Virgin Atlantic livid as UK regulator details interim Heathrow price cap https://www.flightglobal.com/airlines/virgin-atlantic-livid-as-uk-regulator-details-interim-heathrow-price-cap/151291.article Etihad partially restoring A380 fleet for service on London route https://www.flightglobal.com/airlines/etihad-partially-restoring-a380-fleet-for-service-on-london-route/151288.article

Graham and Lewis discuss a strong third-quarter results season for airlines in Europe and North America, as constrained capacity met surging demand. They also consider whether that momentum can continue into 2023 and look at developments in the air cargo sector. Then, following the recent ICAO agreement on a long-term aspirational goal for aviation, they examine the next steps for the airline industry on its journey to net-zero CO2. Finally, Graham talks about prospects for the Latin American airline sector after his recent trip to the ALTA Airline Leaders Forum in Buenos Aires. Music credit: Tea K Pea "highabove"/Creative Commons Why airline confidence is high despite headwinds https://www.flightglobal.com/airlines/why-airline-confidence-is-high-despite-headwinds/150844.article Air France-KLM eyes TAP, Transavia and territories for growth as ITA deadline nears https://www.flightglobal.com/airlines/air-france-klm-eyes-tap-transavia-and-territories-for-growth-as-ita-deadline-nears/150747.article Air France-KLM operating profit tops €1bn in Q3 despite Schiphol challenges https://www.flightglobal.com/airlines/air-france-klm-operating-profit-tops-1bn-in-q3-despite-schiphol-challenges/150743.article Lufthansa Group reports strong forward demand as Q3 profit exceeds €1bn https://www.flightglobal.com/airlines/lufthansa-group-reports-strong-forward-demand-as-q3-profit-exceeds-1bn/150718.article Shortage of 787 cockpit windows reflects industry-wide supply constraints: Lufthansa chief https://www.flightglobal.com/airlines/shortage-of-787-cockpit-windows-reflects-industry-wide-supply-constraints-lufthansa-chief/150723.article Vueling heads IAG carrier capacity and profits return https://www.flightglobal.com/networks/vueling-heads-iag-carrier-capacity-and-profits-return/150750.article Delta tops record revenues in strong third quarter https://www.flightglobal.com/airlines/delta-tops-record-revenues-in-strong-third-quarter/150528.article Relief and reality checks after ICAO aviation emissions deal https://www.flightglobal.com/airlines/relief-and-reality-checks-after-icao-aviation-emissions-deal/150636.article Air transport bodies welcome ICAO resolution on net-zero goal https://www.flightglobal.com/airlines/air-transport-bodies-welcome-icao-resolution-on-net-zero-goal/150470.article Taxes, litigation, air rage and infrastructure weigh on Latin American carriers https://www.flightglobal.com/airlines/taxes-litigation-air-rage-and-infrastructure-weigh-on-latin-american-carriers/150579.article Does recession threaten Latin American airlines’ hard-won successes? https://www.flightglobal.com/strategy/does-recession-threaten-latin-american-airlines-hard-won-successes/150593.article Can Argentina’s aviation sector tap growth potential? https://www.flightglobal.com/networks/can-argentinas-aviation-sector-tap-growth-potential/150641.article

Graham and Lewis discuss the transition from a positive summer period in terms of demand and - in some cases - profits to an uncertain winter, with a long list of challenges clouding the 2023 outlook. Jon Hemmerdinger then joins Graham to discuss the recent tie-up between United Airlines and Emirates, and Frontier Airlines' strategy after losing out on Spirit. Finally, Graham and Lewis consider some of the consolidation moves in markets in recent weeks, before discussing the grounding of flights at Romanian operator Blue Air. Music credit: Tea K Pea “highabove”/Creative Commons The two unusual phenomena faced by airlines as headwinds strengthen https://www.flightglobal.com/airlines/the-two-unusual-phenomena-faced-by-airlines-as-headwinds-strengthen/150120.article United and Emirates strike broad partnership that will ‘terrify’ competitors https://www.flightglobal.com/strategy/united-and-emirates-strike-broad-partnership-that-will-terrify-competitors/150200.article JetBlue-Spirit deal will leave Frontier like ‘Southwest in the late ’80s’: CEO https://www.flightglobal.com/strategy/jetblue-spirit-deal-will-leave-frontier-like-southwest-in-the-late-80s-ceo/150237.article Romania’s Blue Air delays service restart until 10 October https://www.flightglobal.com/airlines/romanias-blue-air-delays-service-restart-until-10-october/150143.article Italian start-up ITA retreads familiar path with Air France-KLM link-up https://www.flightglobal.com/strategy/italian-start-up-ita-retreads-familiar-path-with-air-france-klm-link-up/150101.article

Graham and Lewis discuss the resumption of Boeing 787 deliveries and the impact of supply-chain issues on fleet planning. They also look back to July’s Farnborough air show, which saw Boeing dominate the order announcements as Airbus unveiled a string of commitments before and after the event. Music credit: Tea K Pea “highabove”/Creative Commons Boeing resumes 787 deliveries, handing aircraft to American Airlines https://www.flightglobal.com/airframers/boeing-resumes-787-deliveries-handing-aircraft-to-american-airlines/149804.article Dreamliner deliveries resume but capacity constraints remain https://www.flightglobal.com/strategy/dreamliner-deliveries-resume-but-capacity-constraints-remain/149795.article Airbus and Boeing delays add to ‘global supply bottleneck’: Lufthansa chief https://www.flightglobal.com/airlines/airbus-and-boeing-delays-add-to-global-supply-bottleneck-lufthansa-chief/149744.article Boeing Max deals lead Farnborough air show order activity https://www.flightglobal.com/farnborough-2022/boeing-max-deals-lead-farnborough-air-show-order-activity/149546.article ‘We don’t need to make a lot of noise’: Scherer on Airbus at Farnborough~ https://www.flightglobal.com/farnborough-2022/we-dont-need-to-make-a-lot-of-noise-scherer-on-airbus-at-farnborough/149530.article Qatar orders 25 Boeing 737 Max 10, plus 25 options https://www.flightglobal.com/farnborough-2022/qatar-orders-25-boeing-737-max-10-plus-25-options/149547.article GE successfully tests high-power, high-voltage hybrid-electric engine at altitude https://www.flightglobal.com/farnborough-2022/ge-successfully-tests-high-power-high-voltage-hybrid-electric-engine-at-altitude/149460.article Delta orders 100 Boeing 737 Max 10s as Farnborough opens https://www.flightglobal.com/farnborough-2022/delta-orders-100-boeing-737-max-10s-as-farnborough-opens/149430.article Condor orders 41 Airbus A320neo-family jets https://www.flightglobal.com/airlines/condor-orders-41-airbus-a320neo-family-jets/149594.article China’s ‘big three’ airlines sign for 292 Airbus A320neos https://www.flightglobal.com/fleets/chinas-big-three-airlines-sign-for-292-airbus-a320neos/149256.article Malaysia Airlines picks A330neos for medium-haul fleet renewal https://www.flightglobal.com/fleets/malaysia-airlines-picks-a330neos-for-medium-haul-fleet-renewal/149844.article Ethiopian Airlines converts four A350 orders to -1000 variant https://www.flightglobal.com/airlines/ethiopian-airlines-converts-four-a350-orders-to-1000-variant/149660.article

Graham and Lewis consider the main talking points from the recent IATA AGM in Doha, at which the association outlined an improved economic outlook for the industry. At the same time as better news on Covid restrictions being dropped, however, executives also acknowledged a new set of headwinds. They also discuss the return of the Airbus A380 at some carriers, after questions were asked about its future during the pandemic. The superjumbo is returning to operations amid a stronger-than-expected recovery in demand and delays in other key widebody aircraft programmes. They also discuss a recent bumper aircraft order by Chinese carriers and the forthcoming Farnborough air show. Risks and uncertainties persist despite IATA’s brighter economic outlook https://www.flightglobal.com/iata-agm-2022/risks-and-uncertainties-persist-despite-iatas-brighter-economic-outlook/149108.article Defiant Walsh says airline industry can handle coming headwinds https://www.flightglobal.com/iata-agm-2022/defiant-walsh-says-airline-industry-can-handle-coming-headwinds/149087.article IATA trims industry loss expectations for 2022 to $9.7bn https://www.flightglobal.com/iata-agm-2022/iata-trims-industry-loss-expectations-for-2022-to-97bn/149057.article New Pegasus chief hails tourism rebound and ‘game-changing’ A321neos https://www.flightglobal.com/iata-agm-2022/new-pegasus-chief-hails-tourism-rebound-and-game-changing-a321neos/149106.article Kenya Airways chief sees ‘very promising’ summer as demand picks up https://www.flightglobal.com/iata-agm-2022/kenya-airways-chief-sees-very-promising-summer-as-demand-picks-up/149066.article Break-even unlikely in 2022 amid cost pressures: Malaysia Airlines chief https://www.flightglobal.com/iata-agm-2022/break-even-unlikely-in-2022-amid-cost-pressures-malaysia-airlines-chief/149084.article Emirates chief rates industry challenges 9/10 but sees demand resilience https://www.flightglobal.com/airlines/emirates-chief-rates-industry-challenges-9/10-but-sees-demand-resilience/149081.article Cathay plans hiring spree as airline anticipates network ramp-up https://www.flightglobal.com/iata-agm-2022/cathay-plans-hiring-spree-as-airline-anticipates-network-ramp-up/149070.article A380s return amid strong travel demand and aircraft delivery delays https://www.flightglobal.com/fleets/a380s-return-amid-strong-travel-demand-and-aircraft-delivery-delays/149238.article Emirates chief predicts ‘relief on both sides’ if 787 order parked https://www.flightglobal.com/iata-agm-2022/emirates-chief-predicts-relief-on-both-sides-if-787-order-parked/149135.article China’s ‘big three’ airlines sign for 292 Airbus A320neos https://www.flightglobal.com/fleets/chinas-big-three-airlines-sign-for-292-airbus-a320neos/149256.article

Graham and Lewis consider the blame game that is emerging as airlines and the wider air travel sector grapple with operational challenges. They also discuss the next sustainability steps for airlines – including sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and offsetting – as the industry prepares to meet in Doha for this year's IATA AGM. Music credit: Tea K Pea "highabove"/Creative Commons IATA chief hits back at ‘idiot politicians’ who blame UK airlines for staff shortages https://www.flightglobal.com/airlines/iata-chief-hits-back-at-idiot-politicians-who-blame-uk-airlines-for-staff-shortages/148907.article EasyJet chief calls for ‘sober view’ of capacity limits at UK airports this summer https://www.flightglobal.com/airlines/easyjet-chief-calls-for-sober-view-of-capacity-limits-at-uk-airports-this-summer/148908.article Air France-KLM chief concerned over staff shortage spreading to Paris and 787 delays https://www.flightglobal.com/airlines/air-france-klm-chief-concerned-over-staff-shortage-spreading-to-paris-and-787-delays/148909.article Airlines grapple with cancellations, queues and government gall https://www.flightglobal.com/airlines/airlines-grapple-with-cancellations-queues-and-government-gall/148865.article Is hydrogen power the right path for aviation? https://www.flightglobal.com/flight-international/is-hydrogen-power-the-right-path-for-aviation/148446.article Aviation will heavily rely on carbon credits to hit EU ‘Fit for 55’ emissions target https://www.flightglobal.com/networks/aviation-will-heavily-rely-on-carbon-credits-to-hit-eu-fit-for-55-emissions-target/148634.article The sustainability chiefs leading the airline industry’s net-zero charge https://www.flightglobal.com/strategy/the-sustainability-chiefs-leading-the-airline-industrys-net-zero-charge/148417.article