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...

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...

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...

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:...

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, 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, Philogène has steered the implementation of generative AI capabilities into the platform to...

In this episode, the Airways Podcast crew returns with full force after tamdem travels to Asia and South America to discuss their trips, followed by Korean Air and Japan Airlines’ aircraft orders, the management shake up at Boeing and United Airlines’ FAA audit. Hosted by: Helwing Villamizar, Rohan Anand, and Vinay Bhaskara Produced by: Helwing Villamizar Music: Fesliyan Studios Episode Links Korean Air Orders 33 Airbus A350 Aircraft Japan Airlines Orders 42 New Aircraft Dave Calhoun to Step...

In episode seven, season five of The Airways Podcast, join host Vinay Bhaskara and special guest, Indian aviation expert and former President of the Bangalore Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Devesh R. Agarwal, as they delve deep into India Aviation. India's aviation industry is experiencing significant growth. According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the country will become the world's third-largest air passenger market by 2030, after China and the United States. This rapid...

In episode six, season five of The Airways Podcast, join the crew and special guest, aviation analyst and author Jay Shabat, as they delve deep into the art of analyzing the commercial airline industry. They discuss how external factors impact commercial aviation, the relationship between airlines and local economies, the challenges in building new airports, Delta Air Lines’ fleet strategy, and even try to predict future U.S. hub cities. It's a doozy! Skift senior analyst Jay Shabat has...

In the latest episode of The Airways Podcast, join the crew and special guest Jens Kuhlen, President for North America at Gategroup, as they delve deep into the intricacies of the airline catering industry. Gategroup’s subsidiary, Gate Gourmet (Switzerland, 1992), began as a catering service for Swissair. Over the years, it has grown into a global company with the most comprehensive catering network in the aviation industry. Gate Gourmet specializes in creating exceptional culinary concepts,...

The fourth quarter and full year 2023 financial reports from major US airlines provide the crew valuable insights into their performance and the overall state of the aviation industry. American Airlines' Haneda Airport tentative approval and GOL's Chapter 11 Filing are also part of the mix in episode five of the fifth season of the Airways Podcast. The crew also discusses Delta Air Lines and Aeromexico's antitrust immunity ending. The US government announced that it does not plan to renew the...

In this episode of the Airways Podcast, the crew delves into the topic of the JetBlue-Spirit merger block and its implications for both airlines. They discuss the potential outcome of the legal battle and how it could shape the future of both carriers. Additionally, they explore the broader implications for the competitive landscape of the U.S. airline industry as a whole. The Legal Battle and Regulatory Approval The JetBlue-Spirit merger has faced significant challenges in obtaining...

In this episode, hosts Helwing, Rohan, and Vinay are back to discuss what has been an unnerving start of the year for commercial aviation. Japan Airlines A350-900 Crash at Tokyo Haneda Airport On January 2, 2024, a runway collision occurred at Tokyo Haneda Airport between Japan Airlines Flight 516, an Airbus A350-900, and a De Havilland Canada Dash 8 operated by the Japanese Coast Guard. Flight 516 was a scheduled domestic passenger flight from New Chitose Airport near Sapporo, Japan, to...

The Season 5 premiere of The Airways Podcast features an informative conversation between Airways’ Chris Smith and Olov Lindström, the Norse Atlantic Airways (N0) Fleet Chief Pilot and the first person to captain a Boeing 787 to Antarctica. During the episode, Capt. Lindström takes us on a deep dive into the special preparations necessary to make the flight to Antarctica as safe as possible. On November 15, 2023, N0 achieved the first-ever landing of a Boeing 787 Dreamliner in Antarctica....

In this last episode of season 4 of the Airways Podcast, hosts Helwing, Rohan, and Vinay discuss their bold and not-so-bold predictions for what’s to come in 2024 for our beloved commercial aviation industry. We also want to thank all our listeners for their support and the time they've spent listening to our podcast in 2023. Your feedback and engagement have been invaluable to us, and we can’t wait to begin season 5. We look forward to bringing you more captivating episodes and exploring the...

In this second episode on the Alaska-Hawaiian merger, Helwing, Vinay, and Rohan take another look at Alaska Air Group's plans to buy Hawaiian Airlines, in what could be the next instance of consolidation among US airlines. The crew discusses how, over the past ten years, Hawaiian has undergone significant changes in its long-haul network. They also talk about how Southwest made a notable entrance into the Hawaiian Islands and how Alaska Airlines took over and subsequently discontinued some...

In this quick episode, Vinay and Rohan discuss Alaska Air Group's surprise Sunday announcement of its plans to buy Hawaiian Airlines, in what could be the next instance of consolidation among US airlines. The Seattle-based airline group will purchase Hawaiian Holdings for US$18 per share in a deal valued at US$1.9 billion, including Hawaiian's debt. This merger is unique in that both airlines will continue to operate under separate brands, though their frequent flyer programs will be...

In this episode, Vinay and Rohan dive deep into the beginnings of aviation journalism on the internet with special guest TV producer and founder of The Airchive, Chris Sloan. They unravel the story behind theairchive.net, a treasure trove of aviation-related documents and memorabilia that serves as an online archive for both educational and entertainment purposes. Chris and the crew share their insights and experiences, offering a unique perspective on the evolution of digital aviation...

In this episode, the Airways Podcast crew discusses the 2023 Dubai Airshow before delving into the chronicle of US airlines with David H. Stringer, history editor at Airways Magazine and a member of the editorial board of the British publication, The Aviation Historian. With an airline career spanning 32 years with Southern Airways, Republic Airlines, and Northwest, David’s research and writing are focused on preserving the stories of the companies, the aircraft, and the people who are now...

In this episode, the Airways Podcast crew discusses American Airlines dehubbing Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, Spirit Airlines closing operations at Denver International Airport, Air India and Alaska Airlines entering into an interline partnership, and Porter Airlines conducting its proving flight campaign to Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport with the Embraer E195-E2 jet in preparation for its Canada-to-Florida expansion. Hosted by: Helwing Villamizar, Rohan Anand, and...

In this episode, we focus our commentary on American Airlines, United Airlines, and Delta Air Line’s earnings calls. We also talk about Ackbar Al Baker's unexpected departure from Qatar Airways as Group CEO. Hosted by: Helwing Villamizar, Rohan Anand, and Vinay Bhaskara Produced by: Helwing Villamizar for Airways Music: Fesliyan Studios Episode Links * United Airlines Reports Q3 Financial Results * Akbar Al Baker Steps Down as Qatar Airways CEO * Airways Magazine November 2023 Issue Subscribe...

In this episode, we engage in a lively discussion with a very special guest, First Officer Marrit Gorter, Aruba’s first and only female airline pilot. We chat about her journey as a trailblazer in her profession, breaking down gender and age stereotypes, and changing perceptions within the aviation industry. No matter who you are, if you have any doubts about pursuing a career in aviation, this episode is for you! Hosted by: Helwing Villamizar, Rohan Anand, and Vinay Bhaskara Music: Fesliyan...

In this episode, we engage in a lively discussion with a very special guest, Capt. Marrit Gorter, Aruba’s first and only female airline pilot. We chat about her journey as a trailblazer in her profession, breaking down gender and age stereotypes, and changing perceptions within the aviation industry. No matter who you are, if you have any doubts about pursuing a career in aviation, this episode is for you! Hosted by: Helwing Villamizar, Rohan Anand, and Vinay Bhaskara Music: Fesliyan...

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit airwaysmagazine.substack.com In this episode, we comment on United Airlines’ order for 50 more Boeing 787s and 60 more A321s. Will the airline finally kill off its A350-900s? Next, we head over to Europe to chat about Air France-KLM’s investment in SAS and the subsequent SkyTeam switch. For our Plus extension, Rohan and Vinay discuss China Eastern Airlines’ questionable expansion pl…

In this episode of the Airways Podcast, we discuss two important wide-body orders: Air Canada’s for 18 Boeing 787-10 jets, with the option to purchase 12 more, and Air France-KLM’s for 50 A350 jets, with the option to purchase 40 more. Plus, Rohan and Vinay go into detail about Delta Air Line’s unpopular changes to its frequent-flyer program. Hosted by: Helwing Villamizar, Rohan Anand, and Vinay Bhaskara Episode Links * Air Canada Orders Boeing 787-10 Aircraft * Air France-KLM to Order 50...