Airline Weekly Lounge Episode 28: The French Correction

Airline Weekly Lounge Episode 28: The French Correction

Author: Skift February 24, 2016 Duration: 29:15
What’s it gonna take to fix Air France/KLM? The airline group has a number of problems—from labor inflexibility to a soft French economy—all in a very competitive part of the world. But there are reasons for hope: Gulf carriers could one day slow their growth, Air France/KLM still has the gold standard in joint ventures and, heck, labor concessions are always a possibility. Air Canada improved its 2015 operating margin from 6% to 11%—no easy task in a country that’s seeing economic and currency headwinds. The bad news for Copa Airlines is that its operating margin dropped from 18% to 7%. The good news is that Copa still has a profit margin at all, as it’s an airline heavily exposed to troubled Brazil and Venezuela. And why doesn’t Virgin America want to offer a basic economy seat option?

Step inside the Airline Weekly Lounge, a podcast from Skift where the editors behind the industry publication gather for a deeper, more conversational look at the world of commercial flight. This isn't just a recap of headlines; it's a focused exploration of the complex forces shaping how airlines operate, compete, and ultimately survive. Each episode digs into the week's most intriguing developments, from fleet strategies and route networks to labor dynamics and the evolving culture of travel, always with a keen eye on the bottom line. The central, driving question remains: how do carriers actually turn a profit in this famously volatile business? You'll hear analysis that connects financial results to real-world operations, discussing everything from premium cabin innovations and loyalty program economics to airport politics and environmental pressures. The tone is informed and accessible, peeling back the layers on both major global network carriers and regional players. For anyone curious about the business realities behind their boarding pass, this podcast offers a regular dose of context and clarity, revealing the intricate balance of economics, service, and strategy that keeps the industry aloft. Join the editors in the lounge for a perspective that goes beyond the news cycle.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 423

Airline Weekly Lounge
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