Airline Weekly Lounge Episode 58: Lufthansa's Ambitions

Airline Weekly Lounge Episode 58: Lufthansa's Ambitions

Author: Skift October 5, 2016 Duration: 35:09
If anybody needed a reminder that the airline business is an interesting business, they got it last week as Air Berlin announced it will be handing over a big chunk of itself to arch competitor Lufthansa. Will Air Berlin be saved by shrinking itself? Not stopping there, Lufthansa decided it would also become the full owner of Brussels Airlines. Are either of these acquisitions a good thing for Lufthansa? Meanwhile, Air Canada continues to treat the world like it’s a buffet, loading its plate with six new intercontinental routes last week. One thing fueling Air Canada’s aggressiveness is the B787, which, by the way, just crossed the five-year anniversary of its first delivery. Delta has set its sights on Boston, and that could spell trouble for JetBlue. And IAG has further deepened its alliance with Qatar Airways.

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

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