The 2025 Half-Time Airline Report

The 2025 Half-Time Airline Report

Author: Skift July 3, 2025 Duration: 23:33
In this episode, Gordon and Jay reflect on the first half of 2025 in the airline industry, discussing key trends such as global demand, the impact of the U.S. dollar, and the ongoing consolidation within the industry. They explore how weather patterns are affecting tourism, the economic implications of tariffs, and the potential for mergers and acquisitions as airlines navigate a changing landscape. Looking ahead, they highlight the importance of monitoring oil prices and supply chain issues as the industry moves into the second half of the year. Takeaways The first half of 2025 saw strong global demand for air travel. Weather conditions are impacting tourism patterns in Europe. The U.S. dollar's decline has significant implications for airlines. Tariffs have created uncertainty but the overall impact was modest. Consolidation discussions are prevalent in the airline industry. Airlines are exploring mergers and partnerships to strengthen their positions. The integration of Air India and Astara is a notable example of consolidation. The performance of the U.S. dollar affects international travel demand. Oil prices and supply chain issues will be critical in the second half of 2025. The airline industry is always subject to unexpected changes and challenges. Connect with Airline WeeklyLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/airline-weekly/X: https://x.com/Airline_Weekly/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/airlineweekly/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/Subscribe to @SkiftNews and never miss an update from the airline and travel industries.

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
Podcast Episodes
How Was Q2 for JetBlue? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:58
In part one, Gordon Smith and Jay Shabat discuss the latest earnings from JetBlue and examine the U.S. carrier's turnaround plan. In part two, we turn our attention to IndiGo and discover what makes it the world's most a…
The Ben Smith Interview [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:13
As the 2024 Olympics get underway in Paris, we speak with the CEO of the Air France-KLM Group, Ben Smith. He’s in conversation with Skift’s Editor-in-Chief Sarah Kopit and Head of Research Seth Borko, for a special editi…
Hong Kong's Slow Climb [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:26
In part one, Gordon Smith and Jay Shabat discuss Q2 results from Delta Air Lines and Norwegian, looking for clues as to what the future could hold for other operators. In part two, we turn our attention to Hong Kong and…
Qantas: From Perth to Paris [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:21
In part one, Gordon Smith and Jay Shabat discuss Qantas' latest ultra long-haul endeavor and ask what it tells us about the carrier's wider commercial strategy. In part two, we examine the latest twists and turns at Sout…
Air France's Olympic Headache [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:26
In part one, Gordon Smith and Jay Shabat examine why this summer's Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris are likely to be a financial drag on Air France. In part two, we turn our attention to U.S. airlines and ask what t…
More Headwinds for Southwest Airlines [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:17
In part one, Gordon Smith and Jay Shabat discuss why Southwest has cut its revenue outlook for the current quarter. In part two, we take stock for our Airline Weekly mid-year review, and ask what the coming six months co…
Why is Korean Air so Profitable? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:06
In part one, Gordon Smith and Jay Shabat discuss the factors delivering consistently strong results for Korean Air. In part two, we reveal the global airlines that were the most and least profitable in the first quarter…
What's Going on at Southwest Airlines? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:32
In part one, Gordon Smith and Jay Shabat discuss a fascinating week at Southwest, as the low-cost carrier navigates the challenges of a very vocal new activist investor. In part two, Gordon chats with Skift Airlines Repo…
Captain Theresa Claiborne Interview [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:25
Captain Theresa Claiborne was the first black female pilot in the United States Air Force and joined United Airlines as its second-ever black female pilot. Last month, she retired from United after 34 years and 10,000s o…