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
Air Canada Off to a Good Start [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:28
Air Canada lost money in the first quarter of 2023. But that's no surprise. Wintertime losses are common for the carrier. But the red ink was minimal, setting it up for a strong year. Plus, a discussion about San Francis…
Ryanair Makes Up With Boeing [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:29
Ryanair gave Boeing a boost, and let bygones be bygones, by ordering up to 300 new 737 Maxes. It’s the European discounter’s largest-ever order. Edward Russell and Jay Shabat discuss the deal. Plus, Air France-KLM and IA…
Alan Joyce's Legacy at Qantas [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:39
Alan Joyce took over Qantas Airways just as the Great Recession descended in 2008. He set about turning around its money-losing longhaul business, forging new international ties, and cementing Qantas' dominance of the Au…
JetBlue and New York's Problems [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:43
JetBlue has a New York problem. The city that made the airline could hold it back this summer if the Federal Aviation Administration’s air traffic control staffing issues are as bad as forecast. Edward Russell and Jay Sh…
United and Alaska Airlines Navigate Uncertainty [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:38
Airline Weekly’s Jay Shabat is joined by former Airline Weekly Editor Madhu Unnikrishnan to discuss United Airlines’ and Alaska Airlines’ first quarter earnings reports from earlier this week. The conversation starts wit…
First Quarter U.S. Airline Earnings Preview [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:44
Delta Air Lines kicked off the first-quarter earnings season this week. Edward Russell and Jay Shabat discuss what they expect. Plus, can American Airlines catch up to the pack? Reading List Delta Margin Recovery to Near…
Let's Hear It For Delta's Atlanta Airport Powerhouse [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:12
Atlanta retained its title as the world’s busiest airport last year, shocker we know. But more interesting is the rise of the Denver and Istanbul airports — to third and seventh busiest, respectively — that were not even…
Lufthansa Nears ITA Airways Deal [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:15
Lufthansa is closer than ever to a deal for Italy's state-owned carrier, Alita..., oops, ITA Airways. But can Lufthansa turn loss-making ITA into a gem? That remains to be seen. Edward Russell and Jay Shabat discuss, plu…
The Different Ways Aviation Is Booming in India and Saudi Arabia [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:28
Big changes are underway in Saudi Arabia and India, with both poised for rapid growth in airline traffic. Each, however, is taking a distinct approach with respect to protecting their domestic airlines. Airline Weekly’s…
What U.S. Airline Leaders Say About the Next Phase of Recovery [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 20:03
U.S. airlines presented at a major investor event in New York last week. What did they say? Airline Weekly's Jay Shabat discusses with special guest Brian Sumers of The Airline Observer. Plus, a look at an airline in the…