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
Delta's Bad Week in the News [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:31
Georgia's controversial new elections law caused a public relations nightmare for Delta Air Lines and its CEO Ed Bastian, whose first, tepid comment on the law caused immense blowback and calls to boycott the airline. Ba…
Will It Be a Cruel, Cruel Summer? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:44
Qatar Airways thinks leisure and visiting friends and relatives traffic will rebound this summer, and it thinks it has the right fleet for the moment. And Eurowings is betting the same, planning its first routes in Europ…
Is the Airline Industry's Bullishness Misplaced? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:27
U.S. airline CEOs are pretty confident that they've turned the corner. The pandemic isn't in the rearview mirror yet, but they're fairly certain travel will rebound this summer, and some think their airlines will return…
Frontier's IPO: Crazy or Crazy Like a Fox? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:51
In this week's episode, Airline Weekly colleagues Edward "Ned" Russell and Madhu Unnikrishnan get into why going public may not be the craziest idea of an airline, despite the once-in-a-century industry-wide crisis. They…
Cargo and Maxes [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:04
Much of the world is trapped at home and shopping online. Who's transporting all those goods? Airlines, and cargo. has been the one silver lining in the airline's terrible pandemic year. But it's not a savior; airlines s…
The Opportunities Norwegian Air Is Leaving Behind [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:13
Norwegian's retrenchment is providing opportunities for all sorts of airlines, like Finnair, United, and Virgin Atlantic, Airline Weekly colleagues Edward "Ned" Russell and Madhu Unnikrishnan say in this week's episode.…
United Channels 'The Jetsons' With Electric Air Taxis [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 20:27
United's plan to bridge the "last mile" with electric aircraft is ambitious, especially since the FAA hasn't approved any electric engines for flight yet. Meanwhile, Spirit could have its 2019 capacity back by this summe…
Now Is When Sun Country Plans IPO? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:40
Sun Country has been planning to go public for more than a year, but it made it official now, during the worst crisis to hit the airline industry. Airline Weekly colleagues Edward Russell and Madhu Unnikrishnan talk abou…
Will 2021 Be Any Better? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:17
The six largest U.S. airlines have reported their fourth-quarter and full-year 2020 results, and while we knew last year was historically bad, it doesn't look like this year will be any better. Airline Weekly colleagues…
Why the A220 Works Now [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:38
Airbus has a winner with the A220, and airlines are just starting to discover what they can do with the aircraft’s size and range. Chris Sloan, publisher of theairchive.net joins for a discussion on the A220 and the Boei…