The World's Most Profitable Airlines

The World's Most Profitable Airlines

Author: Skift March 13, 2025 Duration: 31:35
In this episode of the Airline Weekly Lounge, hosts Gordon Smith and Jay Shabbitt delve into the latest earnings season results for airlines globally. They discuss the impact of fluctuating fuel prices, analyze the performance of various airlines in Q4, and highlight the winners and losers in the industry. The conversation also covers the broader economic context affecting airline profitability and provides insights into future trends and expectations for the airline industry. Takeaways Fuel prices are trending down, which could benefit airlines. Thai Airways has made a remarkable turnaround, achieving high margins. Demand for air travel remains strong, especially in premium segments. US airlines like Delta and United are performing well due to premium demand. Air France and KLM are facing challenges despite some recovery in demand. Aeromexico's bankruptcy has led to a successful turnaround. The economic landscape is shifting, impacting airline performance. Airlines are adjusting their strategies in response to market conditions. The upcoming JP Morgan investor event will provide insights into US airlines. Future trends indicate a focus on profitability and operational efficiency. Connect with Airline Weekly LinkedIn: 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…