United Closes the Gap on Delta

United Closes the Gap on Delta

Author: Skift October 18, 2024 Duration: 28:50
Presented by American Airlines In this week's episode Gordon Smith and Jay Shabat provide an early status update on Q3 earnings season. With Delta on the back foot after the CrowdStrike chaos and Olympic disruption, United is eyeing the top spot. The pair also discuss the latest financials from Virgin Australia and ask what could be next for the carrier. Key Takeaways: Upcoming Skift Aviation Forum  Hosts Gordon and Jay discuss the upcoming Skift Aviation Forum on November 12th in Dallas. The event will feature a star-studded lineup of airline executives, including CEOs from major carriers like American Airlines and Southwest. Visit live.skift.com for tickets and further information. Delta’s Q3 Earnings: Challenges and Setbacks  The conversation shifts to Delta's Q3 earnings, which were slightly weaker than expected, with a 9% operating margin. The airline was negatively impacted by a software issue with CrowdStrike, costing them about 2 percentage points in margin. Additionally, they lost around $100 million in potential revenue due to reduced travel to Paris during the Olympics. Domestic and International Trends for Delta  Jay explains other factors affecting Delta’s Q3 performance, including domestic overcapacity and softer international demand in regions like Korea and Taiwan. However, domestic conditions improved toward the end of the quarter, thanks to capacity cuts by rivals such as Southwest and JetBlue. Delta expects a strong Q4, driven by these adjustments and lower fuel prices. United Airlines and Q3 Competition  We preview United Airlines' Q3 results. Jay notes that United typically performs better in Q3 due to its business-heavy hubs and strong domestic capacity growth. United has increased its domestic seat capacity by 9% in Q4, with routes like Newark-San Francisco enjoying growth. Virgin Australia’s Latest Financials The podcast ends with a brief discussion about Virgin Australia, which recently made headlines after Qatar Airways acquired a 25% stake in the airline. This move has sparked industry interest as it could strengthen Virgin Australia's international partnerships and expand its market presence. Connect with Skift 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 travel industry.

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
Wizz Air Abu Dhabi: What Went Wrong? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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Today, hosts Gordon Smith and Jay Shabat are joined by their colleague Meghna Maharishi to discuss Delta's latest earnings report and what it signals for the airline industry. They then delve into the surprising strategi…
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Paris Air Show 2025: Highs and Lows [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:02
In part one of this week's show, Gordon and Jay discuss the major developments from this year's Paris Air Show. In part two, the conversation turns to Vietnam, as we learn more about its rapidly growing airline market. T…
The Resurgence of Virgin Australia [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:13
Today Jay Shabat is joined by Meghna Maharishi to discuss the recent developments in the airline industry, focusing on Virgin Australia and its turnaround after bankruptcy. They explore the implications of Virgin's IPO,…
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Duration: 37:12
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Making Sense of the JetBlue and United Partnership [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:12
For this episode of the Airline Weekly Lounge, hosts Gordon Smith and Jay Shabat delve into the recent partnership between JetBlue and United Airlines. They discuss the implications of this collaboration, the financial s…
IATA's Willie Walsh Talks Tariffs, Air Traffic Control and Oil Prices [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:37
In this special edition of the Airline Weekly Lounge, Gordon Smith shares highlights from a recent interview with Willie Walsh, Director General of IATA and former CEO of IAG. From Trump's tariffs to Russian airspace, an…
Ryanair's Rosy Summer Ahead [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:48
In this episode of the Airline Weekly Lounge, hosts Gordon Smith and Jay Shabat delve into the latest financial results of Ryanair, discussing its operational strategies, challenges, and future outlook. They also explore…
Can Singapore Airlines Do It Again? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:06
In this week's show, Gordon Smith and Jay Shabat preview the latest financial results from Singapore Airlines, traditionally one of the world's most profitable long-haul operators. The pair also discuss highlights from a…