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Brian Sumers and Jon Ostrower are back from the IATA annual general meeting in Rio. They tell Brett Snyder about what they saw and heard, from how US airlines aren't worried about the price of fuel to the way fares are moving differently in the US compared to Europe.Thank you to Points, a Plusgrade company, for sponsoring this week's episode.SHOW NOTES:The number of times Scott Kirby has been mentioned on the show
U.S. aviation, the world's original air travel marketplace, is going backwards rapidly. That's what Jon Ostrower argues, and he says there are signs in things like premium, capacity and airports. He'll try to convince Brian Sumers and Brett Snyder that America's aviation industry is on the verge of a major structural shift.Thank you to Points, a Plusgrade company, for sponsoring this week's episode.
With its largest airline – Spirit – out of business, FLL has become a fascinating airport where airlines are all jockeying for position. Jon Ostrower, Brian Sumers and Brett Snyder talk about which airlines are trying to get a leg up in Fort Lauderdale and, for that matter, all of South Florida.Thank you to Points, a Plusgrade company, for sponsoring this week's episode.
Just a few months after selling its ill-fated hotel in Florida, Allegiant completed one of its most profitable quarters in recent memory. Now, it needs to focus on how it can make its acquisition of Sun Country a winner. With the deal now closed, Jon Ostrower, Brian Sumers, and Brett Snyder explain how the acquisition fits into Allegiant's strategy for growth.
Spirit is the first major airline to have abruptly shut down in the U.S. since 1991. Jon Ostrower, Brian Sumers and Brett Snyder explain how the government, from the Obama Administration to now, all had a role in the company's demise.Thanks to Plusgrade for sponsoring this episode.
The Airbus A220 Stretch, aka the A220-500, is a plane that's stalked the industry since the C Series was launched in 2008. But it sure looks like Airbus is getting closer to bringing it to reality. Jon Ostrower, Brian Sumers and Brett Snyder talk about why it was a threat to Boeing then, but not to Boeing now.We would like to thank Delight.ai for supporting The Air Show.
There's been overwhelming weirdness in the decisions coming out of the federal government, and it is creating real harm in this industry. Brian Sumers and Brett Snyder talk about the President weighing in about a rumored United-American merger, Trump's suggestion that the government bail out Spirit, and the heated transcripts of an FAA meeting around who could fly what at O'Hare.We would like to thank Plusgrade for supporting The Air Show.Show Notes:U.S. DOT/FAA - Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) Scheduling Reduction Meeting Transcripts – https://www.regulations.gov/document/FAA-2004-16944-0165
Meghna Maharishi and Brett Snyder break down mounting pressures in the airline industry as premium travel demand remains strong amid operational and energy‑related risks. They explain why carriers like United (UAL) and Delta (DAL) continue to outperform, while budget airlines face growing challenges from costs and competition. The discussion also highlights lingering risks tied to fuel prices, baggage fees, and potential supply‑chain disruptions affecting global carriers.======== Schwab Network ========Empowering every investor and trader, every market day.Options involve risks and are not suitable for all investors. Before trading, read the Options Disclosure Document. http://bit.ly/2v9tH6DSubscribe to the Market Minute newsletter - https://schwabnetwork.com/subscribeDownload the iOS app - https://apps.apple.com/us/app/schwab-network/id1460719185Download the Amazon Fire Tv App - https://www.amazon.com/TD-Ameritrade-Network/dp/B07KRD76C7Watch on Sling - https://watch.sling.com/1/asset/191928615bd8d47686f94682aefaa007/watchWatch on Vizio - https://www.vizio.com/en/watchfreeplus-exploreWatch on DistroTV - https://www.distro.tv/live/schwab-network/Follow us on X – https://twitter.com/schwabnetworkFollow us on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/schwabnetworkFollow us on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/schwab-network/About Schwab Network - https://schwabnetwork.com/about
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said recently that the administration would like to see one of the larger airlines buy one of the smaller ones. At around the same time, Bloomberg reported that United talked about buying American. Jon Ostrower, Brian Sumers and Brett Snyder discuss how real any of this is, and what it would look like if any of the U.S. airlines merged.
U.S. airlines may be cautiously optimistic about the effect that high oil prices will have on their bottom line, but not so much executives at non-U.S. airlines. Fuel is really expensive out there for them. Jon Ostrower, Brian Sumers and Brett Snyder talk about the real concerns those companies have about covering their costs.Thanks to Flagstaff Pulliam Airport for sponsoring this episode.
Jon Ostrower and Brett Snyder report back from United's media day where new hard products were shown off on several different aircraft. It was also on full display that the airline has been preparing for the next downturn with strategies that allow it to move forward with long term plans even when things don't look good in the short term. We would like to thank Plusgrade for supporting The Air Show.
U.S. airlines gave an update of the business at the JP Morgan Industrials Conference and, despite the state of the world and spiking fuel prices, they basically said everything is awesome. Jon Ostrower, Brian Sumers and Brett Snyder explain the reasons why the airlines are optimistic, including high consumer demand.
The war in Iran sent a massive wave of disruption to flights operating throughout the region and any flight crossing overhead because it's a major aerial thoroughfare between India, Australia, Southeast Asia and Europe. Jon Ostrower and Brett Snyder examine the long-term effect on flows to places like Dubai and Doha as superconnecting hubs, and the impact that the swings in oil prices will have on all airlines globally.
Spirit Airlines has a plan to save itself by adjusting to seasonal demand, pivoting into more premium seats and shrinking its debt and lease obligations. Brian Sumers and Brett Snyder break down whether the move will revive the Spirit brand. Plus, the FAA is stepping in to mediate the "arms race" by American and United to win future gate space at O'Hare.Reach top leadership and decision-makers at airlines around the world by sponsoring The Air Show. We are currently booking campaigns for 2026. Visit www.theairshowpodcast.com to get in touch with us.
United announced major changes last week to its MileagePlus loyalty program. It soon will offer the biggest incentives to credit cardholders, while removing perks from other flyers. Brian Sumers and Brett Snyder discuss why it's a good thing that United is rewarding its best customers, even if some travelers are upset.Reach top leadership and decision-makers at airlines around the world by sponsoring The Air Show. We are currently booking campaigns for 2026. Visit www.theairshowpodcast.com to get in touch with us.
There was a great deal of intrigue surrounding Frontier Airlines not for what it did, but for what it didn't do – sell tickets beyond early April until just recently. But what is clear is that there is a shift under the brand new CEO Jimmy Dempsey. Brian Sumers and Brett Snyder talk about how Frontier is returning to growth and also going back to basics.Reach top leadership and decision-makers at airlines around the world by sponsoring The Air Show. We are currently booking campaigns for 2026. Visit www.theairshowpodcast.com to get in touch with us.
Southwest made big changes in the past year, including the introduction of checked bag fees and assigned seating. Jon Ostrower, Brian Sumers and Brett Snyder talk about where the shifts take the airline with two Southwest executives – COO Andrew Watterson, and EVP and CFO Tom Doxey.Reach top leadership and decision-makers at airlines around the world by sponsoring The Air Show. We are currently booking campaigns for 2026. Visit www.theairshowpodcast.com to get in touch with us.
Allegiant announced it will buy Sun Country with the deal expected to close later this year. Brian Sumers and Brett Snyder debate the possible benefits and risks of this combo.Reach top leadership and decision-makers at airlines around the world by sponsoring The Air Show. We are currently booking campaigns for 2026. Visit www.theairshowpodcast.com to get in touch with us.
Brett Snyder and Brian Sumers break down six notable network changes that American recently announced, including changing its bank structure at DFW, going big in Chicago, putting more premium-heavy planes into rotation, and more.Reach top leadership and decision-makers at airlines around the world by sponsoring The Air Show. We are currently booking campaigns for 2026. Visit www.theairshowpodcast.com to get in touch with us.
Brett Snyder offers a more advanced (and less time-consuming) lesson on revenue management — in response to the recent Airlines Confidential episode — in the final episode of 2025.Thank you for listening to The Air Show this year. Your company's support and sponsorship makes this podcast possible. To learn more about our rates and our very targeted audience, please email graham@bullpenstrategy.com.
Jon Ostrower is back from Dubai Airshow with news and highlights to share with Brett Snyder, plus listener feedback from our recent episode about Delta Airlines.We would like to thank Plusgrade for supporting The Air Show.Visit www.theairshowpodcast.com to get in touch with us.
A listener wrote to us: "I'm a United employee, so I do enjoy hearing about how much everyone except UA and DL sucks. That said, a more challenging series of episodes might be 'what's wrong with DL or UA'...so tell us where you think we suck, and you might as well do a similar episode for the other two airlines that are doing well." This week: Brian Sumers and Brett Snyder do just that, for Delta.We would like to thank SES for sponsoring The Air Show.Questions, responses or feedback? Visit www.theairshowpodcast.com to get in touch with us.
Brett Snyder and Jon Ostrower talk about the DOT and FAA ordering airlines to cut flights and the response from the airlines and the teams of people (listeners to this podcast) who are helping us all through it. They also respond to questions and comments from listeners about our recent episodes on American Airlines, the regional jet landscape, slot wars at O'Hare, and more.We would like to thank SES for sponsoring The Air Show.Questions, responses or feedback? Visit www.theairshowpodcast.com to get in touch with us.
Jon Ostrower, Brian Sumers, and Brett Snyder check in on Alaska Airlines' post-merger strategy, its network changes and new attention for San Diego and Portland, and the outlook for its new Atmos program.We would like to thank Plusgrade for supporting The Air Show.Visit www.theairshowpodcast.com to get in touch with us.
Jon Ostrower, Brett Snyder, and Brian Sumers finish their three-part series on American by talking through the airline's leadership issues. Leadership is one of the biggest issues facing American today, and they get into the weeds on what would help this airline to fly high again.We would like to thank Plusgrade for supporting The Air Show.Visit www.theairshowpodcast.com to get in touch with us.
Guest Brian Sumers tells us about The Airline Observer newsletter and The Airshow Podcast. Erin Applebaum updates us on the Boeing litigation and Delta Flight 4819 that rolled over on landing at Toronto Pearson International Airport in February 2025. In the news, the LOT Polish Airlines' fraud case against Boeing is set to go to a jury trial, the FAA approves a 737 MAX production increase, the IAM rejects Boeing's Latest Offer, controller staffing shortages are impacting operations, and engine shortages are affecting airlines and the leasing market Guest Brian Sumers Brian Sumers produces The Airline Observer newsletter dedicated to news and analysis about the global airline business. He covers every facet of the industry except operations. The newsletter targets professionals working in the airline and travel industries, but others with an interest in the industry will also find it valuable. Brian can also be found on The Airshow Podcast with Jon Ostrower and Brett Snyder. Brian explains the types of stories he enjoys reporting on, including the people behind the industry, who is up and who is down, loyalty programs, and revenue management. He's been covering airlines for some 15 years and tells us about the lack of airline policy and procedures clarity, and who understands their competition and who doesn't. We hear his thoughts about his recent interviews with Scott Kirby and Sir Tim Clark, some of the hot-button issues that airlines see ahead, and the future of LCCs in the U.S. Brian is a professional journalist with more than a decade of expertise covering airlines. He has written for Skift, Aviation Week, Conde Nast Traveler, the Los Angeles Times, and the Wall Street Journal. Brian is often found in major media discussing airline news, with recent appearances in the Washington Post, New York Times, and Boston Globe, as well as on CNN, ABC News, and CBS News. He attended Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism, has a master's degree in journalism from the University of Southern California's Annenberg School, and an MBA from UCLA's Anderson School of Management. Aviation News LOT Polish Airlines' Fraud Case Against Boeing Set to Go to Jury Trial LOT Polish Airlines' fraud and misrepresentation case against Boeing is proceeding to a jury trial scheduled for November 3, 2025, in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington. LOT alleges that Boeing rushed the 737 MAX to market, bypassed proper engineering protocols, withheld safety-critical details from regulators, and misled airline customers about the scope and safety of design changes from previous 737 models. The airline claims that these actions led to its belief that the 737 MAX was airworthy and economically advantageous. LOT claims at least $250 million in losses from the grounding, including lost revenue, storage costs, and expenses for replacing the unfit aircraft. After months of limits, FAA allows Boeing to increase MAX production The FAA has approved an increase in the production cap for Boeing's 737 MAX jets, allowing for the manufacture of 42 aircraft per month. This follows a review of Boeing's manufacturing processes and safety controls. The FAA will continue to supervise Boeing's operations and monitor the manufacturer's safety and quality culture. The rate increase helps Boeing's financial situation by accelerating cash flow, improving debt serviceability, and restoring investor confidence. Workers reject Boeing's latest offer after nearly three months on strike The roughly 3,200 members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) District 837 at Boeing Defense in the St. Louis area rejected the company's latest contract proposal. In a statement, Boeing said "We're disappointed with the vote result" and "we are turning our focus to executing the next phase of our contingency plan." Boeing's latest contract offer reduced the ratification bonus, added $3,
Jon Ostrower updates Brett Snyder and Brian Sumers on some recent developments in the aviation space: Airbus's A220-500, Avelo's deal with Embraer, GE Aerospace's efforts to improve engine durability (and address known issues), and shiny, new, techy highlights from the UP Summit.We would like to thank Plusgrade for supporting The Air Show.Visit www.theairshowpodcast.com to get in touch with us.
Brian Sumers and Brett Snyder discuss how the expansion of transatlantic joint ventures has affected the U.S.-to-Europe market. Consumers now have far more choices than ever before, as airlines are operating more flights than at any time in history. But with essentially just three groups setting the fares on transatlantic routes, Sumers and Snyder ask: Is the current paradigm a good one?If you would like our audience of airline executives and decision-makers to know about your company, please get in touch with us about sponsorship opportunities on The Air Show. Visit www.theairshowpodcast.com to learn more.
Jude Bricker, the CEO of Sun Country Airlines, joins Brian Sumers and Brett Snyder at the APEX Global EXPO 2025 in Long Beach to talk about Spirit Airlines' bankruptcy, the future of ultra-low-cost carriers in the US, and why Sun Country's variable capacity model gives it an edge. We would like to thank Plusgrade and SES for supporting The Air Show.If you would like our audience of airline executives and decision-makers to know about your company, please get in touch with us about sponsorship opportunities on The Air Show. Visit www.theairshowpodcast.com to get in touch with us.
Once again, Spirit Airlines has filed for bankruptcy. Brett Snyder and Brian Sumers talk about the challenges Spirit will face, even if it dutifully follows its new plan. It's a tough time to be a ULCC.If you would like our audience of airline executives and decision-makers to know about your company, please get in touch with us about sponsorship opportunities on The Air Show. Visit www.theairshowpodcast.com.
It's time to start looking under the hood at American Airlines. As promised before our summer break, Jon Ostrower, Brett Snyder, and Brian Sumers are starting with a detailed analysis of American's fleet and network. When it comes to American, do you have other areas in mind (besides brand) or questions we should address in future episodes? Get in touch with us (anonymously) at www.theairshowpodcast.com.We would like to thank Plusgrade for supporting The Air Show.
With network changes, new routes and new "brand expressions," Alaska Airlines is starting to solidify its plan to transform into a global airline. Jon Ostrower and Brett Snyder discuss Alaska's news, its increasingly complex fleet, and also what these transformative steps could mean for Alaska's home market (Seattle) and nearest competitor there (Delta).We would like to thank Plusgrade for supporting The Air Show.Visit www.theairshowpodcast.com to get in touch with us.
Southwest is in the midst of a transformation. Brian Sumers, Jon Ostrower, and Brett Snyder discuss how it's going so far. It was a rough second quarter but at least one of the hosts is unusually optimistic about the airline's future.We would like to thank Plusgrade for supporting The Air Show.Visit www.theairshowpodcast.com to get in touch with us.
Brett Snyder and Brian Sumers discuss Delta's new routes from Los Angeles to Hong Kong and Chicago, planned for next June. Is this…all about United?We would like to thank Plusgrade for supporting The Air Show.Visit www.theairshowpodcast.com to get in touch with us.
Jon Ostrower, Brett Snyder and Brian Sumers discuss what is known — and unknown — after the release of the preliminary report on the fatal Air India Boeing 787 crash.Visit www.theairshowpodcast.com to get in touch with us.
Darren Hulst, Boeing's vice president of commercial marketing, joins Jon Ostrower and Brett Snyder on this episode to talk about the company's 20-year market outlook for commercial aircraft. This year's CMO — released Saturday in the United States — forecasts 43,600 new airplanes from 2025 to 2044. Darren gets into the details about how his team formulates the prediction and what they're watching in the industry, in emerging markets, in geopolitics, and (most importantly) global GDP growth. NOTE: This episode was recorded before the accident aboard Air India 171.We would like to thank Pittsburgh International Airport and Intelsat for supporting The Air Show.Visit www.theairshowpodcast.com to get in touch with us.
It's been a few weeks since JetBlue and United announced their partnership, and Brian Sumers and Brett Snyder have some analysis about what it says about the rest of the industry. The short version: United looks good, JetBlue can't lose, Delta looks dismissive, and American still looks like it lost out. Brett and Brian get into the details on this episode.We would like to thank Plusgrade and Intelsat for supporting The Air Show.Visit www.theairshowpodcast.com to get in touch with us.
Will the next major competitor to Boeing and Airbus be JetZero and its blended wing passenger airplane? Jon Ostrower and Brett Snyder talk about JetZero's Z4 design, which aims to offer significant fuel efficiency gains over traditional tube-and-wing aircraft, and United Airlines' investment in the company. Like other companies seeking to develop new aircraft and technology, funding is a big headwind. Find photos and more information on the Z4 on Cranky Flier and The Air Current.We would like to thank Pittsburgh International Airport for supporting The Air Show.Visit www.theairshowpodcast.com to get in touch with us.
With Mesa set to merge into Republic, Brian Sumers, Jon Ostrower, and Brett Snyder look at what's coming for a shrinking industry. They ask whether mainline airlines still need so many regional partners now that E175s and CRJs are much more expensive to operate than ever, and they discuss whether there's any new aircraft technology coming that might disrupt the regional industry.We would like to thank Pittsburgh International Airport and TCG Digital for supporting The Air Show.Visit www.theairshowpodcast.com to get in touch with us.
This episode is about the finer things. Brian Sumers and Brett Snyder discuss the ever-escalating race to premium, including United's forthcoming changes to its premium international service, and Delta and American's investments in and strategies for their premium offerings.We would like to thank Plusgrade and TCG Digital for supporting The Air Show.Visit www.theairshowpodcast.com to get in touch with us.
This week, Jon Ostrower and Brett Snyder discuss EWR's air traffic control staffing and equipment issues, and the decision to relocate operations to Pennsylvania with special guest Will Guisbond from The Air Current. Then, Brett and Jon talk about the potential partnership between JetBlue and United Airlines, driven by JetBlue's need for a domestic partner and United's desire to re-enter JFK.We would like to thank TCG Digital for supporting The Air Show.Visit www.theairshowpodcast.com to get in touch with us.
Brett Snyder has been watching Spirit's network strategy closely, and this week he floats the idea that Spirit is not only becoming more like Sun Country but it could benefit from joining forces with the airline. Brian Sumers, however, thinks this is ridiculous. Come join them and Jon Ostrower as they float statistics in a very... spirited... debate.We would like to thank Rokt for supporting The Air Show.Visit www.theairshowpodcast.com to get in touch with us.
With economic uncertainty casting a shadow over the U.S. economy, Brian Sumers, Brett Snyder, and Jon Ostrower dive into the impact this will have on both the aircraft manufacturers and the airlines themselves. (Spoiler alert: it's not good news.)We would like to thank Intelsat for supporting The Air Show.
Jon Ostrower brings the latest news from Airbus's recent summit in Toulouse: planned innovations in aircraft, efficiency and sustainability, despite an increasingly fragmented global economic and political world. Ostrower tells Brett Snyder the next decade will be “the homework years” — when a lot of work gets done and technology developed to inform a more productive future. And in the U.S., as Boeing continues its push to reshape its culture and industrial operation, there are early signs of progress.We would like to thank Rokt and Intelsat for supporting The Air Show.
Amid economic and political uncertainty in North America, everyone is trying to read the tea leaves, memes and booking data to figure out what's going on, and that includes the leadership of Canadian and Mexican airlines. Brett Snyder and Brian Sumers talk about what executives are saying and doing about transborder flying in North America, going into the summer season and looking ahead to the '25-26 sun season.We would like to thank Rokt and TCG Digital for supporting The Air Show.Visit www.theairshowpodcast.com to get in touch with us.
This week, Brett Snyder, Jon Ostrower and Brian Sumers discuss President Trump's pick for FAA administrator: Bryan Bedford, CEO of Republic Airways. They also discuss Spirit Airlines' turnaround plan as it emerges from four months of bankruptcy protection, and what it did (and did not) accomplish during that period.We would like to thank TCG Digital for supporting The Air Show.Visit www.theairshowpodcast.com to get in touch with us.
Amid uncertainty in the U.S. economy and political climate, airlines say they're seeing softness in domestic demand. How bad is it? Brian Sumers and Brett Snyder followed the J.P. Morgan Industrials conference this week and they discuss whether airlines are taking this seriously enough or whether they are in denial, and whether Southwest has any real strategy, or whether it's just coasting on its reputation.We would like to thank TCG Digital for supporting The Air Show.Visit www.theairshowpodcast.com to get in touch with us.
Brett Snyder's annual Cranky Network Awards is the event of the year and the place to be for the airline industry professionals that some people (possibly his co-hosts on this podcast) think are the nerdiest of the aviation nerds: network planners. In all seriousness (well, not all...), Brian Sumers, Jon Ostrower and Brett talk about the winners, what makes routes sexy or not, and the behind-the-scenes (and grooming routines) of this year's prestigious bash.We would like to thank TCG Digital for supporting The Air Show.Visit www.theairshowpodcast.com to get in touch with us.
Southwest Airlines is in a major transition — layoffs, an activist investor, and a changing product. Of course, it's an especially major transition for this airline because of its conservative culture, strategy, and history. Brett Snyder, Brian Sumers and Jon Ostrower debate the impact of Elliott Management's involvement, former CEO Gary Kelly's legacy, and the potential for new leadership to drive change.We would like to thank TCG Digital for supporting The Air Show.Visit www.theairshowpodcast.com to get in touch with us.
Brian Sumers, Brett Snyder, and Jon Ostrower discuss Boom's recent supersonic test flights — a big achievement for the start-up — and the challenges ahead. Is there a market for a return to supersonic commercial flight? Is there enough money to develop an airliner? Can Boom develop its own engine?We would like to thank TCG Digital for supporting The Air Show.Questions, responses or feedback? Visit www.theairshowpodcast.com to get in touch with us.