As the 2024 Olympics get underway in Paris, we speak with the CEO of the Air France-KLM Group, Ben Smith. He’s in conversation with Skift’s Editor-in-Chief Sarah Kopit and Head of Research Seth Borko, for a special edition of the Airline Weekly Lounge.  

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.

In part one, Gordon Smith and Jay Shabat discuss Q2 results from Delta Air Lines and Norwegian, looking for clues as to what the future could hold for other operators. In part two, we turn our attention to Hong Kong and examine the factors behind its slow aviation recovery after the pandemic.

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.

In part one, Gordon Smith and Jay Shabat discuss Qantas' latest ultra long-haul endeavor and ask what it tells us about the carrier's wider commercial strategy. In part two, we examine the latest twists and turns at Southwest Airlines as the company continues to fend off an activist investor. 

In part one, Gordon Smith and Jay Shabat examine why this summer's Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris are likely to be a financial drag on Air France. In part two, we turn our attention to U.S. airlines and ask what the second half of 2024 could hold for some of the country's biggest carriers.

Key Points: Air France and the Olympics Impact

1. Olympic Disruption: Air France expects a revenue hit of €160-€180 million ($175-$200 million) for Q3 due to international markets avoiding Paris during the Olympics.
2. KLM Insights: KLM CEO noted a decline in Paris-bound passengers, with potential shifts to Amsterdam as an alternative hub.
3. Airline Challenges with Major Events: Airlines, including Air France, generally find large events like the Olympics disruptive and not as profitable, contrary to what might be expected.
4. Long-term Benefits: Infrastructure improvements (e.g., Orly Airport upgrades) may benefit Air France KLM long-term, despite short-term disruptions.

Key Points: Outlook for US Airlines in H2 2024

1. Cost Increases: U.S. airlines face significantly higher operating compared to pre-pandemic levels, with labor costs in particular rising faster than revenues.
2. Delta’s Position: Delta is expected to perform well, driven by strong premium demand and international routes, though it still faces higher costs.
3. Spirit Airlines’ Struggles: Spirit has increased capacity and revenue but suffers from a disproportionate rise in costs, especially labor, leading to financial difficulties.
4. Growth and Efficiency: To combat rising costs, airlines aim to grow capacity and improve efficiency, although supply constraints (e.g., aircraft availability) pose challenges.
5. Premium Demand: A trend towards more premium offerings in both long-haul and short-haul markets is evident, with airlines betting on sustained demand for higher-margin products.

For more airline insights, visit and subscribe to Airline Weekly.

In part one, Gordon Smith and Jay Shabat discuss why Southwest has cut its revenue outlook for the current quarter. In part two, we take stock for our Airline Weekly mid-year review, and ask what the coming six months could hold.

Get more airline news at http://airlineweekly.skift.com

In part one, Gordon Smith and Jay Shabat discuss the factors delivering consistently strong results for Korean Air. In part two, we reveal the global airlines that were the most and least profitable in the first quarter of 2024. 

Get more airline news at http://airlineweekly.skift.com

In part one, Gordon Smith and Jay Shabat discuss a fascinating week at Southwest, as the low-cost carrier navigates the challenges of a very vocal new activist investor. In part two, Gordon chats with Skift Airlines Reporter Meghna Maharishi about a major new feature examining female representation across the aviation sector. 

Get more airline news at http://airlineweekly.skift.com

Captain Theresa Claiborne was the first black female pilot in the United States Air Force and joined United Airlines as its second-ever black female pilot. Last month, she retired from United after 34 years and 10,000s of flight hours. Captain Claiborne has piloted everything from the KC-135 to the Boeing 787 and has done it all while championing diversity and inclusion. In her first-ever podcast interview she reflects on a genuinely illustrious career, before discussing her vision for the future.

Get more airline news at http://airlineweekly.skift.com

In part one of this week's specially extended episode, Gordon Smith and Jay Shabat discuss a dramatic few days at American Airlines. In part two, attention turns to Southeast Asia as we discover how some of the region's biggest carriers are performing. 

Get more airline news at http://airlineweekly.skift.com

In part one, Gordon Smith and Jay Shabat discuss the latest earnings from low-cost giant Ryanair. In part two, our focus turns to the upcoming summer travel season and what it means for the big U.S. airlines.

Background Reading:

Ryanair ‘Don’t Care’ Who the Next Boeing CEO Is

https://skift.com/2024/05/20/ryanair-dont-care-who-the-next-boeing-ceo-is/

Ryanair CEO Slams Boeing Culture: ‘They Love Talking Corporate Bullsh*t’

https://skift.com/2024/03/20/ryanair-ceo-slams-boeing-culture/

What Are Summer Travel Trends for 2024?

https://skift.com/2024/04/12/ask-skift-what-are-summer-travel-trends-for-2024/

What Are the Most Searched Cities for Summer 2024 Flights?

https://skift.com/2024/03/19/what-are-the-most-searched-cities-for-summer-2024-flights/

In part one of today's episode, Gordon Smith and Jay Shabat discuss Emirates' record-breaking results and ask how long these good times can last. In part two, we turn our attention to Brazil and find out how two of the country's biggest airlines are performing. 

Read the latest issue of Airline Weekly every Monday morning at http://airlineweekly.skift.com.