In the latest episode - sponsored by Panasonic Avionics - Graham and Lewis discuss the impact of the recently announced changes at the top of Boeing, which came after several airlines voiced concerns about aspects of the airframer's management. They then look back to the Airlines for Europe (A4E) meeting in Brussels, examining the issues on which the region's largest carriers have a united voice. Music credit: Tea K Pea “highabove”/Creative Commons Fewer ‘spanners under floorboards’ but O’Leary still seeks Boeing improvements https://www.flightglobal.com/airlines/fewer-spanners-under-floorboards-but-oleary-still-seeks-boeing-improvements/157472.article Airlines candid on Boeing concerns https://www.flightglobal.com/airline-business/airlines-candid-on-boeing-concerns/157376.article Boeing chief Calhoun to leave at end-2024 as Deal departs Commercial Airplanes https://www.flightglobal.com/airframers/boeing-chief-calhoun-to-leave-at-end-2024-as-deal-departs-commercial-airplanes/157509.article Boeing management overhaul could spark real change – or bring more of the same https://www.flightglobal.com/airframers/boeing-management-overhaul-could-spark-real-change-or-bring-more-of-the-same/157514.article Europe’s airlines heartened by sharp change in perception of industry https://www.flightglobal.com/airlines/europes-airlines-heartened-by-sharp-change-in-perception-of-industry/157470.article Air France-KLM boss hits out at unfair Dutch ‘greenwashing’ ruling https://www.flightglobal.com/airlines/air-france-klm-boss-hits-out-at-unfair-dutch-greenwashing-ruling/157445.article ‘Like lipstick on a pig’: Ryanair chief slams Single European Sky reforms https://www.flightglobal.com/strategy/like-lipstick-on-a-pig-ryanair-chief-slams-single-european-sky-reforms/157443.article

In the latest episode - sponsored by Panasonic Avionics - Graham and Lewis look back on an inauspicious start to 2024 in terms of airline safety and consolidation moves. They then consider what airlines including United Airlines, Ryanair and Wizz Air had to say about the year ahead in their recent earnings calls. Music credit: Tea K Pea “highabove”/Creative Commons Spirit pushes back on ‘misguided narrative’ about stability without JetBlue https://www.flightglobal.com/strategy/spirit-pushes-back-on-misguided-narrative-about-stability-without-jetblue/156863.article European regulators ‘welcome’ JetBlue’s summer Amsterdam access https://www.flightglobal.com/networks/european-regulators-welcome-jetblues-summer-amsterdam-access/156788.article Regulators in no mood to wave through airline M&A activity https://www.flightglobal.com/airlines/regulators-in-no-mood-to-wave-through-airline-manda-activity/156749.article SAS chief looks to SkyTeam gains to outweigh ‘emotionally difficult’ Star Alliance exit https://www.flightglobal.com/strategy/sas-chief-looks-to-skyteam-gains-to-outweigh-emotionally-difficult-star-alliance-exit/156831.article Lufthansa remedies to secure ITA deal fail to convince competition regulator https://www.flightglobal.com/airlines/lufthansa-remedies-to-secure-ita-deal-fail-to-convince-competition-regulator/156595.article Commission initiates deeper probe into latest IAG-Air Europa tie-up bid https://www.flightglobal.com/airlines/commission-initiates-deeper-probe-into-latest-iag-air-europa-tie-up-bid/156633.article Why United chief Kirby is unfazed by more operational and cost pressures in 2024 https://www.flightglobal.com/airlines/why-united-chief-kirby-is-unfazed-by-more-operational-and-cost-pressures-in-2024/156602.article Why growing Ryanair expects European short-haul capacity to fall this summer https://www.flightglobal.com/airlines/why-growing-ryanair-expects-european-short-haul-capacity-to-fall-this-summer/156681.article How is Wizz Air handling impact of Middle East war and GTF groundings? https://www.flightglobal.com/airlines/how-is-wizz-air-handling-impact-of-middle-east-war-and-gtf-groundings/156638.article

In the latest instalment of the podcast - sponsored by Panasonic Avionics -Graham and Lewis discuss the airlines to watch over the next 12 months. Among the carriers in the spotlight are Air France-KLM, Lufthansa, Norwegian, Turkish Airlines, Qatar Airways, Etihad Airways, Qantas, Air India, JetBlue and the Abra Group. Music credit: Tea K Pea “highabove”/Creative Commons From aircraft availability to consolidation: 10 airline stories that will shape industry in 2024 https://www.flightglobal.com/airlines/from-aircraft-availability-to-consolidation-10-airline-stories-that-will-shape-industry-in-2024/156248.article Turkish Airlines secures AOC for low-cost unit AJet https://www.flightglobal.com/strategy/turkish-airlines-secures-aoc-for-low-cost-unit-ajet/156348.article Lufthansa orders first 737 Max jets as part of deal for up to 200 narrowbody aircraft https://www.flightglobal.com/fleets/lufthansa-orders-first-737-max-jets-as-part-of-deal-for-up-to-200-narrowbody-aircraft/156253.article Acquisition moves must be within ‘risk profile’: Air France-KLM chief https://www.flightglobal.com/strategy/acquisition-moves-must-be-within-risk-profile-air-france-klm-chief/156231.article JetBlue expects P&W engine issues to ground at least six aircraft through 2024 https://www.flightglobal.com/fleets/jetblue-expects-pandw-engine-issues-to-ground-at-least-six-aircraft-through-2024/155615.article How Adrian Neuhauser transformed Avianca into a low-cost competitor https://www.flightglobal.com/airlines/how-adrian-neuhauser-transformed-avianca-into-a-low-cost-competitor/156159.article Qantas faces shareholder ire at AGM, acknowledges ‘substantial’ loss of trust https://www.flightglobal.com/airlines/qantas-faces-shareholder-ire-at-agm-acknowledges-substantial-loss-of-trust/155657.article Air India takes delivery of first A350 https://www.flightglobal.com/airlines/air-india-takes-delivery-of-first-a350-/156301.article Norway’s competition authority approves Norwegian’s acquisition of Wideroe https://www.flightglobal.com/strategy/norways-competition-authority-approves-norwegians-acquisition-of-wideroe/156292.article China Eastern eyes Abu Dhabi link amid plan to deepen Etihad tie-up https://www.flightglobal.com/airlines/china-eastern-eyes-abu-dhabi-link-amid-plan-to-deepen-etihad-tie-up/156270.article Qatar Airways chief Al Baker to step down in November https://www.flightglobal.com/airlines/qatar-airways-chief-al-baker-to-step-down-in-november/155491.article

In the latest instalment of the Airline Business Podcast – sponsored by Panasonic Avionics – Graham and Lewis look back on the past 12 months for the airline industry, considering the high and low points. They also discuss what might be ahead in 2024. Music credit: Tea K Pea “highabove”/Creative Commons From aircraft availability to consolidation: 10 airline stories that will shape industry in 2024 https://www.flightglobal.com/airlines/from-aircraft-availability-to-consolidation-10-airline-stories-that-will-shape-industry-in-2024/156248.article When it comes to airline M&A, is the gain still worth the pain? https://www.flightglobal.com/airlines/when-it-comes-to-airline-manda-is-the-gain-still-worth-the-pain/156138.article Bulk aircraft orders continue as airlines stock up for future growth https://www.flightglobal.com/airlines/bulk-aircraft-orders-continue-as-airlines-stock-up-for-future-growth/156282.article Why airline industry focus is on the margins of profitability https://www.flightglobal.com/airlines/why-airline-industry-focus-is-on-the-margins-of-profitability/156134.article

In the latest instalment of the Airline Business Podcast – sponsored by Panasonic Avionics – Graham and Lewis discuss the aircraft orders placed at this year’s Dubai air show and what they might mean for capacity growth in the region, particularly when it comes to widebody jets. They also look at the air cargo sector’s declining fortunes since its pandemic-era highs and consider whether a turnaround in demand is on the horizon. Music credit: Tea K Pea “highabove”/Creative Commons Widebodies account for almost half the order business at Dubai show https://www.flightglobal.com/orders-and-deliveries/widebodies-account-for-almost-half-the-order-business-at-dubai-show/155870.article Dubai air show underlines Middle East carrier growth ambitions https://www.flightglobal.com/airlines/dubai-air-show-underlines-middle-east-carrier-growth-ambitions/155885.article Emirates to expand A350 commitment with additional -900s https://www.flightglobal.com/airlines/emirates-to-expand-a350-commitment-with-additional-900s/155890.article Etihad chief sees carrier entering third decade with renewed growth opportunity https://www.flightglobal.com/strategy/etihad-chief-sees-carrier-entering-third-decade-with-renewed-growth-opportunity/155865.article Ethiopian commits to additional A350-900s https://www.flightglobal.com/airlines/ethiopian-commits-to-additional-a350-900s/155871.article Flydubai follows Emirates in establishing Dubai South MRO centre https://www.flightglobal.com/airlines/flydubai-follows-emirates-in-establishing-dubai-south-mro-centre/155869.article Widebody delivery timelines likely to slip as order books fill-up: Udvar-Hazy https://www.flightglobal.com/fleets/widebody-delivery-timelines-likely-to-slip-as-order-books-fill-up-udvar-hazy/155864.article Emirates' Clark: 777X follow-on order a balance of confidence and lead times https://www.flightglobal.com/airlines/emirates-clark-777x-follow-on-order-a-balance-of-confidence-and-lead-times/155847.article SunExpress chief on how carrier is stepping up in scale with new Max 10 order https://www.flightglobal.com/strategy/sunexpress-chief-on-how-carrier-is-stepping-up-in-scale-with-new-max-10-order/155914.article EgyptAir signs for 10 A350-900s https://www.flightglobal.com/airlines/egyptair-signs-for-10-a350-900s/155829.article Clark still gets ‘real buzz’ from leading Emirates after delaying retirement https://www.flightglobal.com/airlines/clark-still-gets-real-buzz-from-leading-emirates-after-delaying-retirement/155918.article Why stakeholders reject assumption hydrogen power will push up air fares https://www.flightglobal.com/airlines/why-stakeholders-reject-assumption-hydrogen-power-will-push-up-air-fares/155950.article Battered but not beaten: air cargo’s turbulent descent from Covid-era highs https://www.flightglobal.com/airlines/battered-but-not-beaten-air-cargos-turbulent-descent-from-covid-era-highs/155897.article

Graham and Lewis discuss the latest consolidation moves in Europe, as Air France-KLM announces plans to take a minority stake in SAS. They also consider the industry’s sustainability challenge, in light of the IATA World Sustainability Symposium in Madrid, including hurdles in the development of a sustainable aviation fuel industry. Finally, they consider the latest opinions on the industry’s outlook, as strong demand and constrained capacity continue to support yields. This episode is sponsored by Panasonic Avionics. If you have any questions, comments or suggestions, please email [email protected] Music credit: Tea K Pea “highabove”/Creative Commons Air France-KLM has potential avenue to becoming controlling SAS shareholder https://www.flightglobal.com/airlines/air-france-klm-has-potential-avenue-to-becoming-controlling-sas-shareholder/155232.article SAS to leave Star for SkyTeam after picking Air France-KLM and Castlelake as investors https://www.flightglobal.com/airlines/sas-to-leave-star-for-skyteam-after-picking-air-france-klm-and-castlelake-as-investors/155224.article Malta puts hopes on higher load factors and profitable routes for successor carrier https://www.flightglobal.com/airlines/malta-puts-hopes-on-higher-load-factors-and-profitable-routes-for-successor-carrier/155231.article Government to launch successor carrier to Air Malta in March 2024 https://www.flightglobal.com/government-to-launch-successor-carrier-to-air-malta-in-march-2024/155201.article ‘Airline sweet spot may have got sweeter’: IATA chief economist https://www.flightglobal.com/airlines/airline-sweet-spot-may-have-got-sweeter-iata-chief-economist/155242.article ‘Not a single drop’: LATAM Airlines chief highlights region’s SAF challenges https://www.flightglobal.com/airlines/not-a-single-drop-latam-airlines-chief-highlights-regions-saf-challenges/155274.article Portugal clears path for TAP sale with new decree https://www.flightglobal.com/airlines/portugal-clears-path-for-tap-sale-with-new-decree/155161.article Airline optimism high as demand trumps fuel cost concerns https://www.flightglobal.com/airlines/airline-optimism-high-as-demand-trumps-fuel-cost-concerns/155143.article Early signs of ‘normalisation’ effects at airlines https://www.flightglobal.com/airlines/early-signs-of-normalisation-effects-at-airlines/154951.article

Graham and Lewis look back on another strong set of quarterly results from the global airline industry, while considering whether the coming months will see ‘normalisation’ in more markets. They then discuss the success or otherwise of the various start-up carriers that have launched operations over the past few years – and prospects for a few that are yet to get off the ground. Music credit: Tea K Pea “highabove”/Creative Commons More signs of airline markets ‘normalising’ as fares soften https://www.flightglobal.com/airlines/more-signs-of-airline-markets-normalising-as-fares-soften/154592.article US pent-up demand shifts to long-haul at expense of domestic https://www.flightglobal.com/airlines/us-pent-up-demand-shifts-to-long-haul-at-expense-of-domestic/154406.article Air cargo grapples with plummeting rates and freighter oversupply fears https://www.flightglobal.com/airlines/air-cargo-grapples-with-plummeting-rates-and-freighter-oversupply-fears/154454.article Pegasus sees post-Covid travel boom ebbing after ‘strong’ second quarter https://www.flightglobal.com/airlines/pegasus-sees-post-covid-travel-boom-ebbing-after-strong-second-quarter/154553.article IAG again flags slower-than-expected recovery in corporate travel https://www.flightglobal.com/airlines/iag-again-flags-slower-than-expected-recovery-in-corporate-travel/154346.article Spohr sees Lufthansa ready to leave operational buffer behind in 2024 https://www.flightglobal.com/strategy/spohr-sees-lufthansa-ready-to-leave-operational-buffer-behind-in-2024/154410.article Profitable Lufthansa foresees ‘unabated’ demand across rest of 2023 https://www.flightglobal.com/airlines/profitable-lufthansa-foresees-unabated-demand-across-rest-of-2023/154404.article Challenges remain despite Air France-KLM's steady post-pandemic progress https://www.flightglobal.com/strategy/challenges-remain-despite-air-france-klms-steady-post-pandemic-progress/154343.article Frontier navigates weather, ATC issues and long-haul competition to Q2 profit https://www.flightglobal.com/strategy/frontier-navigates-weather-atc-issues-and-long-haul-competition-to-q2-profit/154380.article Born during the pandemic, Taiwan’s Starlux now makes up for lost time https://www.flightglobal.com/airlines/born-during-the-pandemic-taiwans-starlux-now-makes-up-for-lost-time/154522.article US start-up Red Way to cease operations two months after launch https://www.flightglobal.com/strategy/us-start-up-carrier-red-way-to-cease-operations-two-months-after-launch/154674.article Monarch revival in doubt as funding runs out https://www.flightglobal.com/airlines/monarch-revival-in-doubt-as-funding-runs-out/154765.article Bonza finds its wings with Australia’s infrequent fliers https://www.flightglobal.com/airlines/bonza-finds-its-wings-with-australias-infrequent-fliers/154756.article Prospective A380 start-up Global Airlines plans initial New York and Los Angeles routes https://www.flightglobal.com/airlines/prospective-a380-start-up-global-airlines-plans-initial-new-york-and-los-angeles-routes/154340.article

Graham and Lewis discuss the operational challenges being seen in Europe and North America, as ATC issues and airspace restrictions combine with weather events and other factors. They also consider the longer-term capacity challenges in the industry and the impact of sustainability concerns on airline growth plans. They then revisit this year's Airline Strategy Awards, highlighting some of the winning stories. Music credit: Tea K Pea “highabove”/Creative Commons READ MORE ON FLIGHTGLOBAL.COM: Airlines need to prepare for more extreme weather events https://www.flightglobal.com/airlines/airlines-need-to-prepare-for-more-extreme-weather-events/154019.article Walsh claims France is ‘harming the environment’ by failing to address ATC strikes https://www.flightglobal.com/airlines/walsh-claims-france-is-harming-the-environment-by-failing-to-address-atc-strikes/153589.article IAG cites Iberia lessons as BA and Aer Lingus battle operational challenges https://www.flightglobal.com/strategy/iag-cites-iberia-lessons-as-ba-and-aer-lingus-battle-operational-challenges/154344.article Why some airlines are relieved to be flying older aircraft https://www.flightglobal.com/airlines/why-some-airlines-are-relieved-to-be-flying-older-aircraft/154317.article Airlines ask Dutch Supreme Court to consider Schiphol noise judgement https://www.flightglobal.com/airlines/airlines-ask-dutch-supreme-court-to-consider-schiphol-noise-judgement/154270.article IATA opposes ban on night flights at Brussels airport https://www.flightglobal.com/airlines/iata-opposes-ban-on-night-flights-at-brussels-airport/154229.article Ryanair indicates 737 Max delivery delays could persist to mid-2024 https://www.flightglobal.com/airlines/ryanair-indicates-737-max-delivery-delays-could-persist-to-mid-2024/154249.article IATA slams North American air traffic control chaos https://www.flightglobal.com/safety/iata-slams-north-american-air-traffic-control-chaos/154174.article EasyJet blames ATC delays as it cancels 1,700 summer flights https://www.flightglobal.com/airlines/easyjet-blames-atc-delays-as-it-cancels-1700-summer-flights/154046.article Why does United Airlines chief think competitors are ‘in denial’? https://www.flightglobal.com/airlines/why-does-united-airlines-chief-think-competitors-are-in-denial/151803.article United sees improvement in Newark as it cuts summer schedule: CEO https://www.flightglobal.com/networks/united-sees-improvement-in-newark-as-it-cuts-summer-schedule-ceo/154210.article Amid United Airlines’ operational meltdown, CEO apologises for private jet trip https://www.flightglobal.com/strategy/amid-united-airlines-operational-meltdown-ceo-apologises-for-private-jet-trip/153987.article The Airline Strategy Awards 2023: winning stories https://www.flightglobal.com/airlines/the-airline-strategy-awards-2023-winning-stories/154083.article

Graham and Lewis discuss how European and North American carriers performed during the recent earnings season, which saw a degree of ‘normalisation’ and plenty of positivity about the summer, despite the slower recovery of corporate travel. They then consider the growing problems around aircraft maintenance delays, particularly in light of India’s Go First grounding its fleet. Next they discuss Ryanair’s bumper – and long-expected – order for Boeing 737 Max 10 jets, before looking at the legacy of departing Qantas chief executive Alan Joyce. Music credit: Tea K Pea “highabove”/Creative Commons IAG reports Q1 operating profit as leisure demand gives it summer confidence https://www.flightglobal.com/airlines/iag-reports-q1-operating-profit-as-leisure-demand-gives-it-summer-confidence/153155.article Lufthansa predicts ‘summer travel boom’ after loss-making Q1 https://www.flightglobal.com/airlines/lufthansa-predicts-summer-travel-boom-after-loss-making-q1/153107.article US carriers see revenues surge, but challenges remain https://www.flightglobal.com/airlines/us-carriers-see-revenues-surge-but-challenges-remain/152916.article Corporate customers are back: United Airlines https://www.flightglobal.com/strategy/corporate-customers-are-back-united-airlines/152917.article How strong is the corporate air travel recovery? https://www.flightglobal.com/airlines/how-strong-is-the-corporate-air-travel-recovery/153242.article Ryanair reaches 737 Max 10 deal covering up to 300 aircraft https://www.flightglobal.com/airlines/ryanair-reaches-737-max-10-deal-covering-up-to-300-aircraft/153197.article Ryanair settles for higher price to secure 737 Max 10 slots https://www.flightglobal.com/airlines/ryanair-settles-for-higher-price-to-secure-737-max-10-slots/153198.article Third of Swiss Airbus A220s grounded as Lufthansa boss lists supply constraints https://www.flightglobal.com/airlines/third-of-swiss-a220s-grounded-as-lufthansa-boss-lists-supply-constraints/153111.article India’s Go First suspends flights, blames P&W engine woes for insolvency protection filing https://www.flightglobal.com/airlines/indias-go-first-suspends-flights-blames-pandw-engine-woes-for-insolvency-protection-filing/153099.article Qantas CEO succession a fitting outcome after Joyce’s diversity focus https://www.flightglobal.com/airlines/qantas-ceo-succession-a-fitting-outcome-after-joyces-diversity-focus/153120.article Unpacking Alan Joyce’s Qantas legacy https://www.flightglobal.com/airlines/unpacking-alan-joyces-qantas-legacy/153089.article Qantas appoints finance chief as new CEO https://www.flightglobal.com/airlines/qantas-appoints-finance-chief-as-new-ceo/153086.article

Graham and Lewis talk through the growing list of consolidation moves within the global industry, discussing why deals take such a long time to get over the line. They then look back on Graham’s recent interview with Lufthansa Group chief executive Carsten Spohr and what he had to say about the Italian market, before considering the launch of Riyadh Air and a bumper widebody deal for Saudi carriers. Finally, Lewis talks through our latest survey of women in the C-suite, with data showing the number of female chief executives has shot up over the past 12 months. Music credit: Tea K Pea “highabove”/Creative Commons Airlines struggle to fast-track consolidation https://www.flightglobal.com/airlines/airlines-struggle-to-fast-track-consolidation/152276.article Significant rise in women leading airlines offsets falls elsewhere in C-suite https://www.flightglobal.com/airlines/significant-rise-in-women-leading-airlines-offsets-falls-elsewhere-in-c-suite/151863.article Carsten Spohr on how Lufthansa is back on the front foot https://www.flightglobal.com/strategy/carsten-spohr-on-how-lufthansa-is-back-on-the-front-foot/152353.article Saudi aircraft orders underscore home carrier ambitions https://www.flightglobal.com/fleets/saudi-aircraft-orders-underscore-home-carrier-ambitions/152465.article Jazeera to create new Saudi low-cost airline https://www.flightglobal.com/airlines/jazeera-to-create-new-saudi-low-cost-airline/152463.article Saudi government unveils new national airline Riyadh Air https://www.flightglobal.com/airlines/saudi-government-unveils-new-national-airline-riyadh-air/152436.article

Graham and Lewis discuss the recent collapses of European carriers Flybe and Flyr, asking whether those developments belie a much brighter outlook for the industry in 2023. They also consider recent comments from United Airlines chief executive Scott Kirby about fundamental changes to the industry coming out of the pandemic, which he suggests could make growth plans undeliverable if peers fail to act. Expanding on Kirby’s comments, they further consider whether the industry is better prepared for the strong demand ahead as carriers and the wider sector gear up for the northern hemisphere summer. Music credit: Tea K Pea “highabove”/Creative Commons How significant are exits of Flybe and Flyr from Europe’s airline market? https://www.flightglobal.com/airlines/how-significant-are-exits-of-flybe-and-flyr-from-europes-airline-market/151879.article Investors see value in airlines as 2023 outlook improves https://www.flightglobal.com/airlines/investors-see-value-in-airlines-as-2023-outlook-improves/151997.article Why does United Airlines chief think competitors are ‘in denial’? https://www.flightglobal.com/airlines/why-does-united-airlines-chief-think-competitors-are-in-denial/151803.article European airports hope for ‘boring’ summer after ramp-up disruptions https://www.flightglobal.com/networks/european-airports-hope-for-boring-summer-after-ramp-up-disruptions/151926.article