6 Questions for Airlines Iconoclast Gordon Bethune on the State of the Industry
Skift Take
As airlines continue to plan their rebound strategies from the global coronavirus pandemic, the legendary Gordon Bethune, an expert in turning things around, sees a difficult yet promising future ahead for airplanes and commercial travel.
Gordon Bethune, 79, the legendary former chairman and chief executive officer of Continental Airlines responsible for bringing the airline out of its darkest period to return profits before retiring 15 year ago, recently spoke this week with Skift via Zoom for a long chat on the state of the industry right now.
Never one to pull punches, Bethune offered his unabashed views of the industry facing its worst crisis in its modern history. A U.S. Navy veteran and pilot who has faced challenges throughout a long career in airlines, Bethune offered this metaphor: always keep on eye on the autopilot because things change quickly.
Earlier last month, after nearly a year without stepping in an airport, Bethune and a friend flew from Houston to Moline, Illinois, via Chicago, and back again without incident except for the occasional request from passersby for a selfie with him.
The following is an edited excerpt from the interview.
Skift: What have you learned from watching the airline
