Is Etihad Still Heading for an IPO? We Ask the CEO
Trading its sovereign safety net for the scrutiny of the stock market has long been on the table – but could Etihad’s current success delay the plan?
Gordon Smith is Airlines Editor at Skift and Editor at Airline Weekly. He’s covered the industry for more than 15 years across television, print, and digital platforms. Since joining Skift in January 2024, he has interviewed more than 20 airline CEOs, often helping make headlines along the way. Send stories/tips via Signal: smithgme.01
United and JetBlue Partnership Wins DOT Approval
JetBlue found a new dance partner after its messy breakup with American – but this deal is deliberately limited to avoid antitrust headaches.
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The American Bronze Age
There’s no shame in winning a bronze medal. Unless it’s a game of three players. The U.S. has just three global airlines. And for seven straight years now, the medal stand has looked the same. In the contest for best operating margin, Delta always wins the gold. United always wins the silver. And American always gets stuck with the bronze. In this week's feature story, we examine why.
Etihad Airways CEO Unpacks Big Bet on Small Jets
Etihad is hoping to outmaneuver its Gulf rivals with 30 small but premium aircraft. Will passengers buy the promise of private jet-like luxury?
Wizz Air to Slash A321XLR Order and Focus on ‘Benign Markets’
Wizz Air’s turnaround strategy is still evolving; but recent moves suggest a return to core markets and cost discipline as it tries to regain altitude in Europe’s competitive low-cost sector.
U.S. Tariff Threat Puts Airline Industry on Edge Ahead of August 1 ‘Hard Deadline’
A looming EU trade clash has the potential to disrupt aircraft deliveries and spike costs, but the impact of blanket U.S. tariffs could make waves far beyond the Atlantic.
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SkyTeam’s New Star: The Rise of Copenhagen
Copenhagen is one of Europe’s fastest growing airports this summer. Scheduled seat capacity in the Danish capital is up 7% y/y, according to Cirium Diio. Surprisingly, Copenhagen is growing without much help from Europe’s low-cost airlines. It's legacy player SAS that’s responsible for most of the rise, as we explain in this week’s feature story.
Why Jet2’s Jingle Became TikTok’s Surprise Summer Travel Meme
Jet2’s viral TikTok moment highlights the unpredictable power of nostalgia and remix culture, where even the most mundane creative assets can supercharge brand awareness.
Aegean Picks India for First Long-Haul A321XLR Routes
With no widebody jets and a premium-heavy layout, the Greek carrier will need to prove that comfort and connectivity can trump Gulf giants in the fiercely competitive Europe-India market.
Etihad Picks Up the Pieces as Wizz Air Exits Abu Dhabi
Etihad is cherry-picking the tastiest destinations left by Wizz Air Abu Dhabi. It’s a win-win for an airline with a mandate to put – and keep – the UAE capital on the map.