Gordon Smith

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

A scene from Kevin Hart's new safety video for Qatar Airways

Airlines

Qatar Airways Debuts Quirky New Safety Video with Kevin Hart

This big budget safety video from Qatar Airways is likely to reignite a long-running industry debate: What is the right balance between passenger engagement and clarity of messaging?

Gordon Smith | 2 years ago

A Korean Air Airbus A380 in the skies above New York JFK Airport.

Airlines

13 Regulators Down, 1 to Go: Korean Air and Asiana Mega-Merger Awaits U.S. Approval

More than four years after it was first proposed, the final destination for this ultra long-haul transaction appears in sight. What follows next could prove very interesting indeed.

Gordon Smith | 2 years ago

Airlines

How the Humble Package Holiday is Fueling EasyJet’s Record Profits

EasyJet’s success in integrating its core airline business with a high-margin holiday subsidiary isn't just a financial play; it’s a redefinition of how low-cost carriers can compete effectively.

Gordon Smith | 2 years ago

For Airline Weekly Subscribers launch

New Issue Preview: Spirit Files for Bankruptcy

As expected, Spirit Airlines—America’s seventh largest airline by revenues—filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy last week. The move follows four-plus years of heavy losses, leading to unsustainably large debt obligations.

Gordon Smith and Jay Shabat | 2 years ago

For Airline Weekly Subscribers launch

American Airlines CEO Robert Isom on Trump, Boeing and New Routes

From perspectives on a second Trump presidency to the challenges at Boeing – you can’t afford to miss these exclusive insights from one of the biggest names in U.S. aviation.

Gordon Smith | 2 years ago

Flyadeal CEO Steven Greenway speaking at the Skift Global Forum East 2024.

Airlines

India Is ‘On Our Radar’ for 2025, Says CEO of Saudi’s Flyadeal

Speaking at the Skift Global Forum East in Dubai, Steven Greenway gave his clearest hint yet that the Saudi low-cost carrier will launch services to India.

Gordon Smith | 2 years ago

The Star Alliance lounge at Guangzhou Airport in China.

Airlines

Star Alliance Opens its First Airport Lounge in Asia – Where Could be Next?

Once the domain of stuffy corporate types and ultra-elite leisure passengers, airport lounges have gone mainstream. The big challenge for many operators is striking a balance between accessibility and exclusivity.

Gordon Smith | 2 years ago

Tony Fernandes wearing an AirAsia-branded cap.

Airlines

AirAsia’s Tony Fernandes Shares His Crisis Communications Playbook

In an industry where tightly scripted quotes can feel like the norm, Tony Fernandes' candid communication style is distinctive and refreshing.

Gordon Smith | 2 years ago

Airlines

This Plane is About to Change the Industry — Are Passengers Ready?

The Airbus A321XLR looks set to reshape the economics of international flying for airlines and provide greater point-to-point connectivity.

Ajay Awtaney | 2 years ago

Airlines

Air France Reveals How Much Money it Lost From the Olympics

For Air France, Paris 2024 is a marathon rather than a sprint. The financial impact of a one-off 'hosting hit' should be comfortably absorbed by longer term benefits for the brand.

Gordon Smith | 2 years ago