Why Flights Could be the Ultimate Test for Airbnb’s Ambitions
Getting involved in transportation could push the limits of Airbnb’s brand, regular operating margins, and its appetite for complexity.
Gordon Smith
Gordon Smith is Airlines Editor at Skift and Editor at Airline Weekly. He’s been writing about the sector for more than a decade and enjoyed a front-row seat for some of the aviation industry’s biggest stories. Since joining Skift in January 2024, he has interviewed more than a dozen global airline CEOs, often helping make headlines along the way (special thanks to Michael O’Leary!). His informed insights have led to contributions for international media, including the London Evening Standard and Canada’s CBC Radio.
Ex-Qatar Airways CEO Warns of ‘Very Turbulent’ Years Ahead
Just when airlines thought it was safe to grow again, Akbar Al Baker offers a different forecast: turbulent trade wars and a supply chain hijacked by global conflict. Seatbelts, it seems, should remain fastened.
For Airline Weekly Subscribers
Allegiant’s Unique LCC Story
Allegiant earned a +9% operating margin in Q1 2025. That seems downright triumphant compared to Southwest’s figure of -2%, Frontier’s -5%, or JetBlue’s -8%, but context is key. In 2019, Allegiant’s operating margin in the first quarter was 20%. In other words, it’s performing 11 points worse today, a drop repeated at most of its LCC peers. In this week's feature story, we ask what's going on.
IAG Looks Beyond Market Volatility with Massive Widebody Orders
IAG has its eyes on the long-game with more than 70 new widebody planes on the way. With deliveries not starting until 2028, there’s plenty of time for the current turbulence to pass, or perhaps intensify.
IndiGo CEO on India-Pakistan Crisis, UK Trade Deal, and New Partnerships
There’s rarely a quiet moment for IndiGo’s energetic chief executive, but Pieter Elbers has even more on his plate than usual.
Vietjet Expands to Central Asia With New Kazakh Joint Venture
Vietjet’s foothold in the Kazakhstan market signals a quiet reshaping of air travel in Central Asia, where low-cost carriers are still in their infancy.
Can Small Cities be Spirit's Savior? Carrier Eyes Underserved Markets in New Deal
This new partnership looks like a smart workaround within the limits of Spirit’s operating model. If routes are chosen well, it could be the most creative chapter yet in the carrier’s post-bankruptcy playbook.
For Airline Weekly Subscribers
Cheer in a Time of Fear: Why Lufthansa Feels So Optimistic
Heavy first quarter losses. A tariff war that threatens global commerce. Signs of softening in the all-important transatlantic market. Surely the Lufthansa Group must be worried? On the contrary, despite the rather nasty $932m Q1 net loss it reported last week, bosses at the European aviation powerhouse struck a decidedly upbeat tone. In this week's feature story, we ask if this optimism is justified.
Can First Class Be Profitable? Etihad Says Yes — and It's Doubling Down
Speaking to Skift, Arik De, Etihad's Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer, says the airline is working to rewrite the rulebook on first class, proving that ultra-premium doesn’t have to mean unprofitable.
American Airlines Sues JetBlue as Partnership Talks Collapse
It's no secret that JetBlue is on the hunt for a new partnership — one potential suitor that we can now firmly rule out is American Airlines.