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

Ryanair CEO Michael O'Leary at a company presentation

Airlines

Ryanair CEO Says United’s Boeing 737 Max Comments Were ‘Stupid’

Michael O’Leary has delivered a rousing endorsement of the beleaguered planemaker’s products. After last week’s public criticism from some U.S. airline chiefs, his intervention will be warmly welcomed by Boeing.

Gordon Smith | 2 years ago

Airlines

Taylor Swift Gets Special American Airlines Super Bowl Flight: AA1989

This zero-cost marketing move by American helps associate the brand with the Super Bowl buzz in a fun way.

Gordon Smith | 2 years ago

Airlines

New Planes Every Week For a Decade: IndiGo CEO Eyes Global Growth

Already India’s largest airline, IndiGo is gearing up for even greater success. CEO Pieter Elbers tells Skift how he plans to do it.

Ajay Awtaney and Gordon Smith | 2 years ago

Airlines

Qantas Criticized for ‘Tedious’ 10-Minute Safety Video

Keeping passengers interested while not diluting the core safety message is a tricky balancing act. It looks like Qantas may have missed the mark on this one.

Gordon Smith | 2 years ago

Airlines

United ‘Working on Alternative Plans’ Without Boeing Max 10, CEO Says

This was easily Scott Kirby’s most outspoken intervention yet on the Max issue. As Boeing’s biggest customer, the planemaker will be paying attention.

Meghna Maharishi and Gordon Smith | 2 years ago

Airlines

Air France is Coming to Arizona: Here’s Everything You Need to Know

The new route will face tough competition from American Airlines, British Airways, and Condor - can the market sustain another carrier?

Gordon Smith | 2 years ago

A map showing a diverted flight during Storm Isha

Airlines

7 Most Extreme Flight Diversions as Storm Isha Hits U.K. and Ireland

The ferocity of the storm meant planes had to travel much further than usual to find a safe diversion airport to land, with some domestic flights being rerouted internationally.

Gordon Smith | 2 years ago

Airlines

Inside the First-Ever Oneworld Airport Lounge

With a funky design and innovative features, the new Seoul lounge has the potential to re-establish the oneworld alliance's market position.

Gordon Smith | 2 years ago

Airlines

Four Ways to Avoid a Schwarzenegger-Style Airport Grilling

Traveling overseas should be an exciting experience, but you might be surprised to learn about local laws that could land you in big trouble at the airport.

Gordon Smith and Meghna Maharishi | 2 years ago

Business Class cabin onboard Air India Airbus A350-900

Airlines

First Look Onboard Air India’s A350 Flagship: Is It Worth the Wait?

With the airline focusing so many of its turnaround initiatives on the A350, the jet marks a huge opportunity to showcase the new Air India to the world.

Ajay Awtaney | 2 years ago