100 Million Visitors and One Very Loud Pitchman: Inside Trump’s Tourism Push
Nick Adams is the loudest tourism pitchman the U.S. has ever had, but is the world hearing what he wants it to hear?
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 25 airline CEOs, often helping make headlines along the way. Send stories/tips via Signal: smithgme.01
Lufthansa Tightens Grip on ITA Airways With Majority Stake Swoop
What was sold as a minority investment has become outright control in record time. Expect Lufthansa to bring the same German gusto to the looming battle for TAP Air Portugal.
For Airline Weekly Subscribers
Calm in a Crisis: The Path Ahead for Lufthansa
Don’t worry, be happy? Despite surging fuel prices, labor unrest, and Middle East disruptions, Lufthansa Group insists it can emerge from the current crisis stronger than before. But beneath the confidence lies a more complicated reality. Can Europe’s largest airline group navigate another industry shock without losing altitude? We take a closer look in this week’s feature story.
Spirit’s Failure Shocked America – The Rest of the World Is Used to it
Airline failures are an accepted part of the industry rough-and-tumble in many countries. Spirit's collapse is forcing a fresh look at the costs and benefits of America's protectionist instincts.
For Airline Weekly Subscribers
Spirit Gives Up the Ghost
Spirit Airlines is no more. The pioneer of ultra-low-cost flying in the U.S. was ultimately undone by surging fuel prices, failed bailout talks, and a model that couldn’t keep pace with a changing market. Its collapse sees 14,000+ jobs lost, reshapes competition across key routes, and presents a curious question: Who, if anyone, will fill the gap? We unpack the immediate fallout and ask what comes next in this week's issue.
Allegiant CEO Greg Anderson on Surviving the Value Airline Squeeze
As Allegiant’s Sun Country acquisition gathers pace, CEO Greg Anderson sees a smaller, more concentrated U.S. airline market by 2030 – and thinks Allegiant is built for it.
Riyadh Air is Already on Sale – It Just Didn’t Tell Anyone: Scoop
The most digitally ambitious airline start-up in a generation is going on sale the old-fashioned way: through the OTAs.
Emirates’ Tim Clark Blames Europe’s Airlines for Their Long-Haul Decline
Major European airline bosses want stronger protection from Gulf rivals. Sir Tim's message? You had decades to compete, and chose North America instead.
United CEO Defends Vision for American Merger in Unusual Public Memo
Scott Kirby is using the dead American Airlines merger to pitch a new narrative — but don’t forget, his real audience is in D.C. rather than Dallas.
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Alaska Air’s Mounting Troubles
Drama, drama, in the air. Drama, drama everywhere. The U.S. airline industry is witnessing dramatic changes indeed. No, United isn’t merging with American. But Southwest is quietly achieving a heroic turnaround, posting Delta-like profit margins. But as Southwest soars, Alaska Airlines is flying in the opposite direction. We take a closer look in this week’s feature story.