In part one, Gordon Smith and Jay Shabat discuss a fascinating week at Southwest, as the low-cost carrier navigates the challenges of a very vocal new activist investor. In part two, Gordon chats with Skift Airlines Reporter Meghna Maharishi about a major new feature examining female representation across the aviation sector.
Today's podcast looks at Southwest's reactions to activist funds, the proof in the pudding for hotel wellness, and California's new cruise fee mandates.
It’s shaping up to be a great summer for U.S. airlines. Strong demand. Constrained supply. Moderate fuel prices. Yet struggles are rife—from American’s distribution missteps to Southwest’s costs concerns, to questions about the viability of the ultra-LCC business model.
In recent decades, women have gone on to lead countries and major companies. But the airline industry has been much slower to close its broad gender gap across senior leadership, engineering and pilot roles.
Bastian’s drive for simplicity at Delta follows a disastrous week for rival American Airlines, which cut ties with its chief commercial officer and lowered its financial outlook.