The AirlineGeeks Podcast

Thanks for listening to the AirlineGeeks Podcast. Our first story regards an announcement that Ryanair will join a number of airports in suing the U.K. government over its stop-light coronavirus travel policy, calling for more transparency soon before the admission levels are reconsidered. Next, we move to a story that Airbus and Cathay Pacific are developing a plan to certify long-haul aircraft, most notably Airbus A350, for single-pilot operations. We consider the implications of this plan and both when and where it might be initially rolled out. Last, we take a brief look at Copa Airlines' decision to increase frequencies to multiple destinations in the United States as the vaccine rollout continues.

Thanks for listening to the AirlineGeeks Podcast. We start this week by discussing the launch of new American carrier Breeze Airways. We overview the carrier and discuss how smoothly its first week of operations has gone. We also take a look at Wizz Air's decision to pull out of the Norwegian domestic market and consider what this could mean for Norwegian's future.

Thanks for listening to the AirlineGeeks Podcast. Our first story covers the arrest of an opposition journalist off a Ryanair plane as it flew over Belarus. Next, we move to Eurowings Discover and discuss its newest longhaul routes to Salt Lake City and Kilimanjaro, Tanzania. Last, we take a look at Virgin Australia's latest plans to expand as it recovers from insolvency.

Welcome back to the AirlineGeeks Podcast. For our first story, we discuss United Airlines' announcement that it will fly 80% of its pre-pandemic schedule in July on the back of strengthening bookings and expanding vaccination efforts. Next, we discuss Delta Airlines' fully-tested, quarantine-free flights between the U.S. and Italy and what they could mean for travel bookings. Last, we move to JetBlue, who has launched bookings to two London airports, the first European destinations it will serve in its history.

Thanks for listening to the AirlineGeeks podcast. For our first topic, we discuss the shutdown of the Colonial Pipeline in the United States. We take a look at its impacts on U.S. carriers as well as the impacts it could have on the larger market. Next, we take a look at Air Canada, which has announced major losses for the first quarter of 2021 but who has also hinted at signs of recovery as it pressures Canada's government to relax border restrictions. Finally, we move to Japan, where we investigate moves by All Nippon Airways and Japan Airlines to expand the presence of low-cost-carriers in the Japanese market.

Thanks for listening to the AirlineGeeks Podcast. First, we start by discussing AirlineGeeks' recent interview with Sun Country Airlines' Head of Network Planning, which came soon after the carrier announced over a dozen new routes over the summer season and beyond. We also look at a new expansion by Southwest Airlines for the summer, including how their network planning may be adapting as the U.S. comes out of the coronavirus pandemic. Last, we look to Stockholm's Bromma Airport, which is being shut down after over a year of pandemic-induced abysmal passenger numbers.

Thanks for listening to the AirlineGeeks Podcast. Our first story discusses an outage of the booking software Radixx, which impacted notable airlines such as the new Avelo Airlines – we look at how Avelo dealt with the issue just days before a successful launch. Next, we look to VistaJet, which has announced a plan to carbon offset all its operations by 2025. We consider the impact this will have not only on the private jet charter industry but also on aviation as a whole. Last, we turn to American Airlines' new terminal at Reagan National Airport, which will see the closure of Gate 35X and an array of new amenities for American passengers.

Thanks for listening to the AirlineGeeks Podcast. We start this week with a look at United Airlines' earning results, including what they include, how the airline is responding, and what the announcement hints at for the future. Next, we take a look at the strengthening Northeast Alliance between American Airlines and JetBlue and what the move means for other carriers. Last, we take a look at a new Airbus A321neo order from Delta and how this will transform the carrier's fleet.

Thanks for listening to the AirlineGeeks Podcast. This week, we focus on two polar-opposite stories from domestic markets. We start with Avelo Airlines, the latest short-haul carrier in the United States to launch operations. We turn to France, where lawmakers have banned all short-haul domestic routes that can be covered in under 2.5 hours by train.

Thank you for listening to the AirlineGeeks Podcast. Our first story deals with Delta Airlines' decision to unblock middle seats starting May 1 as well as the higher passenger demand since that has caused them to temporarily do so on select flights. Next, we look to JetBlue, which has revealed its Economy Class product for its transatlantic flights to London, which start this summer. Last, we turn the Air Canada/Air Transat merger, which has fallen through after years of negotiations and market research.

Thanks for listening to the AirlineGeeks Podcast. Our first story today focuses on a new order for the Boeing 737 MAX: Southwest Airlines placed a firm order for 100 more MAX aircraft with options for an additional 155. We also discuss American LCC rival JetBlue, which has revealed its 14 weekly slots at London's Heathrow Airport through the end of the IATA summer season. Last, in light of a request to establish an American preclearance facility in Taiwan, we discuss the CBP facility and the benefits of having preclearance for foreign countries, the U.S. and even specific cities.

Thanks for listening to the AirlineGeeks Podcast. Our first story today discusses the latest round of Small Community Air Service Grants, which have given us hints as to the potential initial routes for American startups Breeze Airways and Avelo. We then turn to American Airlines' new trials of touchless biometric checkin systems and how they may change the aviation industry post-pandemic.

Thank you for listening to the AirlineGeeks Podcast. We start today with a conversation about low-cost airline Ryanair's decision to add substantial frequencies to leisure destinations across Europe for their summer schedule. Next, we turn to American startup Breeze Airways, which has received federal authorization to launch services this year en route to receiving its final Air Operator's Certificate. Last, we take a look at Pragusa.One, a new premium-based startup airline that plans to launch operations on long-haul rotes with widebody planes this summer.

Please enjoy this bonus episode of the AirlineGeeks podcast. This segment was recorded for our episode published on March 12, but we removed it from the episode so we would have enough time to publish the other two segments in full. In this segment, we discuss American Airlines' decision to launch international services with the Boeing 737 MAX – we look at the implications of this move, including how it may impact the image of the 737 MAX as its return to service continues.

Thanks for listening to the AirlineGeeks Podcast. On today's podcast, we dive into American shipping giant FedEx's decision that it will be carbon neutral by 2040, giving it the most ambitious climate plan of any major U.S. airline to date. We also turn to regional carrier Mesa Airlines, which has announced plans to launch a startup airline in Europe – we look at the repercussions of this move and speculate on what the new joint venture's business model might look like.

Thanks for listening to the AirlineGeeks Podcast. We start today with a look at Greek airline Sky Express, which has launched its first international services. Next, we move to news that the last Boeing 787 Dreamliner has left the production line at Boeing's Everett factory; the aircraft type will be solely produced at Boeing's plant in South Carolina moving forward. Last, we look to reports that current and former Interjet pilots are moving to take jobs at other Mexican rivals as Interjet nears a seemingly-imminent bankruptcy.

Thanks for listening to the AirlineGeeks Podcast. Today, we start with stories that two airlines have announced flights operated by fully-vaccinated crews – after Singapore Airlines revealed an all-vaccinated flight crew, Emirates Airlines announced a flight whose entire crew, from those onboard to airport and ramp agents, were vaccinated. Next, we discuss the U.K.'s pathway for re-opening, which, among other things, features plans to vaccinate citizens at an expedited rate. Last, we discuss last week's United 777 engine failure and the repercussions of the incident.

Thanks for listening to the AirlineGeeks Podcast. Our first story today concerns a meeting between U.S. President Joe Biden and French President Emmanuel Macron over tariffs imposed on Boeing- and Airbus-built goods imported into the European Union and the U.S., respectively. Next, we look at United Airlines' plans to purchase 200 Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft and how the move could revolutionize air travel forever. Last, we look to KLM, which has operated its first commercial flight powered solely by synthetic kerosenes.

Thanks for listening to the AirlineGeeks Podcast. First, we discuss Irish low-cost airline Ryanair's recent financial results, which featured a $1 billion loss. We look at the reasons for this as well as how some competitors have fared since the start of the pandemic. Next, we look to a survey of pilots from around the world which show that nearly half of all pilots worldwide are currently furloughed or unemployed. We look at the implications of this as well as the challenges of bringing crews back to work after months offline. Last, we discuss Air Canada Rouge's operations suspension and how its operations have changed since the pandemic began.

Thanks for listening to the AirlineGeeks Podcast. First, we discuss American regional carrier JSX, which has expanded fairly rapidly over the past few months. We take a look at some changes and discuss the airline's business model. Next, we discuss JetBlue's new Mint Studio product, which will be primarily used on new transatlantic flights later this year. Lastly, we move to Qatar and look at the state's flag carrier's aggressive expansions into the United States and other international destinations and the implications of and reactions to these changes.

Thank you for listening to the AirlineGeeks Podcast. Today, we spend time looking at airline frequent flier systems, discussing how they bring value to airlines and what the ideal system is for passengers. We also discuss the Boeing 737 MAX's recertification in the European Union and in the UK.

Thanks for listening to the AirlineGeeks Podcast. Our first story today concerns American Airlines, which recently announced plans to launch a new health passport to help passengers manage international travel restrictions and track coronavirus symptoms before departure. Next, we consider New Zealand, which recently launched a new travel bubble with the Cook Islands. Last, we move to Canada, where government restrictions have forced multiple major airlines to cut flights and furlough staff.

Thanks for listening to the AirlineGeeks Podcast. We start today with a discussion of Viva Aerobus' 2020 results, which saw a better-than-average showing for the carrier amid the coronavirus pandemic. Next, we move to the United States, where we consider a decision by the Department of Transport to allow airlines to deny boarding to all emotional support animals from flights save service dogs with special training. Last, we take a look at some airlines around the world who have, or who are planning to, launch operations for the first time during the pandemic.

Thanks for listening to the AirlineGeeks Podcast. We kick off our first episode of 2021 with a brief look at new 737MAX routes; the plane will be reintroduced by Alaska Airlines, United Airlines and WestJet over the next few months. Next, we look to the UK's shifting Open Skies agreements both with the U.S. and the EU, including how the EU agreement is changing and why the US pact stays the same. Last, we move to discuss airline equity alliances, how the agreements may be damaging to airlines and what a better course of action may be.

Thanks for listening to the AirlineGeeks Podcast this year. For our final episode of the podcast this year, we take a look back at some aircraft fleets that have been retired in 2020. We invite multiple AirlineGeeks contributors to share their favorite memories on various aircraft – from retired 777s to Maddogs to 747s – across airlines and throughout time. We'll see you next year.

Thanks for listening to the AirlineGeeks Podcast. We start this episode with a brief discussion of WestJet's Christmas Miracle event. Next, we move to  news that Aer Lingus is launching new services from Manchester to multiple U.S. destinations. Last, we move to the newly-revamped Eastern Airlines and the latest services it has announced prior to launch.

Thanks for listening to the AirlineGeeks Podcast. We start our episode with a discussion of Alaska Airlines' Milk Run services, which deliver goods to remote communities across Alaska like Utqiagvik, the town previously called Barrow. Next, we move to a bid by Air India employees to buy the ailing airline as well as other attempts to privatize the airline. Last, we take another look at the Boeing 737 MAX, this time considering an order by low-cost carrier Ryanair for an additional 75 of the type.

Thanks for listening to the AirlineGeeks Podcast. This week, we start with a discussion of the 737MAX developments over the past few weeks, both on the FAA recertification decision and American Airlines' plans to resume MAX operations. Next, we move to airlines' decisions to test out new health tracking apps to help weather future pandemics. Last, we take a peek art British Airways' decision it will sell memorabilia like galley carts, cutlery and more from its stock.

Thanks for listening to The AirlineGeeks Podcast. This week, we step aside from our regular programing to hold a thanksgiving discussion. We take a look at where the industry is at the moment compared to regular holidays, and we also pause to discuss some "aviation thankfuls" even during the pandemic. 

Thank you for listening to the AirlineGeeks Podcast. First, we discuss the status of the aviation industry in Central and South America, including what governments are doing to combat the coronavirus pandemic and what what airlines in the region have in their future – both due to voluntary and involuntary actions. Next, we discuss recent news that Norwegian Air is running short on cash and may be forced to close by the end of the winter season. (Note: after recording, Norwegian did apply for bankruptcy protection in Ireland, the latest development in its financial struggles.) Last, we discuss the announcement that Korean Air, the flag carrier of South Korea, will buy a majority stake in competitor Asiana and what some if the implications of the deal may be.

Thanks for listening to the AirlineGeeks Podcast. This week, we start with a discussion of Berlin's Brandenburg airport, which has finally opened 8 years after its original plan. Next, we hold a quick discussion of aviation in the Amazon Rainforest and how it impacts life in secluded communities. Last, we travel to the United States to take a look back at Delta's 777 retirement and discuss the fleet's final flight.

Thanks for listening to the AirlineGeeks Podcast. We start off this week with another look at Essential Air Service and how some different airports are seeing changes in EAS this winter season. Next, we consider Amtrak's 2035 profitability plan and how it could compete with aviation moving forward. Lastly, we discuss Flybe's return, the impact of its original administration and where the airline may be moving going forward.

Thanks for listening to the AirlineGeeks Podcast. This week, we look first at the European Union Aviation Safety Agency's (EASA's) announcement that it could recertify the Boeing 737 MAX to fly in European skies es early as December 2020. We look back at the changes EASA has required as well as at the implications of updated training requirements. Next, we move to European manufacturer Airbus, which has revealed the first A220 aircraft destined for JetBlue, set to be delivered in December with a special livery. We consider how JetBlue will transition the type into its fleet to replace current Embraer jets, and we speculate on how the A220 might be used in JetBlue's network. Last, we discuss Singapore Airlines' new flight from Singapore to New York's John F Kennedy International Airport, including why the carrier would make the decision to operate such a ling international flights during the coronavirus pandemic.

Thanks for listening to the AirlineGeeks Podcast. This week, we start with a look at Qatar Airways' entry into San Francisco International Airport. The carrier will serve SFO from December through the end of the winter season in March 2021. Next, we look at former British Airways CEO Alex Cruz's decision to step down earlier this week after four years at the company, reflecting on his legacy there and what is to come. Last, we discuss Southwest Airlines' announcement that it will serve Chicago's O'Hare International Airport and Houston's George Bush Intercontinental and what these moves mean for both the airline and its soon-to-be competitors at these new airports.

Thanks for listening to the AirlineGeeks Podcast. This week, we start out with a story about David Neeleman's new Breeze Air, which has raised an additional $83 million before its anticipated Spring 2021 launch. Next, we look at American Airlines, which, among a variety of recent route announcements, has revealed it is changing the equipment on and frequencies of its JFK-LAX route in response to changing passenger demographics amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Last, we look at Boutique Air's new route to Rendmond/Bend, Oregon and how it fits both into Boutique's network and the networks of its partners.

Thanks for listening to the AirlineGeeks Podcast. This week, we start with a discussion of Peru's decision to restart international relations. The country is resuming flights to different countries in stages based on perceived risks. Next, we look at Singapore Airlines' A380 Restaurant, one of the ways the airline is looking to raise money: the carrier is, for a limited time, allowing customers to eat a meal on one of the aircraft or in their home as well as take a tour of its crew training facilities. Last, we look at Qatar Airways' recently-published financial report, which covers a period from April 2019 through March 2020. We discuss the factors that impacted the carrier's losses and the implications of the report going forward.

Thanks for listening to the AirlineGeeks Podcast. This week, we start by discussing Lufthansa's recent decision to continue cutting its fleet and staff as demand continues to stay low amid the Coronavirus pandemic. Next, we mention Airbus' 5-year anniversary in Mobile, Alabama and discuss the manufacturer's announcement it will develop a zero-emissions aircraft, powered by hydrogen instead of traditional jet fuel, by 2035. Last, we focus on two stories out of Hong Kong: both that the city's airport recently received a 5-star rating for health policies as it combats the coronavirus and that it has recently banned two airlines, Air India and Cathay Dragon, for two weeks after the carriers each carried large volumes of passengers infected with the coronavirus into Hong Kong.

Thanks for listening to the AirlineGeeks Podcast. This week, we start with a discussion of United Airlines' agreement that will protect 3,000 of the airline's pilots, who have agreed to take reduced hours to avoid furloughs. Then, we take a look at a recent lawsuit against United that claims the airline uses discriminatory policies to staff its lucrative charter flights for professional sports clubs in the U.S. We finish by taking a look at the FAA's decision to protect airline slots at big airports throughout the U.S. through the winter 2020-21 season.

Thanks for listening to The AirlineGeeks Podcast. This week, we take a look at the U.S. Essential Air Service Program, including how it got started, its fundamental rules, and how it impacts both airlines and communities. Then, we consider recent developments in Boeing 787 Dreamliner production that could harm aircraft nearing the end of their service lives. Last, we discuss Southwest Airlines' decision to expand to Miami and Palm Springs and what the expansions mean for the Southwest business model.

Welcome back to the AirlineGeeks Podcast. This week, we start by discussing U.S. Airlines' decisions to eliminate change fees on their domestic services, a reversal on policies that have been in place for over a decade. Next, we look at El Al's recent flight from Israel to the UAE over Saudi Arabia, a move that is influential for the region from both an aviation and political standpoint. Last, we dive into Emirates' recent government aid deal and how it will affect the carrier's operations going forward.

We've rebranded, albeit slightly, to The AirlineGeeks Podcast! Thanks for joining us this week. We start with a discussion of Delta Airlines, which has announced it will furlough nearly 2,000 pilots amid the coronavirus crisis; the airline will, however, increase its international flying into 2021. Next, we discuss the future of ExpressJet, the U.S. regional carrier whose contract with United Airlines was canceled in July, after it announced it will pause operations and furlough most of its staff at the end of September. We finish the episode by discussing how airlines and countries around the world are adapting their testing policies to encourage more people to travel in the age of the pandemic.

Thanks for tuning in to The AirlineGeeks Podcast. This week, we take a look at the airline industry in South America, comparing where different countries are in allowing airlines to relaunch international operations. We then turn to Alitalia, which has announced new plans to restructure; we have also learned about new plans for a revitalized fleet at the airline. Lastly, we turn to Wizz Air's rapid expansion, which the airline has used to gain footholds in new markets, most notably London's Gatwick Airport and Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates.

This week on The AirlineGeeks Podcast, we invite AirlineGeeks founder Ryan Ewing to discuss how airlines bring their planes back into service after storage. We also look at a new deal between Air France and its pilot's union that will allow Transavia, Air France's low-cost subsidiary, to operate domestic routes within France. We finish by diving into Austrian Airlines' Coronavirus testing policies and how the airline is altering its route network to adapt to the pandemic this fall.

Thanks for listening to the AirlineGeeks podcast. This week, our hosts dive into tensions between Irish low-cost airline Ryanair and some of its international crews, as the airline is looking to cut costs and save money amid the Coronavirus pandemic. We discuss changes at the International Airlines Group, which owns global carriers like British Airways, Iberia, Air Lingus and Air Europa, as the coronavirus pandemic overtakes Europe. Finally, we  take a look into the Virgin Group, which saw two major airlines, Virgin Atlantic and Virgin Australia, post post restructuring plans this week. As always, you can read about all of these topics and more on our website, AirlineGeeks.com, and on our Instagram and Twitter pages.

Thanks for tuning into The AirlineGeeks Podcast. This week, our hosts are joined by AirlineGeeks writer Pablo Diaz to discuss Boeing's recent financial report, which includes the decision to cut production on multiple key aircraft. We also take a look at Southwest Airlines' decision not to furlough airlines on October 1 – when CARES money is set to run out – as well as the new "all-you-can-fly" passes offered by over half a dozen Chinese airlines. Join us for this week's edition of Coronavirus ups and downs from around the world.

This week, our hosts discuss the retirement of two iconic Boeing 747 fleets – those belonging to British Airways and Qantas – as well as some memories of the fleet and hopes for its future. We also discuss Qatar Airways' current situation with special focus on its ongoing blockade inquiry and its renewed commitment to environmentalism amid the Coronavirus pandemic. Lastly, we chat with AirlineGeeks Editor-In-Chief Parker Davis to review the latest round of earnings reports from U.S. airlines, most notably United Airlines.

Welcome to the latest episode of the AGLounge News podcast. This week, we're joined by Parker Davis to discuss social distancing on airplanes and its economic and social effects in the United States. We'll also brief El Al's operation suspension and dive into the situation at Milan Linate airport, which is in the midst of an operational and logistical nightmare as it's planned to open earlier than expected. As always, you can read about all of these stories and more on our website or by visiting @airlinegeeks on both Instagram and Twitter.