Southwest Embraces the 80 Percent Rule

The airline once took forever to make decisions. CFO Tom Doxey told me he wants to shed that reputation and move fast. He asks: "Can we get to 80…

Oct 1 • 

Brian Sumers

12

2

September 2025

American's Rhetoric on Premium is Changing

The airline is saying the right things about how it wants to follow consumer preferences. But can management see the plan through? Because it won't be…

Sep 23 • 

Brian Sumers

22

2

Is Scott Kirby Back on the A350 Bandwagon?

I spoke to him this week, and I think United might *finally* take the airplane. Also, Kirby had very harsh words about American's losses in Chicago, and…

Sep 13 • 

Brian Sumers

10

2

Why WestJet Made its Largest-Ever Aircraft Order

Along with 787s, the airline is adding seven more Dreamliners so it can grow its long-haul hub in Calgary. CEO Alexis von Hoensbroech told me WestJet…

Sep 10 • 

Brian Sumers

10

JetBlue’s Top Priority is to Become No. 1 Somewhere

There aren't many places where JetBlue has a clear leadership position, but the airline is betting it can find enough opportunities to propel it to…

Sep 3 • 

Brian Sumers

25

August 2025

How Alaska Revamped its Loyalty Program

I spoke with Brett Catlin, Alaska Air Group's vice president for loyalty, about the decisions behind the decisions for the new Atmos program.

Aug 25 • 

Brian Sumers

19

Frontier Believes its Time is Coming. Analysts Are Not So Sure.

Barry Biffle sees good days ahead for Frontier. Does anyone else?

Aug 11 • 

Brian Sumers

18

2

Are Competitors Trying to Squash Breeze?

I can't blame them if they are. Of all the LCCs, Breeze probably has the most potential.

Aug 5 • 

Brian Sumers

8

1

July 2025

Southwest Looks for Solutions in Connections

With its load factor sagging, Southwest seeks to carry more one-stop traffic through its focus cities.

Jul 28 • 

Brian Sumers

10

1

American’s Whiny Earnings Call

Executives came up with *new* excuses about why they underperform Delta and United. I didn't think much of them.

Jul 25 • 

Brian Sumers

11

1

United Says the Worst is Over

The airline reported a material improvement in demand in the past three weeks but Scott Kirby said not all airlines will benefit equally.

Jul 18 • 

Brian Sumers

15

2

Delta Made Big Money This Spring. Other Airlines May Not.

America's most consistently profitable airline had a surprisingly strong second quarter. But I'm not sure that means much for the rest of the industry.

Jul 11 • 

Brian Sumers

10