Latest analysis
Strong fourth quarters give Air France-KLM and Lufthansa reason for optimism
European airline groups Air France-KLM and Lufthansa Group were both keen to highlight strong ends to tricky financial years in results for 2024 published on 6 March.
Schiphol movements cuts ‘manageable’ as Smith welcomes visibility
Air France-KLM is hoping the European Commission’s recommendations on the Dutch government’s move to cut capacity at Amsterdam Schiphol airport will finally give the operator visibility on slots at the Dutch hub
Spirit Airlines posts full-year loss exceeding $1.2 billion
Another year of poor financial performance comes on the heels of the Florida-based ultra-low-cost carrier’s (ULCC’s) $448 million loss in 2023, and a $554 million loss the year before.
FAA’s future unclear as airline accidents could prompt major ATC changes
A series of high-profile aviation accidents and near-misses have shaken the North American public’s perception of aviation safety, with the Federal Aviation Administration’s air traffic controller (ATC) technologies and staffing levels coming under intense scrutiny.
Fleet, cost management key focus as AirAsia-AirAsia X consolidation draws nearer
As it awaits final approvals for consolidation, AirAsia and AirAsia X have outlined plans to shore up its operating capabilities, tighten cost management and improve accountability in the new year.
Airline news digest: 22-28 February 2025
Our regular rundown of the biggest airline stories from the past seven days.
Buoyant IAG insists more to come after high-margin 2024
While its European peers grapple with challenges at some of their key airline units, IAG continues to enjoy strong performances all round.
Qantas touts benefits of fleet, product investments
Australia’s Qantas Group continued its post-pandemic profitability streak, which it has attributed to its dual-brand strategy and has allowed it to double down on fleet and product investments.
Interviews
How Air Samarkand is contributing to Uzbekistan’s rapid aviation growth
Only a few years ago, Central Asian country Uzbekistan counted its government-owned flag carrier as its sole local airline. But in 2025, much has changed
Latvian transport minister on Air Baltic’s post-IPO future
Latvia’s government aims to retain at least a 25% interest in Air Baltic as the company prepares to open its capital to investors, but accepts that the carrier might have to give up some of its independence in order to flourish
Avelo’s Andrew Levy sees winning recipe in troubled market, looks to IPO
Avelo chief executive Andrew Levy insists his airline is on a successful path, thanks to closely following the time-tested tenets of the original low-cost-carrier business model – and not straying into territory that recently landed other US discounters in trouble.
How Annalisa Gigante aims to put IAG at the forefront of airline innovation
Led for just over a year by Gigante, Hangar 51 recently completed its eighth annual accelerator programme with a confidence that innovation is central to the business’s ability to thrive
Breeze ahead of major discount carriers on ‘premium’ trend: Neeleman
While much of the US airline sector scrambles to add more premium seats and other products to attract higher-paying customers, one start-up carrier has been positioned since inception to capture that slice of the market.
Opinion
‘Not my job’ is not a valid option for airlines on the net-zero journey
If airline leaders openly disagree with the industry’s net-zero pathway, it risks discrediting current initiatives, argues SimpliFlying’s Shashank Nigam
Airlines end 2024 navigating more uncertainties
As the year comes to an end, airlines face more uncertainty around the impact of external factors on performance, writes Ctaira analyst Chris Tarry
Is Trump’s election a setback for airline sustainability efforts?
A second term for Donald Trump is likely to complicate the net-zero journey for airlines. Whether or not the reality turns out better than the rhetoric, the industry has lots to lose by failing to uphold its environmental commitments
Airlines must keep the fundamentals in mind
Basic economics suggest fares will continue to fall in many markets while costs are unlikely to follow suit, writes CTAIRA’s Chris Tarry
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