Best Airlines Confidential Podcasts (2023)

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Airlines Confidential Podcast

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189 - Barry Biffle, CEO, Frontier Airlines 45:24

37m ago45:24

45:24

This week: Barry Biffle, CEO, Frontier Airlines; Scott attempts to pass Professor Baldanza's end of term quiz; Listener comments on American's DFW expansion, Charter flight rules, Operations from FBOs, Thoughts on pilot training, and more.By Ben Baldanza & Scott McCartney

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TODAY

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June 2: Record high temps for millions. Senate passes debt ceiling bill. Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie’s new battle. Summer travel 101. 28:55

1h ago28:55

28:55

Brutally hot temperatures stretching from the Midwest to New England. Also, the Senate gives final approval to the debt limit deal. Plus, new developments in a high-profile legal battle between former couple, Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie. And, In Depth TODAY: Vicky Nguyen breaks down everything you need to know when booking summer flights.…

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TODAY

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TODAY 3rd Hour: Inside Bruce Willis’ dementia battle. Consumer Confidential: What to buy in June. Family Style: Al’s trip to an avocado orchard. Catching up with Nacho Figueras. 34:41

25m ago34:41

34:41

Bruce Willis’ daughter shares new details on the star’s battle with dementia. Also, Consumer Confidential: Vicky Nguyen shares some items that you can buy in June and what you may want to skip. Plus, Family Style: Al Roker visits one of the oldest avocado orchards in the country. And, Nacho Figueras in studio 1A to talk about the annual Veuve Clicq…

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TODAY

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TODAY 8a: House passes debt ceiling deal. NASA UFO panel holds first public meeting. Results of 100 days of McDonald’s diet. Spotting wedding scams. 40:33

1h ago40:33

40:33

The debt ceiling deal heads to the Senate after the House votes to pass bill just days ahead of June 5th deadline. Also, NASA calls for help in UFO investigation after first public hearings on unsolved mysteries in the skies. Plus, Kevin Maginnis in studio 1A to share his results after eating McDonalds for 100 days. And, Summer Of Love: Vicky Nguye…

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TODAY

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June 1: House passes debt ceiling deal. New reports of Trump tape on classified documents. Air quality concerns. Inside Bruce Willis’ dementia battle. 29:06

5h ago29:06

29:06

The debt ceiling deal heads to the Senate after the House votes to pass the bill just days ahead of June 5th deadline. Plus, new developments in the classified documents case against Donald Trump. Also, air quality alerts up and down the East Coast as even more smoke from those wildfires reach the U.S. And, Bruce Willis’ daughter shares new details…

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TODAY

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TODAY 3rd Hour: Airline set to weigh passengers. Asked & Answered: Summer SOS. Former NFL player’s mental health mission. Kelly Rowland live in studio 1A. 36:34

1h ago36:34

36:34

Air New Zealand is asking international passengers to step on a scale before they fly. Also, Dr. Natalie Azar answers some viewers summer questions. Plus, Wellness Wednesday: former NFL player Ryan Mundy shares his mental health journey. And, Kelly Rowland in studio 1A to talk about her new audible original “Breakthrough.”…

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TODAY

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TODAY 8a: Key vote on debt deal. Rosalynn Carter diagnosed with dementia. Parents, kids & relationship with food. Sydney Sweeney in studio 1A. 37:30

2h ago37:30

37:30

The debt limit deal headed for a full House vote today. Also, former first lady Rosalynn Carter diagnosed with dementia. Plus, TODAY’s Talker: How to talk to your children about food, dieting, and weight. And, Sydney Sweeney in studio 1A to talk about her role in the new movie “Reality.”By NBC News

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TODAY

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May 31: Key vote on debt deal. Five missing in Iowa apartment collapse. Airline set to weigh passengers. New warning over A.I. extinction risk. 32:45

29m ago32:45

32:45

The debt limit deal headed for a full House vote today. Also, officials in Iowa under fire after revealing five people are still missing nearly three days after that apartment building collapse. Plus, Air New Zealand is asking international passengers to step on a scale before they fly. And, In-Depth TODAY: What to know about the latest warnings on…

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TODAY

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TODAY 3rd Hour: Venice’s green water mystery. Money Made Easy: What to do with an extra $100. Mind Matters: Author & podcast host Case Kenny. Rutledge Wood on Hot Wheels: Ultimate challenge. 37:15

31m ago37:15

37:15

Fluorescent green water mystery in the famous Grand Canal in Venice prompts police investigation. Also, Money Made Easy: CNBC select contributor, Brittany Jones Cooper shares some money saving ideas. Plus, Mind Matters: Sheinelle Jones had the chance to sit with Case Kenny to learn how he changed his mindset and how he is helping people live more i…

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TODAY

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TODAY 8a: Nine hurt in boardwalk shooting. Race to finalize debt ceiling deal. Multiple reasons for graduation celebration. Small towns, big doctors. 37:15

2h ago37:15

37:15

At least nine people injured including four minors during a mass shooting near a popular beach in Florida. Also, President Biden and House Speaker Kevin McCarthy racing to lock-up support for their debt ceiling deal. Plus, TODAY’s Talker: 12 sets of twins, and one set of triplets graduate from Vernon Hills High School in Illinois. And, Your Health:…

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TODAY

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May 30: Nine hurt in boardwalk shooting. Race to finalize debt ceiling deal. Cruise ship chaos. Mystery in Venice. 28:24

10h ago28:24

28:24

At least nine people injured including four minors during a mass shooting near a popular beach in Florida. Also, President Biden and House Speaker Kevin McCarthy racing to lock-up support for their debt ceiling deal. Plus, thousands of passengers in a Carnival cruise frightened after being hit by a violent storm. And, fluorescent green water myster…

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TODAY

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An all-new season of ‘Dateline Missing in America’ 1:56

2h ago1:56

1:56

As a bonus for you, we’re sharing the trailer for Season 2 of Dateline: Missing in America. The chart-topping podcast series is back with a brand-new season and brand-new cases. Are you the key to solving a mystery? Correspondents Josh Mankiewicz, Andrea Canning and Keith Morrison report on perplexing missing person cases brought to Dateline’s atte…

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Airlines Confidential Podcast

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188 - Ted Christie, CEO, Spirit Airlines on stage at Aviation Festival Americas 1:01:38

2h ago1:01:38

1:01:38

This week: Ted Christie, CEO, Spirit Airlines - recorded live on stage at Aviation Festival Americas 2023; American comes to agreement with pilots; JetBlue/American Northeast Alliance struck down; In-person listener question: Why no all-luxury airline startups?By Ben Baldanza & Scott McCartney

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Airlines Confidential Podcast

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187 - Air Transport World & Group Air Transport Editor-in-Chief 1:00:59

38m ago1:00:59

1:00:59

This week: Karen Walker, Editor in Chief, Air Transport World; ATW Awards, Follow up on J.D. Power satisfaction survey; American's operational issues; Airfare inflation numbers; Potential new regulation while major FAA issues persist; Will passengers pay more to fly a more sustainable airline?By Ben Baldanza & Scott McCartney

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Airlines Confidential Podcast

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186 - Jonathan Sutter, Sr Director - J.D. Power Rankings 50:48

1h ago50:48

50:48

This week: Jonathan Sutter, Sr Director - New J.D. Power Airline Rankings; Congratulations to Ben Baldanza, 2023 recipient of the Joseph S. Murphy Award for service to industry. FAA redraws high altitude route maps; SWA adds USB outlets, bigger bag bins; Vanessa Hudson named Qantas CEO; Listener input: A request for more interview push-back; Local …

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Airlines Confidential Podcast

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185 - Tom Doxey, President, Breeze Airways 58:58

28d ago58:58

58:58

This week: Tom Doxey, President, Breeze Airways; American's $10M Q1 profit & tops on-time departures; SWA loses a 1B in past 6 months; A focus on airline stock winners & losers; Capital Access Alliance calls for increased flight to/from DCA; Listener Q on stability & profits post-Covid,By Ben Baldanza & Scott McCartney

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Airlines Confidential Podcast

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184 - David Siegel, Senior Advisor, Apollo Global Management 59:43

14d ago59:43

59:43

This week: David Siegel, Senior Advisor, Apollo Global Management; Another SWA tech issue delays 2000 flights; Boeing CEO Dave Calhoun dealing with delivery issues; EUROCONTROL gets hacked; TSA gun confiscations at checkpoints increases; Listener input: Context to LAX $30/hr wage comments, Winning as an airport's #2 airline; Pilot seniority system;…

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Airlines Confidential Podcast

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183 - Randy Babbitt, Principal, Babbitt & Associates 1:02:38

21d ago1:02:38

1:02:38

This week: Randy Babbitt, Principal, Babbitt & Associates, Fmr FAA Administrator; Delta reports Q1 loss; Ed Bastian says consumers still prioritizing travel; Is a $30/hr minimum wage coming to LAX? Reflections on earnings season; Listener questions: What does Cross-Check actually mean? Did JetBlue miss a big Frontier opportunity?…

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Airlines Confidential Podcast

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182 - David Pekoske, Administrator, Transportation Security Administration (TSA) 59:32

2M ago59:32

59:32

This week: David P. Pekoske, Administrator, Transportation Security Administration (TSA); Update on schedule cuts at NY & DC; Serious FAA staffing issues; Dutch court blocks Amsterdam Airport Schiphol from reducing flights; ATL ranked busiest in the world; Future Air Taxi framework; Listener input: DOJ/JetBlue/Spirit/Frontier, basis for pilot pay, …

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Airlines Confidential Podcast

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181 - Alex Wilcox, CEO, JSX 51:12

1M ago51:12

51:12

This week: Alex Wilcox. CEO, JSX; Correction on AA fare distribution channels; FAA requests fewer flights in NY & DC; Mandatory car seats on planes; Subsidies for airports in smaller communities? Listener input: Need more guest diversity, how to deal with abusive passengers, response to Mo Garfinkle interview.…

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Airlines Confidential Podcast

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180 - Philip Ordway, Managing Principal, Anabatic Investment Partners LLC 1:03:14

2M ago1:03:14

1:03:14

This week: Philip Ordway, Managing Principal, Anabatic Investment Partners LLC; Skytrax gives LGA 5 stars: We salute NY/NJ Port Authority's Rick Cotton and the late Bill DeCota; AA Shrinks Corporate sales department/restricts lowest fair purchase options; Listener input on DOJ actions, pilot recruitment & diversity pathways;…

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Airlines Confidential Podcast

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179 - Mo Garfinkle, Chairman, CEO, & Founder, Tailwind Consultants 1:02:55

2M ago1:02:55

1:02:55

This week: Mo Garfinkle, Chairman, CEO, & Founder, Tailwind Consultants; A different opinion on JetBlue/Spirit; United projects Q1 loss; What might 2023 year look like & is 2019 a fair comparison? Southwest announces post-meltdown followup plans; Schiphol adopts NATS technology; Flair Air sues over 4 repo'd planes; Listener Q: Why the Repo?…

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Airlines Confidential Podcast

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178 - John McDonald, Founder, Caeli Communications 50:35

2M ago50:35

50:35

This week: John McDonald, Founder, Caeli Communications; DOJ suit to block JetBlue/Spirit merger & Scott McCartney provides context and price comparison details; JetBlue plans NYC-Paris service; Listener Q: Do some personality types fit better at a particular airline? Do certain beverages taste better at 30,000 feet?…

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Airlines Confidential Podcast

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177 - Atif Elkadi, CEO, Ontario International Airport 1:00:36

3M ago1:00:36

1:00:36

This week: Atif Elkadi, CEO, Ontario International Airport; Forbes article follow-up: Ben's "Airline Monopoly" analogy explored in detail; How Delta Pilots 34% wage hike will affect others; American updates family seating policy; Explosive material in bag discover by TSA;By Ben Baldanza & Scott McCartney

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Airlines Confidential Podcast

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176 - Josh Marks, CEO, Anuvu 59:41

3M ago59:41

59:41

This week: Josh Marks, CEO, Anuvu; AA Chairman Doug Parker steps down; United and Frontier change family seating procedures; Max crash victims case vs Boeing dismissed; Private industry sustainable fuel initiative-how impactful?; Significant summer schedule cuts from AA and Lufthansa; Listener input: PRIA data transparency…

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Airlines Confidential Podcast

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175 - Geoff Hunt, Sr. VP Engineering & Technology, Pratt & Whitney 48:10

3M ago48:10

48:10

This week: Geoff Hunt, Sr. VP Engineering & Technology, Pratt & Whitney: Another close call: United departing Maui; Air India orders 470 new planes; JetBlue says Spirit deal will result in big South Fla expansion; Scott's take on the deal; Listener feedback: 1500 hour rule discussion/pilot training.By Ben Baldanza & Scott McCartney

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Airlines Confidential Podcast

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174 - Mike Swiatek, Chief Strategy & Planning Officer, at Avianca 56:51

3M ago56:51

56:51

This week: Mike Swiatek, Chief Strategy & Planning Officer at Avianca and Chairman, Accessibility Working Group at IATA; Focus on Safety & Accessibility; United's Super Bowl ad swipes at Southwest; Biden SOTU attack on industry seating practices & Issues with A4A response statement; Listener follow-up on Colgan Crash comments.…

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Airlines Confidential Podcast

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173 - Kevin P. Healy, President, Campbell-Hill. Also, Chris Sloan with 747 Trivia 1:12:02

3M ago1:12:02

1:12:02

This week: Kevin P. Healy, President, Campbell-Hill Aviation Group; Also: 747 Trivia with Chris Sloan vs Ben & Scott. Do you know the answers? President Biden wants "junk fees" reigned in; Norway airline Flyr shuts down & files for bankruptcy; Jeff Shane provides a 747 legacy clarification.By Ben Baldanza & Scott McCartney

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Airlines Confidential Podcast

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172 - Mark Dombroff, Partner, Fox Rothschild LLP 1:05:58

4M ago1:05:58

1:05:58

This week: Mark Dombroff, Partner at Fox Rothschild LLP: Q4 and 2022 earnings reports released; 2023 projections bullish; Should someone go to jail over the 737 Max incidents? Listener Q's on mainline aircraft replacing regionals, thoughts on the A220, passenger delays vs airplane delays.By Ben Baldanza & Scott McCartney

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Airlines Confidential Podcast

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171 - Michael Lombardi, Historian, The Boeing Company: The Last 747 1:12:51

4M ago1:12:51

1:12:51

This week: Michael Lombardi, Senior Corporate Historian, The Boeing Company - Last 747 rolls off the production line. Learn what made the 747 so special to aviation; New Wall Street Journal airline rankings & methodology; Reaction to more Scott Kirby statements; SWA pilot union mentions potential strike vote; Listener Q topics: The "Captain Shortag…

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Airlines Confidential Podcast

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170 - Peter Greenberg, Travel Editor at CBS News 54:25

4M ago54:25

54:25

This week: Peter Greenberg, Travel Editor at CBS News; FAA's NOTAM system fails, 10,000+ flights affected; Scott reports on his conversation with Southwest CEO Bob Jordan. What happened, refund status, independent investigation, and more; Original Air Force One being restored.By Ben Baldanza & Scott McCartney

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Airlines Confidential Podcast

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169 - Rob Britton, Principal, AirLearn 1:01:34

4M ago1:01:34

1:01:34

This week: Rob Britton, Principal, AirLearn, Are alliances outdated? Southwest takes a $800M hit; What's the future of passenger re-accommodations? United's claims "best airline in the world" - has a mixed week; Delta announces free Wi-Fi; Mexico launching a military run airline? Listener Q: Airline foreign partnerships/equity stakes.…

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Airlines Confidential Podcast

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168 - Gordon Bethune, former CEO, Continental Airlines 51:26

5M ago51:26

51:26

This week: Gordon Bethune, former CEO, Continental Airlines; Welcome Scott McCartney as Ben's new co-host; Southwest's Christmas Crisis - Blame IT? 2023 predictions; What to expect from the DOT this year; Changing loyalty programs; Listener "Old Croakey" thank you to Chris Chiames.By Ben Baldanza & Scott McCartney

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Airlines Confidential Podcast

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167 - Ben & Chris Welcome Scott McCartney to Airlines Confidential 47:34

5M ago47:34

47:34

This week: 2022 wrap; Chris passes the mic as we welcome former Wall Street Journal "Middle Seat" columnist Scott McCartney to the podcast as Ben's new co-host; A fresh take from Scott on the JetBlue/American Northeast alliance; Frequent flyer programs get tighter; Where would our hosts invest $10k right now? Next episode Jan 4th, 2023. Happy New Y…

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Airlines Confidential Podcast

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166 - John Heimlich, VP & Chief Economist, Airlines for America 43:46

5M ago43:46

43:46

This Week: John Heimlich, VP & Chief Economist, Airlines for America on 2022/2023; JetBlue / American Northeast alliance increases flights; Huge Boeing order from Tata / Air India, plus United 787 order; Boeing requests extension on FAA requirement; Listener Q: Why not go direct to Europe from smaller markets with A220's? Unhappy with Delta Sky Clu…

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Airlines Confidential Podcast

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165 - Anne Correa, SVP, mba Aviation / Chris Sloan reports: SWA Media Day 53:09

6M ago53:09

53:09

This week: Anne Correa, SVP, Airline & Airport Services, mba Aviation; Chris Sloan reports on Southwest Airlines' Media Day; Listener feedback on the Hertz interview and the Kirby vs Biffle viewpoint discussion. Shout-outs.By Ben Baldanza & Scott McCartney

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Airlines Confidential Podcast

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164 - Mark Ross-Smith, CEO & Co-Founder, StatusMatch 53:53

6M ago53:53

53:53

This week: Mark Ross-Smith, CEO & Co-Founder, StatusMatch; Holiday travel & changes in travel patterns; Latest WSJ airport rankings; American sues Sabre for attorney fees; Listener Q: AA flight credit rules confusing; Frontier changes customer service; Shout-outsBy Ben Baldanza & Scott McCartney

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Airlines Confidential Podcast

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163 - Thanksgiving Edition 21:22

6M ago21:22

21:22

This week: Thank you to our listeners & sponsors; American/JetBlue case goes to the judge; DOT orders $600M in refunds & fines airlines $7.5M; Airline vs Cruise industry difference in policies; Supply chain & aircraft delivery concerns; Listener Q: What's more disruptive to an airline-snowstorm or hurricane? Things to be thankful for in the airline…

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Airlines Confidential Podcast

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162 - Steve Shur, VP Government Affairs EV Strategy, Hertz 47:14

6M ago47:14

47:14

This week: Steve Shur, VP Government Affairs EV Strategy, Hertz; Your next Amazon package might be dropped by a drone: Colombia objects to Avianca / Viva merger; United follows Delta's FF program changes; Listeners chime in: flights in Alaska, Allegiant's Q3 loss, why JetBlue FL service cuts? Shout-outs to Southwest's Ukulele promotion & Turkish Ai…

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Airlines Confidential Podcast

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161 - David Sunde, Founder/CEO, Landline 50:31

7M ago50:31

50:31

This week: David Sunde, CEO/Co-Founder, Landline; Delta, United, American pilot negotiations; Alaska pilots sign new deal; Possible reasons for Allegiant's 2 quarter losses; TSA turns 21 & brings on new tech; Listener Q: Catering usage of dry ice; Why so much service to Ketchikan AK? Shout-outs.By Ben Baldanza & Scott McCartney

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Airlines Confidential Podcast

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160 - David Gunnarsson, CEO, Dohop 46:59

7M ago46:59

46:59

This week: David Gunnarsson, CEO, Dohop; Positive earnings/projections; ITA Looks for new partnership Ryanair bets on Italy?; Scott Kirby says fuel/labor cost dooms LCC business model while Barry Biffle says Frontier will thrive; Listen Q: What's the logic in a crew changing aircraft in the same duty day?…

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Airlines Confidential Podcast

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159 - This week: Chris Sloan reports on Routes World 2022 Las Vegas 46:00

7M ago46:00

46:00

This week: Chris Sloan on Routes World 2022 Las Vegas Conference; United, American, Alaska, strong Q2 results but what about costs? Wizz Air expands to Middle East; Hawaiian Airlines & Amazon team up; Listen Q: Are the more experienced regional pilots getting a fair shot at mainline jobs? Is SWA open seating policy a security risk? Shout-outs…

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Airlines Confidential Podcast

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158 -William Swelbar, Chief Industry Analyst, The Swelbar-Zhong Consultancy 1:04:20

7M ago1:04:20

1:04:20

This week: William Swelbar, Chief Industry Analyst, The Swelbar-Zhong Consultancy; Delta's robust Q2; Fares are up-is the sky the limit?; AA-JetBlue court case & is EWR NYC? Listener Q: AA data breach? Thoughts on Alaska's voluntary rebooking option; Shout-outs: Canada Jetlines, United's NY-Malaga Spain.…

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Airlines Confidential Podcast

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157 - Charles Leocha, Pres. & Co-Founder, Travelers United 56:38

8M ago56:38

56:38

This week: Charles Leocha, President & Co-Founder, Travelers United; Virgin drops London-Hong Kong; FAA raises minimum Flight Attendant rest period to 10 hours; FlyerRights files with FAA for minimum seat sizes; Listener Follow-up on Boarding pass showing terminal; Pilot shortage & pay levels at regionals; DFW Listener shoutout.…

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Airlines Confidential Podcast

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156 - Chris Sloan: Huge Expansion at MCO 52:03

8M ago52:03

52:03

This week: Chris Sloan: Huge Expansion at Orlando International (MCO); Airline performance during Ira; BOOM shops for an engine; Listener Q: Economics of Delta insourcing M&R; Ticket cost difference between European and US credit card? Air France Paris-Boston booking non-notification: Fine or Whine?By Ben Baldanza & Scott McCartney

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Airlines Confidential Podcast

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155 - Kevin Cox, CEO, Ferrovial Vertiports 52:50

8M ago52:50

52:50

This week: Kevin Cox, CEO, Ferrovial Vertiports (re: eVTOL); The state of business travel & ESG targets; Worst airports for delays; Canadian airport issues; FAA rejects Republic's proposal; Could required pilot hours be safely lowered? Listener input: Potential Delta stock buybacks, Southwest's lack of interline agreements; Why no terminal on board…

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Airlines Confidential Podcast

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154 - Jonathan Sutter: 2022 J.D. Power Airport Satisfaction Study 43:53

8M ago43:53

43:53

This week: Jonathan Sutter: 2022 J.D. Power Airport Satisfaction Study winners announcement; Plus, United / Emirates codeshare; shifting alliances; Air India update; Listeners comments, shout-outs.By Ben Baldanza & Scott McCartney

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Airlines Confidential Podcast

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153 - Special Legal Edition with Sidley Austin Team 41:19

9M ago41:19

41:19

This week: Special Legal Edition with Sidley Austin's Kevin Lewis, Bart Biggers, Michael Burke, Karen Kazmerzak. Topics include: Inflation Recovery Act, Clean fuel/SAF tax credit, Foreign carriers filing for Ch. 11 in US Courts, Stepped up antitrust enforcement, Pilot shortage/Pay; Listener input: Charging differently for bags, 737 vs 320. Shout-ou…

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Airlines Confidential Podcast

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152 - Erik Sabiston, Co-Founder/President, RTAG, Veterans to Aviation 54:09

9M ago54:09

54:09

This week: Erik Sabiston, RTAG, Veterans to Aviation; Momentum at David Neeleman's Azul; Expansion in South America; New Icelandic low-cost airline "Play" launches service from Dulles to Iceland; Listener Q's: Recommendations for airline data web sites? Can the boarding process be improved? Shout-outs to Travelers United plus all airport & airline …

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Airlines Confidential Podcast

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151 - Scott Lincicome, Dir. General Economics, CATO Institute 55:01

9M ago55:01

55:01

This week: Scott Lincicome, Dir. General Economics, CATO Institute; Big news for Regionals, Air Wisconsin to American; Mesa's E175 Pilot pay; Ramifications of such increases; Schiphol (AMS) makes a profit; Delta orders more A220s; Listener reaction to the Norse Atlantic interview; Complaint: Out $900 due to an AA operational issue: Fine? or Whine?…

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