Podcast 040: Will Trump affect travel and tourism to the US?

#PaxEx Podcast

Welcome to Episode 040 of the #PaxEx Podcast. Our guest for this episode is Chris Kjelgaard, an aviation and travel-industry reporter and editor with more than three decades of experience. In addition to serving as Editor of various print and online magazine titles, he has written for dozens of aviation trade and consumer magazines and websites and has been interviewed many times by television, radio, print and online media on aviation and travel topics. He is also a contributing editor to Runway Girl Network.

First, some British travellers vowed to boycott travel to the US if Trump won the election, according to The Telegraph newspaper. Now that Trump is President-elect, #PaxEx Podcast co-hosts Max Flight and Mary Kirby join Scotland-born Chris Kjelgaard in considering the impact to travel and tourism.

Next, we discuss one of Max's favorite topics – aircraft engines. Chris has written a piece for Runway Girl Network about how CFM International is concentrating on making sure that the newly developed successor to the legendary CFM56 – the new LEAP engine - will be just as successful. Having interviewed GE Aviation’s LEAP manufacturing program director, Cristina Seda-Hoelle about the ramp up - following entry into service on the A320neo - Chris brings listeners up to speed on how CFM is pumping up the volume for this remarkable program.

Last but not least, Copa Holdings’ brand new Colombian subsidiary Wingo is positioning its passenger experience, sales and ticket-distribution strategies to appeal to travelers who it believes “want to enjoy a fresh, friendly and unpretentious flight experience”. Chris interviewed the airline’s general leader Catalina Bretón about the carrier’s plans. We consider whether Wingo will be able wing its way into the hearts of passengers.