Interview with Air France-KLM CEO Ben Smith
As the 2024 Olympics get underway in Paris, we speak with the CEO of the Air France-KLM Group, Ben Smith. He’s in conversation with Skift’s Editor-in-Chief Sarah Kopit and Head…
Gordon Smith is Airlines Editor at Skift and Editor at Airline Weekly. He’s been writing about the sector for more than a decade and enjoyed a front-row seat for some of the aviation industry’s biggest stories. Since joining Skift in January 2024, he has interviewed more than a dozen global airline CEOs, often helping make headlines along the way (special thanks to Michael O’Leary!). His informed insights have led to contributions for international media, including the London Evening Standard and Canada’s CBC Radio.
Hong Kong's Slow Climb
In part one of this week's podcast, Gordon Smith and Jay Shabat discuss Q2 results from Delta Air Lines and Norwegian, looking for clues as to what the future could…
Qantas: From Perth to Paris
In part one of this week's podcast, Gordon Smith and Jay Shabat discuss Qantas' latest ultra long-haul endeavor and ask what it tells us about the carrier's wider commercial strategy.…
Air France's Olympic Headache
Gordon Smith and Jay Shabat examine why this summer's Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris are likely to be a financial drag on Air France.
More Headwinds for Southwest Airlines
In part one, Gordon Smith and Jay Shabat discuss why Southwest has cut its revenue outlook so drastically for the current quarter. In part two, we take stock for our…
Why is Korean Air so Profitable?
In part one, Gordon Smith and Jay Shabat discuss the factors delivering consistently strong results for Korean Air. In part two, we reveal the global airlines that were the most…
Southwest Battles Summer Storm Elliott
Suddenly, Southwest Airlines is under attack, not by a competitor, but by an activist investor demanding big changes. Elliott Management, best known for a years-long bond battle with Argentina’s government,…
What's Going on at Southwest Airlines?
In part one, Gordon Smith and Jay Shabat discuss a fascinating week at Southwest, as the low-cost carrier navigates the challenges of a very vocal new activist investor. In part…
Summer Sunshine for U.S. Airlines?
It’s shaping up to be a great summer for U.S. airlines. Strong demand. Constrained supply. Moderate fuel prices. Yet struggles are rife—from American’s distribution missteps to Southwest’s costs concerns, to…
Captain Theresa Claiborne Interview
Captain Theresa Claiborne was the first black female pilot in the United States Air Force and joined United Airlines as its second-ever black female pilot. Last month, she retired from…