Gordon Smith

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.

An illustration showing a Breeze Airways plane over the U.S.
North America

Breeze in a Squeeze

David Neeleman launched Breeze with the promise of reinventing travel for underserved cities. Nearly five years on, the U.S. airline still hasn’t cracked annual profitability. With rising costs, powerful rivals, and a growth plan that stretches from Jamaica to California, 2026 will be a pivotal year. In this week’s feature story, we explore the factors that will determine whether Neeleman’s latest venture can finally take off.
Gordon Smith and Jay Shabat |
Asia-Pacific

AirAsia’s Finally Coming Together

For most airlines, the post-Covid era started in 2022 or 2023. For the AirAsia family, it feels like it’s only just beginning now. In this week’s feature story, we explore AirAsia’s long-delayed restructuring, its move to fuse shorthaul and longhaul operations, and the sweeping fleet ambitions that could redefine low-cost flying well beyond its Asia-Pacific heartland.
Gordon Smith and Jay Shabat |
A plane flying over European landmarks.
Europe

Europe’s Happy Demand Story

Despite a global backdrop filled with geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainty, European airlines delivered a strong and highly profitable summer. Ryanair at 36% margins, long-haul premium demand booming, consolidation reshaping the map, and tourism still powering the continent like a force of nature. This week’s feature story tries to make sense of it all.
Gordon Smith and Jay Shabat |
An illustration showing Emirates aircraft on a global map.
Middle East

Emirates Faces New Headwinds

The Dubai Airshow returns this week, and once again Emirates steps into the spotlight – but the landscape has shifted dramatically since its 2013 shopping spree. The carrier faces tighter airport constraints, delayed next-generation aircraft, and intensifying competition. Yes, Emirates remains financially strong and is buoyed by Dubai’s global appeal, but complacency isn’t an option. In this week’s feature story, we explore how the airline may choose to adapt as challenges mount.
Gordon Smith and Jay Shabat |