Edward Russell

Edward is Skift's Washington, D.C.-based editor of Airline Weekly, and transport reporter. He's covered the airline industry from the American-US Airways combo to the Boeing 737 Max grounding and through the Covid-19 pandemic. He enjoys bikes, trains, and runs with his dog, Heathrow.

Latest Stories

Airlines

U.S. Airlines Fear ‘Crushing’ Blow From Possible Domestic Travel Testing Requirements

The eagerly awaited recovery in air travel that airlines have talked up may arrive late to the gate if the U.S. mandates negative Covid-19 tests for all domestic air travelers. The potential move could set back recovery efforts underway in the beleaguered industry.

Edward Russell, Skift | 3 years ago

U.S. Airlines Fear ‘Crushing’ Blow From Possible Domestic Travel Testing Requirements

Airlines

Airlines May Actually Regain Some Pricing Power This Summer

The rollout of Covid-19 vaccines has the airline industry looking toward an "inflection point" when the travel recovery takes off later this year. That spike in flyers could mean some sky-high fares but, after more than a year stuck at home, travelers may not care.

Edward Russell, Skift | 3 years ago

Airlines May Actually Regain Some Pricing Power This Summer

Airlines

The Inside Story of How Alaska Airlines Went All-In on the Returning Boeing 737 Max

Alaska was the first airline to officially throw its support behind Boeing's beleaguered 737 Max after the jet was ungrounded, with commitments for 36 more aircraft. But it was a long and winding road to that decision with the seed planted in its merger with Virgin America four years earlier.

Edward Russell, Skift | 3 years ago

The Inside Story of How Alaska Airlines Went All-In on the Returning Boeing 737 Max

Airlines

United Airlines Looks Abroad (Eventually) for Travel Recovery Profits

United Airlines executives are betting that structural changes on the international front mean it can emerge larger and stronger from the pandemic. But this won't occur until travelers return in significant numbers, something they don't expect for some months.

Edward Russell, Skift | 3 years ago

United Airlines Looks Abroad (Eventually) for Travel Recovery Profits

Airlines

Delta Forecasts Return to Profits This Year But With Little Help From Corp Travelers

As with earlier attempts to forecast the recovery, Delta's optimistic outlook may prove overly bullish as the industry continues to struggle.

Edward Russell, Skift | 3 years ago

Delta Forecasts Return to Profits This Year But With Little Help From Corp Travelers

Airlines

The Coveted Jet Built for the Economics of the Pandemic

The Airbus A220 is poised to emerge strong from the coronavirus pandemic with airlines keen for its low costs and small capacity. JetBlue is the latest carrier to add the jet as it moves forward with a major fleet transition amid the crisis.

Edward Russell, Skift | 3 years ago

The Coveted Jet Built for the Economics of the Pandemic

Airlines

From Nazi to Pro-Trump Chants: Airline Crews Grow Weary From Harassment Over Mask Rules

Flight crews are on the front lines of America's latest culture war: wearing masks. But even as some travelers are increasingly belligerent — even hostile — to these rules, leaders are optimistic that the new Biden administration will set the example from the top and shut down opposition.

Edward Russell, Skift | 3 years ago

From Nazi to Pro-Trump Chants: Airline Crews Grow Weary From Harassment Over Mask Rules

Airlines

Transportation Secretary Chao Resigns Leaving Little Legacy for Travel Industry

U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao is the first, but likely not the last, top Trump official to resign after the president stoked a violent siege of the U.S. Capitol. How will she be remembered by travel leaders? Better question may be: Will she be remembered?

Edward Russell, Skift | 3 years ago

Transportation Secretary Chao Resigns Leaving Little Legacy for Travel Industry

Airlines

American Airlines Finds Travelers Not Avoiding the Boeing 737 Max as Many Feared

Fears that U.S. travelers would go out of their way to avoid the Boeing 737 Max appear unfounded a week after the jet returned to U.S. skies. American Airlines is ramping up service, and other carriers are due to follow over the next two months.

Edward Russell, Skift | 3 years ago

American Airlines Finds Travelers Not Avoiding the Boeing 737 Max as Many Feared

Airlines

Airlines Want All International Travelers Tested Before Flying to the U.S.

U.S. airlines support a CDC recommendation to mandate negative Covid-19 tests for all arriving international travelers. It's a bet many think will allow the industry to restart grounded flights and boost their moribund businesses.

Edward Russell, Skift | 3 years ago

Airlines Want All International Travelers Tested Before Flying to the U.S.