Gordon Smith Archives

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.

Airlines

American Airlines Adds U.S. Muscle to Heathrow Reform Campaign

American Airlines' intervention is notable as it becomes the first international carrier to formally call for an urgent review of Heathrow's regulatory model.

Gordon Smith | 2 weeks ago

The new-look British Airways Seattle Airport Lounge

Airlines

British Airways Overhauls Seattle Lounge – Where’s Next to be Upgraded?

Once the preserve of the most frequent of flyers, many airport lounges have gone mainstream. BA is working to bring back a sense of elegance with Seattle the latest in a series of new-look spaces.

Gordon Smith | 3 weeks ago

Virgin Atlantic and WestJet aircraft tails.

Airlines

Why India Is the Real Prize for Virgin Atlantic and WestJet’s New Partnership

Limited nonstop connectivity to India and a growing diaspora make Canada an attractive new market for Virgin Atlantic — but will regulators let it leverage the opportunity?

Gordon Smith | 3 weeks ago

Airlines

Singapore Airlines Reports ‘Robust’ Passenger Demand — Will the Momentum Continue?

With a network relying on global transit traffic through its Changi Airport hub, operating results at Singapore Airlines are a bellwether for the health of the wider industry.

Gordon Smith | 3 weeks ago

The Delta One Lounge at Boston Logan Airport.

Airlines

Airport Lounges Under Pressure: Can New Openings Restore Exclusivity?

Long lines, empty food buffets, and nowhere to sit. Designing airport lounges that challenge perceptions is no easy feat.

Harrison Pierce | 4 weeks ago

A Finnair captain and flight attendants at Helsinki Airport.

Airlines

Finnair Warns of Pilot Job Cuts as Labor Talks Intensify

As labor negotiations restart, Finnair management is raising the stakes. The threat of pilot redundancies will be front of mind when further talks begin next week.

Gordon Smith | 1 month ago

Airlines

British Airways Boosts Loyalty Messaging to 'Reassure' Customers

After a turbulent few weeks, British Airways is attempting to regain control of the narrative. Improved customer messaging and additional status sweeteners should go some way to help.

Gordon Smith | 1 month ago

Airlines

Engine Shortage Forces Air New Zealand to Scrap Seoul Route, Again

With almost all of its new-generation aircraft impacted by maintenance or delivery snags, Air New Zealand has had a tougher time than most.

Gordon Smith | 1 month ago

Airlines

Lufthansa-ITA Merger Milestones: What’s Changing and When?

Lufthansa Group technically remains a minority shareholder in Italy’s national carrier, but it’s already leveraging the benefits of its newly minted 41% stake.

Gordon Smith | 1 month ago

The terminal at Tampa International Airport

Airlines

Why Are Airlines Struggling to Keep Up With Soaring Demand?

The airline industry is facing an almighty challenge as strong demand collides with unprecedented supply chain and operational disruptions.

John Strickland | 2 months ago