Gordon Smith

Don’t worry, be happy? Despite surging fuel prices, labor unrest, and Middle East disruptions, Lufthansa Group insists it can emerge from the current crisis stronger than before. But beneath the confidence lies a more complicated reality. Can Europe’s largest airline group navigate another industry shock without losing altitude? We take a closer look in this week’s feature story.

Airline failures are an accepted part of the industry rough-and-tumble in many countries. Spirit's collapse is forcing a fresh look at the costs and benefits of America's protectionist instincts.

Spirit Airlines is no more. The pioneer of ultra-low-cost flying in the U.S. was ultimately undone by surging fuel prices, failed bailout talks, and a model that couldn’t keep pace with a changing market. Its collapse sees 14,000+ jobs lost, reshapes competition across key routes, and presents a curious question: Who, if anyone, will fill the gap? We unpack the immediate fallout and ask what comes next in this week's issue.

As Allegiant’s Sun Country acquisition gathers pace, CEO Greg Anderson sees a smaller, more concentrated U.S. airline market by 2030 – and thinks Allegiant is built for it.

The most digitally ambitious airline start-up in a generation is going on sale the old-fashioned way: through the OTAs.

Major European airline bosses want stronger protection from Gulf rivals. Sir Tim's message? You had decades to compete, and chose North America instead.

Scott Kirby is using the dead American Airlines merger to pitch a new narrative — but don’t forget, his real audience is in D.C. rather than Dallas.

Drama, drama, in the air. Drama, drama everywhere. The U.S. airline industry is witnessing dramatic changes indeed. No, United isn’t merging with American. But Southwest is quietly achieving a heroic turnaround, posting Delta-like profit margins. But as Southwest soars, Alaska Airlines is flying in the opposite direction. We take a closer look in this week’s feature story.

Wizz Air was burned by its Abu Dhabi experiment. CEO József Váradi suggests that's the cost of pushing boundaries — and he intends to keep pushing.

Clark's bounceback thesis rests on a single assumption: that the Iran war ends soon. If it doesn't, short memories won't count for much.