Gordon Smith

Gordon Smith is Airlines Editor at Skift and Editor at Airline Weekly. He’s covered the industry for more than 15 years across television, print, and digital platforms. Since joining Skift in January 2024, he has interviewed more than 20 airline CEOs, often helping make headlines along the way. Send stories/tips via Signal: smithgme.01

A flight attendant pictured in Cathay's current first class cabin.

Airlines

Cathay Pacific’s New First Class is ‘Mindblowing’ Says Chairman – Exclusive

Boeing 777X delays are forcing Cathay Pacific to strip out first class cabins without an immediate replacement. The company's senior leaders share their strategy with Skift.

Gordon Smith | 2 years ago

Airlines

Why Are Airlines Quiet Quitting China?

Think quiet quitting is just for employees? Think again. In 2024, many of the world's biggest airlines are making a low-key withdrawal from China. We find out why.

Gordon Smith | 2 years ago

Airlines

The ‘Megathemes’ to Watch at this Year’s Skift Aviation Forum

Taking inspiration from our Skift Megatrends list, here are some of the biggest themes we expect to come up time and again across multiple discussions at the Skift Aviation Forum 2024.

Gordon Smith | 2 years ago

Airlines

Is Cathay Pacific’s New Aria Suite Worth the Wait?

The Aria Suite is arguably the year’s most anticipated new business class product. Those hoping for pushing-the-envelope innovation may be disappointed, but this solid product hits all the right notes.

Gordon Smith | 2 years ago

Airlines

Boeing Secures $10 Billion Credit Agreement to Bolster Balance Sheet

With strike action crippling production and a series of expensive regulatory hurdles to navigate, this extra liquidity gives Boeing greater flexibility to top its war chest. Will it be enough to silence the company's growing band of critics?

Gordon Smith | 2 years ago

Airlines

Houston’s Getting a Low-Cost Link to Tokyo

This bold move by a Japanese budget carrier will see it compete directly with two formidable big-name competitors. With no transit partners for smooth onward connections, will low fares be enough to fill the planes profitably?

Gordon Smith | 2 years ago

Airlines

Fresh Blow for Airlines as Boeing Withdraws Pay Offer to Striking Staff

It’s an unwelcome return to the gate for everyone onboard these high-stakes union talks. With Boeing taking its ‘best and final’ offer off the negotiating table, the prospect of an extended dispute affecting plane deliveries is increasing by the day.

Gordon Smith | 2 years ago

A Riyadh Air plane in the foreground, with an aeronautical display in the background.

Airlines

Inside the Minds of Four Middle East Airline CEOs: 2025 Plans Revealed

The idea that every airline in the Middle East is a money-making machine is wholly unfounded. We hear from four airline leaders from across the region who share very different metrics for success for 2025 and beyond.

Gordon Smith | 2 years ago

Airlines

Gulf Air CEO Teases U.S. Launch as Expansion Plans Gather Pace

Decades before Emirates and Etihad graced the skies, Gulf Air leveraged its location to bridge east and west. Outclassed by the new(ish) kids on the block, Bahrain's national carrier is back on the offensive and hoping to grow its way back to profitability and global relevance.

Edward Paine and Gordon Smith | 2 years ago

Arik De - Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer portrait

Airlines

Can Etihad Double in Size by 2030? Commercial Chief Arik De Exclusive Interview

Etihad’s fresh management team is seeking to avoid the mistakes of the past and deliver blockbuster growth. Speaking exclusively to Skift, Arik De tells us why this time is different.

Gordon Smith | 2 years ago