Madhu Unnikrishnan

Madhu is the San Francisco-based editor of Skift Airline Weekly. He previously covered airlines for Aviation Week & Space Technology and Aviation Daily, and he worked in corporate communications for two airlines. He loves typewriters and fountain pens, bicycles, and running trails.

Latest Stories

Airlines

Don’t Count on Airlines to Fully Recover for 3 Years: Delta CEO

It could have been worse. Delta Air Lines reported $8.6 billion in first quarter revenue, but demand fell by 95 percent in April. The second quarter could be way more ugly, even after the airline cut its schedule by 85 percent.

Madhu Unnikrishnan, Skift | 3 years ago

Coronavirus

Comparing Best and Worst Case Scenarios for the Airlines

It will take years for the airline industry to recover from the coronavirus pandemic. That much is a given. But what shape will that recovery take and how long will it last? Skift Airline Weekly debated two scenarios — the optimistic and the pessimistic view. Where the industry goes from here depends on how long it takes for passengers to want to fly, how long the recession lasts, and how robustly governments respond.

Jay Shabat, Skift | 3 years ago

Airlines

What You Need to Know About U.S. Airlines Now in a World Turned Upside-Down

U.S. airlines were in a position of strength. And then the coronavirus crisis struck. Although no carrier has announced layoffs or has requested a government bailout, the days, weeks, and months ahead look rough.

Jay Shabat, Skift | 3 years ago

Tourism

What 2019 Taught Us About the U.S. Airline Industry

No other country or region has an airline industry as strong as that of the U.S. What's the secret? Have U.S. airlines cracked the perennially difficult code to airline profitability, and will it last? Skift Airline Weekly dove deep and zeroed in on trends that explain the U.S. airlines' success.

Jay Shabat, Skift | 3 years ago

Airlines

Alaska Airlines Joins Oneworld Alliance: What That Means for Flights Out of Seattle

Alaska Airlines startled the airline world by announcing it will enter the Oneworld global alliance. It also plans to coordinate more deeply with American, especially after American launches London and Bangalore flights from Seattle. But will the two be able to compete with powerhouse Delta, which also flies internationally from Seattle?

Madhu Unnikrishnan, Skift | 3 years ago

Airlines

JetBlue CEO Warns Flight Shaming Is Coming to the U.S.

It may have started as a fringe movement in Sweden, but flight shaming is coming to the U.S. JetBlue plans to head it off at the pass by investing in offsetting programs and biofuels. But its real green deal may be in its new aircraft.

Madhu Unnikrishnan, Skift | 3 years ago

Tourism

American Suggests 737 Max Return Pushed Further to Second Half

American Airlines suggests that it's not planning for the Boeing 737 Max to return to flying until the late summer or fall. But the airline is still positive this year will be better than last. That shouldn't be too hard.

Madhu Unnikrishnan, Skift | 3 years ago

Airlines

Air France-KLM CEO Opens Up on Turnaround Efforts Amid Legacy Woes

Air France-KLM CEO Ben Smith inherited a complicated mess when he took the top job last year, but he has begun methodically turning the company around, winning contracts from labor and simplifying the fleet and route network.

Madhu Unnikrishnan, Skift | 4 years ago

Airlines

American Airlines Vows to Rebound After Brutal Summer, Says CFO

American Airlines had a tough summer, with labor issues and the grounding of its 24 Boeing 737 Max aircraft. But Chief Financial Officer Derek Kerr said at Skift Global Forum that these two areas are at the top of management's agenda for next year.

Madhu Unnikrishnan, Skift | 4 years ago

Airlines

The Most Fascinating Part of the World for Airlines So Far This Year

It's never dull in the airline industry, and the first half of 2019 has been no exception. We were hard-pressed to single out the most interesting region. But the industry in Europe had the wildest ride in the first half, with high-profile bankruptcies, a few strikes, impending acquisitions, changing business models, and the perennial Alitalia saga.

Jay Shabat, Skift | 4 years ago