The Airways Podcast

A biweekly review of commercial flight
  • 4.8 (17)
  • News
  • Updated Monthly

The Airways Podcast, hosted by aviation analysts Rohan Anand and Vinay Bhaskara and produced by Airways Digital Editor Helwing Villamizar, is a bimonthly show that covers the latest news and updates from the commercial aviation industry. In each episode, we have discussions with guests and conduct a featured interview with a notable figure in the industry to gain insights into their plans, goals, and challenges. We also explore topics such as industry trends and recent developments, and analyze their impact on the commercial aviation sector. airwaysmagazine.substack.com

  1. Aug 28

    S10E6: Inside Breeze Airways: Austin Speaker on Airline Tech, Growth, and Strategy

    In this episode, Austin Speaker shares his extensive journey through the airline industry, from Southwest to Breeze Airways, and discusses the evolution of airline IT systems, distribution channels, and industry trends post-pandemic. Discover insights into passenger systems, industry mergers, and the future of airline technology. In this episode, Austin shares insights into Breeze’s operational strategy, fleet management, market focus, and the passion that keeps him engaged in the airline industry. Rohan and Austin discuss Breeze’s growth, seasonal network, fleet transitions, and future plans, offering a deep dive into modern airline operations. key topics Austin Speaker’s career journey from Southwest to Breeze Airways Evolution of airline passenger systems and IT infrastructure Impact of industry mergers and system migrations Role of distribution channels including GDS, NDC, and OTA partnerships Post-pandemic travel trends and airline strategies Breeze’s operational strategy and market focus Fleet management and aircraft transitions Seasonal network and route planning Growth metrics and future fleet orders Industry challenges like fuel costs and regulation guest links LinkedIn - https://linkedin.com/in/austin Discover the All-New Airways Digital Airways Digital provides readers with the flexibility to access North America’s leading commercial aviation magazine anytime, anywhere. Check out the new free previewer web app today! Hosted by Rohan Anand and Vinay Bhaskara Produced by Helwing Villamizar This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit airwaysmagazine.substack.com/subscribe

    S10E6: Inside Breeze Airways: Austin Speaker on Airline Tech, Growth, and Strategy

  2. Jul 12

    S10E5: SAS, easyJet, and American’s Return to Tokyo

    Join Rohan Anand and Vinay Bhaskara as they discuss SAS’ major widebody order and Copenhagen hub strategy, easyJet’s potential private-equity takeover, and American Airlines’ return to Chicago O’Hare–Tokyo Narita service. The episode also covers recent travel experiences, airport pain points, long-haul narrowbody limits, and the evolving shape of global airline alliances. key topics SAS’ Airbus A330neo order and Copenhagen hub strategy The future of SAS within the Air France-KLM/SkyTeam ecosystem The limits of the Airbus A321LR/XLR long-haul promise easyJet’s potential Castlelake takeover Why easyJet’s airport slots may be more valuable than its fares American Airlines’ return to Chicago O’Hare–Tokyo Narita American’s transpacific strategy and oneworld partnerships Chicago O’Hare, Tokyo Narita, and the AA/Japan Airlines joint venture Discover the All-New Airways Digital Airways Digital provides readers with the flexibility to access North America’s leading commercial aviation magazine anytime, anywhere. Check out the new free previewer web app today! Hosted by Rohan Anand and Vinay Bhaskara Produced by Helwing Villamizar This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit airwaysmagazine.substack.com/subscribe

    S10E5: SAS, easyJet, and American’s Return to Tokyo

  3. May 28

    S10E4: The State of the US Aviation Industry Post-Spirit

    Join Rohan Anand and Vinay Bhaskara as they reflect on a decade of the Airways podcast, analyze the current state of the US airline industry in 2026, and explore recent travel experiences, airline mergers, and industry trends. key topics Decade of the Airways podcast State of the US airline industry in 2026 Impact of Spirit Airlines’ demise Airline mergers and market consolidation Travel experiences and airline product updates Discover the All-New Airways Digital Airways Digital provides readers with the flexibility to access North America’s leading commercial aviation magazine anytime, anywhere. Check out the new free previewer web app today! Become a Sponsor of The Airways Podcast If you’re interested in sponsoring the Airways Podcast in 2026, please get in touch with us at helwing@airwaysmag.com Hosted by Rohan Anand and Vinay Bhaskara Produced by Helwing Villamizar This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit airwaysmagazine.substack.com/subscribe

    S10E4: The State of the US Aviation Industry Post-Spirit

  4. Mar 13

    S10E3: FAA at ORD, Middle East Conflict and Its Impact on Global Air Travel

    In this episode, Rohan and Vinay explore the latest in aviation, including airport disruptions, airline capacity strategies at Chicago O'Hare, and the geopolitical impacts on global air travel, with a special focus on the Middle East conflict and its ripple effects. Key Topics * Current State of Air Travel and Personal Updates * Challenges in Air Travel Operations * FAA Intervention and Airline Capacity Issues * Airline Competition and Market Dynamics * Impact of Middle East Conflicts on Global Aviation * Air Travel Disruptions and Challenges * Impact of Geopolitical Conflicts on Aviation * Long-term Effects on Middle Eastern Hubs * Boeing’s Strategic Moves in China Discover the All-New Airways Digital Airways Digital provides readers with the flexibility to access North America’s leading commercial aviation magazine anytime, anywhere. Check out the new free previewer web app today! Become a Sponsor of The Airways Podcast If you’re interested in sponsoring the Airways Podcast in 2026, please get in touch with us at helwing@airwaysmag.com Hosted by Rohan Anand and Vinay Bhaskara Produced by Helwing Villamizar This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit airwaysmagazine.substack.com/subscribe

    S10E3: FAA at ORD, Middle East Conflict and Its Impact on Global Air Travel

  5. Feb 23

    Mexico Airspace Crisis: What Travelers Need to Know

    This live update covers the recent civil unrest and airspace closures in Mexico, focusing on their impact on travel, safety, and local conditions. Rohan Anand-Mahajan provides real-time insights into flight cancellations, security issues, and resources for stranded travelers. Key Topics * Impact of civil unrest on air travel in MexicoFlight cancellations and airport closures in Puerto Vallarta and GuadalajaraSafety and security concerns amid violence and cartel activityResources for stranded travelers and international assistanceReal-time updates on airport operations and civil unrest developments Discover the All-New Airways Digital Airways Digital provides readers with the flexibility to access North America’s leading commercial aviation magazine anytime, anywhere. Check out the new free previewer web app today! Become a Sponsor of The Airways Podcast If you’re interested in sponsoring the Airways Podcast in 2026, please get in touch with us at helwing@airwaysmag.com Hosted by Rohan Anand and Vinay Bhaskara Produced by Helwing Villamizar This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit airwaysmagazine.substack.com/subscribe

    Mexico Airspace Crisis: What Travelers Need to Know

  6. Feb 20

    S10E2: O’Hare is Heating Up — Gates, Widebodies, and Venezuela

    In Season 10, Episode 2 of the Airways podcast, Rohan and Vinay discuss the competitive landscape of the airline industry, focusing on the battle for Chicago O’Hare between American Airlines and United Airlines. They explore the implications of gate space, market share, and Southwest Airlines' impact. The conversation also touches on American Airlines’ challenges and future outlook, as well as Air Canada’s fleet expansion plans with the addition of Airbus A350-1000s. The episode highlights the complexities and unpredictability of the aviation market. Discover the All-New Airways Digital Airways Digital provides readers with the flexibility to access North America’s leading commercial aviation magazine anytime, anywhere. Check out the new free previewer web app today! Become a Sponsor of The Airways Podcast If you’re interested in sponsoring the Airways Podcast in 2026, please get in touch with us at helwing@airwaysmag.com Hosted by Rohan Anand and Vinay Bhaskara Produced by Helwing Villamizar This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit airwaysmagazine.substack.com/subscribe

    S10E2: O’Hare is Heating Up — Gates, Widebodies, and Venezuela

  7. Feb 6

    S10E1: American Airlines and the Future of Chicago O'Hare

    In season 10, episode 1, Rohan Anand discusses the current situation at Chicago O’Hare, analyzing the evolution of airline hubs, carrier competition, the impact of the pandemic, and the airport's future outlook. Rohan highlights the challenges facing American Airlines and the importance of Chicago as a key aviation market. Takeaways Competition among airlines at Chicago O’Hare is intensifying. Chicago O’Hare is a crucial hub for airlines. American Airlines faces major challenges in today’s market. Airline capacity is at stake and affects pricing. Chicago’s importance as a market cannot be underestimated. Airline narratives must be backed by solid data. Discover the All-New Airways Digital Airways Digital provides readers with the flexibility to access North America’s leading commercial aviation magazine anytime, anywhere. Check out the new free previewer web app today! Become a Sponsor of The Airways Podcast If you’re interested in sponsoring the Airways Podcast in 2026, please get in touch with us at helwing@airwaysmag.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit airwaysmagazine.substack.com/subscribe

    S10E1: American Airlines and the Future of Chicago O'Hare

  8. 12/31/2025

    S9E6: A Year in Review - The Biggest Stories of 2025

    In this episode of the Airways podcast, hosts Rohan Anand, Helwing Villamizar, and Vinay Bhaskara discuss the major themes and events in aviation for the year 2025. They cover the status of American Airlines, significant safety incidents, geopolitical impacts on air travel, developments in Indian aviation, the growth of Middle Eastern airlines, challenges faced by Spirit Airlines, and the dynamics of the Canadian and Mexican aviation markets. The episode concludes with tentative predictions for 2026, highlighting trends and expectations for the future of the aviation industry. Takeaways * American Airlines launches a bold status-match challenge to win premium flyers. * DFW continues its meteoric rise as one of the world’s busiest mega-hubs. * A string of safety incidents puts operational discipline under the microscope. * Geopolitics redraw global airspace maps, forcing airlines to reroute and adapt. * India’s aviation boom hits turbulence amid new rules and fierce market pressure. * Gulf carriers double-down on global dominance with massive fleet and network expansion. * Spirit faces survival mode — a Frontier tie-up may be its best runway. * Cross-border politics ripple through Canadian and Mexican aviation strategies. * Alaska Airlines plots a smarter, stronger network footprint after absorbing Hawaiian. * 2026 outlook: record demand meets rising complexity — growth continues, but so do the headwinds. Sponsor The Airways Podcast If you’re interested in sponsoring the Airways Podcast in 2026, please get in touch with us at helwing@airwaysmag.com Discover the All-New Airways Digital Airways Digital provides readers with the flexibility to access North America’s leading commercial aviation magazine anytime, anywhere. Check out the new free previewer web app today! The 2026 Airways Calendar is Here! The Airways Photography team has selected their finest aviation images for the Airways 2026 calendar—twelve months of aircraft photography that actually looks good on your wall. Order today! Hosted by Helwing Villamizar, Rohan Anand, and Vinay Bhaskara Produced by Helwing Villamizar This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit airwaysmagazine.substack.com/subscribe

    S9E6: A Year in Review - The Biggest Stories of 2025
See All (42)

4.8
out of 5
17 Ratings

About

The Airways Podcast, hosted by aviation analysts Rohan Anand and Vinay Bhaskara and produced by Airways Digital Editor Helwing Villamizar, is a bimonthly show that covers the latest news and updates from the commercial aviation industry. In each episode, we have discussions with guests and conduct a featured interview with a notable figure in the industry to gain insights into their plans, goals, and challenges. We also explore topics such as industry trends and recent developments, and analyze their impact on the commercial aviation sector. airwaysmagazine.substack.com

Information

  • Creator
    A biweekly review of commercial flight
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    42
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Airways Publishing, LLC.
  • Show Website
    The Airways Podcast

You Might Also Like