The Airways Podcast A biweekly review of commercial flight

In this episode, the Airways Podcast crew returns with full force after tamdem travels to Asia and South America to discuss their trips, followed by Korean Air and Japan Airlines’ aircraft orders, the management shake up at Boeing and United Airlines’ FAA audit.
Hosted by: Helwing Villamizar, Rohan Anand, and Vinay Bhaskara
Produced by: Helwing Villamizar
Music: Fesliyan Studios
Episode Links
Korean Air Orders 33 Airbus A350 Aircraft
Japan Airlines Orders 42 New Aircraft
Dave Calhoun to Step Down as Boeing CEO


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In episode seven, season five of The Airways Podcast, join host Vinay Bhaskara and special guest, Indian aviation expert and former President of the Bangalore Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Devesh R. Agarwal, as they delve deep into India Aviation.
India's aviation industry is experiencing significant growth. According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the country will become the world's third-largest air passenger market by 2030, after China and the United States. This rapid growth in air traffic is supported by various factors, including a rising middle class, increasing government spending, and the expansion and modernization of airports.
India's population is expected to increase from 1.3 billion to 1.5 billion by 2030. Currently, aviation penetration in India is only around 4-5% of the population, indicating significant potential for further growth.
Consequently, the Indian government is actively investing in the aviation sector by building new airports, expanding existing ones, and improving air traffic management systems. Additionally, World Trade Center Bengaluru recently hosted the World Trade Centers Association’s annual Global Business Forum to expand trade and investment opportunities for businesses worldwide in India’s aviation sector. Over the next five years, around 80 new airports will be opened in India.
These initiatives, India’s low-cost carriers, and the country's positive economic factors are just some of the topics you’ll hear in this informative and engaging conversation.
Hosted by Helwing Villamizar, Rohan Anand, and Vinay Bhaskara
Produced by Helwing Villamizar
Music by Fesliyan Studios
Episode Links
* Video: The Future of Air India—Back to Excellency
* Analyzing the 10 Largest Aviation Markets
* Indigo Orders 500 Airbus Planes, Becomes Larges Indian Airline
* Airways Magazine March 2024 Issue


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

In episode six, season five of The Airways Podcast, join the crew and special guest, aviation analyst and author Jay Shabat, as they delve deep into the art of analyzing the commercial airline industry.
They discuss how external factors impact commercial aviation, the relationship between airlines and local economies, the challenges in building new airports, Delta Air Lines’ fleet strategy, and even try to predict future U.S. hub cities. It's a doozy!
Skift senior analyst Jay Shabat has spent nearly 20 years writing for Airline Weekly, an airline industry newsletter he launched after working as an analyst for US Airways and Air France. Shabat co-hosts the Airline Weekly Lounge podcast for Skift Airline Weekly and has authored Glory Lost & Found, a history of Delta Air Lines and American Places, which profiles local economies across the U.S.
Hosted by Helwing Villamizar, Rohan Anand, and Vinay Bhaskara
Produced by Helwing Villamizar
Music by Fesliyan Studios
Episode Links
* Glory Lost and Found: How Delta Climbed from Despair to Dominance in the Post-9/11 Era
* American Places: A Profile of Local Economies Across the U.S.
* Airways Magazine March 2024 Issue


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

In the latest episode of The Airways Podcast, join the crew and special guest Jens Kuhlen, President for North America at Gategroup, as they delve deep into the intricacies of the airline catering industry.
Gategroup’s subsidiary, Gate Gourmet (Switzerland, 1992), began as a catering service for Swissair. Over the years, it has grown into a global company with the most comprehensive catering network in the aviation industry. Gate Gourmet specializes in creating exceptional culinary concepts, handling everything from menu design to execution.
Present in 33 countries with over 135 units, the company provides reliable and standardized catering provisioning services, ensuring on-time performance for its airline customers and delivering a memorable onboard experience for passengers.
Jens Kuhlen joined Gategroup in 2015, initially assuming the role of Vice President of Group Controlling at Gategroup’s Zurich headquarters. He later progressed to the role of Chief Financial Officer for Gategroup’s North American region before being promoted to President of North America in 2022.
With a diverse professional history spanning over 25 years, Kuhlen holds a wealth of expertise in airline catering, corporate banking, and restructuring consulting.
Sit back, relax, and immerse yourself in the fascinating world of the airline food catering system, as told by an industry expert.
Hosted by Helwing Villamizar, Rohan Anand, and Vinay Bhaskara
Produced by Helwing Villamizar
Music by Fesliyan Studios
Episode Links
* Gategroup.com
* Airways Magazine March 2024 Issue


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

The fourth quarter and full year 2023 financial reports from major US airlines provide the crew valuable insights into their performance and the overall state of the aviation industry. American Airlines' Haneda Airport tentative approval and GOL's Chapter 11 Filing are also part of the mix in episode five of the fifth season of the Airways Podcast.
The crew also discusses Delta Air Lines and Aeromexico's antitrust immunity ending. The US government announced that it does not plan to renew the immunity granted to Delt and Aeromexico for their codeshare agreement.
This decision came after the Mexican government made significant changes at Mexico City International Airport, the country's main hub.
What does 2024 hold for these and other airlines?
Hosted by Helwing Villamizar, Rohan Anand, and Vinay Bhaskara
Produced by Helwing Villamizar
Music: Fesliyan Studios
Episode Links
* US airlines’ Q4/FY 2023 Financial Results
* American’s Tentative Approval for JFK- Haneda Nonstop Flights
* GOL Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy
* US Cancels Delta-Aeromexico Codeshare Inmunity
* Airways Magazine March 2024 Issue


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

In this episode of the Airways Podcast, the crew delves into the topic of the JetBlue-Spirit merger block and its implications for both airlines. They discuss the potential outcome of the legal battle and how it could shape the future of both carriers. Additionally, they explore the broader implications for the competitive landscape of the U.S. airline industry as a whole.
The Legal Battle and Regulatory Approval
The JetBlue-Spirit merger has faced significant challenges in obtaining regulatory approval The case is currently in the hands of a Boston judge, and the trial has concluded. The Biden administration's more aggressive enforcement of antitrust laws is evident in this case. The U.S. Justice Department sought a permanent injunction to block the deal, citing concerns about the impact on competition in the industry.
Alas, a federal judge blocked the airlines’ proposed merger, siding with the Justice Department. Now, Spirit may face financial difficulties, potentially leading to a Chapter 7 bankruptcy filing and the liquidation of its assets. As for JetBlue, it would need to pivot, either to restructure to become a full-service airline or else.
The airlines have jointly filed a notice of appeal with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit. If the merger is allowed, it could reshape the market for low-cost airlines, as Spirit is currently the largest budget carrier in the nation. The disappearance of Spirit Airlines would create opportunities for other low-cost carriers, such as Frontier Airlines and Allegiant Air, to expand their market share. On the other hand, if the merger is blocked for good, it could lead to increased competition among the remaining airlines, potentially driving up fares.
The competitive environment of the U.S. airline industry is already undergoing significant changes, with the industry facing unique opportunities and challenges in the post-COVID environment. The outcome of this legal battle will contribute to shaping the future of the industry and the strategies of the major players involved.
Note: This episode was recorded before the airlines filed their notice of appeal.
Hosted by: Helwing Villamizar, Rohan Anand, and Vinay Bhaskara
Produced by: Helwing Villamizar
Music: Fesliyan Studios
Episode Links
* Merger Dispute Escalates: JetBlue and Spirit Appeal
* Airways Magazine February 2024 Issue


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