Gordon Smith

Gordon Smith is Airlines Editor at Skift and Editor at Airline Weekly. He’s been writing about the sector for more than a decade and enjoyed a front-row seat for some of the aviation industry’s biggest stories. Since joining Skift in January 2024, he has interviewed more than a dozen global airline CEOs, often helping make headlines along the way (special thanks to Michael O’Leary!). His informed insights have led to contributions for international media, including the London Evening Standard and Canada’s CBC Radio.

An illustration showing a Tokyo street at night with JAL aircraft.
Asia-Pacific

JAL-function: What’s Wrong with Japan Airlines?

Down. Down. Down. In 2024, Japan Airlines saw its annual profit margins drop again. Putting aside the pandemic-blemished period, JAL’s profitability declined for a sixth consecutive year. Last week, it posted a 7% operating margin for calendar year 2024. Not just down versus 2023, but a far cry from its 15% heyday. What’s happening? In this week's feature story we ask if the double-digit margins are gone forever and if JAL can turn things around.
Gordon Smith and Jay Shabat |
An illustration showing a JetBlue plane and the New York skyline.
North America

Why JetBlue is Seeking Blue Skies

In a victory of sorts, JetBlue managed a slim Q4 profit. It wasn't a fantastic performance, but this reversed an operating loss in 2023’s fourth quarter. Might it mark the start of a much-needed turnaround? JetBlue delivered its earnings presentation a day before Frontier launched a new bid to buy Spirit. Will it consider a revised offer too? Or could JetBlue itself become an acquisition target? In this week's feature story we examine the latest ups and downs at New York's Hometown Airline.
Gordon Smith and Jay Shabat |
An illustration showing an easyJet plane flying over Europe.
Europe

Easy Does It!

There’s a lot going right at United. Another strong financial result last quarter—and last year—places it alongside Delta in the circle of America’s global champions. Not so American. While avoiding…
Gordon Smith and Jay Shabat |
An illustration showing planes over Florida.
North America

Cold Front in Florida

Winter storms recently hit large swathes of the United States. What a perfect time, many Americans are surely thinking, to book a Florida vacation? This year, however, they’ll have fewer flight options. Airlines, led by struggling low-cost carriers, are tempering their Floridian enthusiasm. In this week's issue, Airline Weekly tries to make sense of current market trends in the all-important Sunshine State.
Gordon Smith and Jay Shabat |