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 dragon alongside China's big three airlines.
Asia-Pacific

Why Are China’s Airlines Struggling?

Chinese airlines are missing the party. While carriers across East Asia thrive on red-hot premium demand, Mainland China’s 'Big Three' have struggled for six straight years, hampered by lost North American routes, outdated fleets, and stiff competition. Can they catch up, or will rising fuel costs and diplomatic tensions continue to create headwinds? We explore what the future might hold in this week’s feature story.
Gordon Smith and Jay Shabat |
Willie Walsh on stage speaking to Skift's Gordon Smith
Global Analysis

Who Will Lead IATA Next?

The aviation industry is navigating a turbulent stretch of leadership upheaval, fuel cost pressures, and strategic overreach, with Willie Walsh's surprise move to IndiGo and Alaska Airlines' Hawaii-Mexico drag serving as the clearest signals of an industry in flux.
Jay Shabat and Gordon Smith |
A Cebu Pacific plane flying over the Philippines
Asia-Pacific

Trouble in the Philippines

Cebu Pacific is feeling the pressure. Fuel prices have surged, yet rising fares and resilient demand are keeping revenues climbing almost as fast. How long can this delicate balance last? We explore the growing risks facing airlines in this week’s feature story.
Gordon Smith and Jay Shabat |
An illustration showing planes and a large barrel of jet fuel.
Global Analysis

Jet Fuel Frenzy

Jet fuel has surged past $4 per gallon, pushing Q1 costs sharply higher for U.S. airlines. Yet demand remains strong, fares are rising, and new revenue streams – from loyalty programs to premium seating – are helping carriers offset the spike. As we explain in this week’s feature story, airlines are running a high-stakes race: can revenues keep pace with soaring fuel costs, or will the balance tip as we head into Q2?
Gordon Smith and Jay Shabat |
An illustration showing a Cathay Pacific plane over Hong Kong.
Asia-Pacific

Cathay Terrific

Cathay Pacific has come full circle. After losing about $4 billion during the pandemic years, the Hong Kong carrier has earned roughly the same amount back over the past three – its best run of profitability in decades. Can Cathay sustain its momentum – or will the next cycle look very different? We examine the outlook in this week’s feature story.
Gordon Smith and Jay Shabat |
An illustration showing an airport departure board.
Global Analysis

Quadruple Shock? Airlines Face 4 New Risks

At the start of 2026, airlines were broadly optimistic. Demand looked strong, fuel prices were manageable, and last year’s tariff worries eased. Then the global outlook shifted again. The Iran war has shuttered Gulf hubs, pushed oil prices sharply higher, and raised fresh questions about the global economy. The result could be a troubling convergence of risks for the airline industry. In this week’s feature story, we examine four shocks the sector may now be facing.
Gordon Smith |
An illustration showing the Qantas kangaroo and dollar signs.
Asia-Pacific

Qantas: Hoping to Hop Higher

Qantas is flying high again. Strong domestic demand, booming premium cabins, and a disciplined strategy have pushed the Australian flag carrier to a steady 11% annual margin. But management wants more – especially internationally. In this week’s feature story, we examine how the 'Flying Kangaroo' plans to make the leap.
Gordon Smith and Jay Shabat |