Jay Shabat

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demand, Mainland China’s 'Big Three' have struggled for six straight years, hampered by lost North American routes, outdated fleets, and stiff competition.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.

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.

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.

Jet fuel has doubled, demand hasn't blinked — welcome to the aviation crisis where only half the industry is suffering.

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?

Fuel accounts for roughly 20–30% of an airline’s operating costs—so when prices surge, the impact can be immediate and significant.

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.

Jay Shabat is joined by Meghna Maharishi and Skift's Head of Research Seth Borko for a crossover Airline Weekly Lounge that hits two pressure points at once: a sudden jet…

In a week when the world's busiest international airline ground to a halt and Gulf hubs faced aerial attack, Gordon and Jay explore the impact of the Iran war on…

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.