Meghna Maharishi

Meghna Maharishi is Skift's Airline Reporter, where she covers everything from loyalty programs to policy-making in Washington, D.C. She previously covered the airline industry at The Points Guy, worked on the investigative desk at CNBC, and did data visualization at CNN Politics.

Latest Stories

Airlines

Spirit Airlines in Advanced Talks Over a Bankruptcy Filing, WSJ Says

The Journal reported that Spirit is looking to bankruptcy after talks with Frontier about reviving a merger broke down.

Spirit Airlines in Advanced Talks Over a Bankruptcy Filing, WSJ Says

Airlines

Ben Baldanza, the Transformative Former CEO of Spirit Airlines, Dies at 62

Ben Baldanza, who pioneered the modern ultra-low-cost business model in the U.S. and turned Spirit into one of the most profitable airlines, has died following a battle with ALS.

Ben Baldanza, the Transformative Former CEO of Spirit Airlines, Dies at 62

Airlines

Southwest Names IndiGo Co-Founder as Independent Board Chair

Gangwal’s appointment marks the end of a tense battle with activist investor Elliott, which had long been pushing for significant leadership changes at Southwest.

Southwest Names IndiGo Co-Founder as Independent Board Chair

Airlines

Boeing Ups Offer to Machinist Union in Bid to End Strike

The latest offer includes a 38% general pay raise over four years. The union urged its members to vote in favor of the proposal to avoid a “regressive or lesser offer in the future.”

Boeing Ups Offer to Machinist Union in Bid to End Strike

Airlines

JetBlue Results Underwhelm, Executives Push Loyalty Program and Premium Offerings

JetBlue’s third-quarter took a hit from Hurricane Milton and executives say they expect more weakness due to the 2024 presidential election.

JetBlue Results Underwhelm, Executives Push Loyalty Program and Premium Offerings

Airlines

U.S. Ups Pressure on Airline Industry With New Inquiry 2 Weeks Before Election

After the Justice Department said it would launch an inquiry into the state of airline competition, the airline and travel industries criticized the move as politically motivated.

U.S. Ups Pressure on Airline Industry With New Inquiry 2 Weeks Before Election

Airlines

Spirit Airlines’ Latest Move to Raise Cash: A $519 Million Aircraft Sale

Spirit Airlines is looking for more ways to boost its balance sheet. The aircraft sale would considerably decrease Spirit’s capacity for 2025.

Spirit Airlines’ Latest Move to Raise Cash: A $519 Million Aircraft Sale

Airlines

Southwest Appoints 6 New Directors, CEO Bob Jordan Hangs On in Deal With Elliott

The appointment of the new directors ends Southwest’s months-long battle with Elliott, which was poised to turn into a proxy fight.

Southwest Appoints 6 New Directors, CEO Bob Jordan Hangs On in Deal With Elliott

Airlines

American Airlines Earnings Trail Competitors as It Resets Distribution Strategy

American reported a third-quarter loss as its competitors profits nearly hit $1 billion. It still has a long road to recovery over a botched distribution strategy that caused it to lose out on lucrative business travel.

American Airlines Earnings Trail Competitors as It Resets Distribution Strategy

Airlines

Southwest Sees Strong Holiday Bookings, Says It’s Prepared for Uncertainty With Boeing

Southwest’s third-quarter earnings beat Wall Street estimates, a bright spot for the carrier that has been fending off an activist investor for months.

Southwest Sees Strong Holiday Bookings, Says It’s Prepared for Uncertainty With Boeing