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.

Latest Stories

Airline Weekly

What Do United Airlines and easyJet Have in Common?

As airline earnings season continues to gather momentum, this week we examine the fortunes of United and easyJet. In this specially extended episode, Gordon Smith and Jay Shabat discuss the major developments and identify the key trends at these two very different carriers.

What Do United Airlines and easyJet Have in Common?

Airlines

New Planes Every Week For a Decade: IndiGo CEO Eyes Global Growth

Already India’s largest airline, IndiGo is gearing up for even greater success. CEO Pieter Elbers tells Skift how he plans to do it.

New Planes Every Week For a Decade: IndiGo CEO Eyes Global Growth

Airlines

Qantas Criticized for ‘Tedious’ 10-Minute Safety Video

Keeping passengers interested while not diluting the core safety message is a tricky balancing act. It looks like Qantas may have missed the mark on this one.

Qantas Criticized for ‘Tedious’ 10-Minute Safety Video

Airlines

United ‘Working on Alternative Plans’ Without Boeing Max 10, CEO Says

This was easily Scott Kirby’s most outspoken intervention yet on the Max issue. As Boeing’s biggest customer, the planemaker will be paying attention.

United ‘Working on Alternative Plans’ Without Boeing Max 10, CEO Says

Airlines

Air France is Coming to Arizona: Here’s Everything You Need to Know

The new route will face tough competition from American Airlines, British Airways, and Condor - can the market sustain another carrier?

Air France is Coming to Arizona: Here’s Everything You Need to Know

Airlines

7 Most Extreme Flight Diversions as Storm Isha Hits U.K. and Ireland

The ferocity of the storm meant planes had to travel much further than usual to find a safe diversion airport to land, with some domestic flights being rerouted internationally.

7 Most Extreme Flight Diversions as Storm Isha Hits U.K. and Ireland

Airlines

Inside the First-Ever Oneworld Airport Lounge

With a funky design and innovative features, the new Seoul lounge has the potential to re-establish the oneworld alliance's market position.

Inside the First-Ever Oneworld Airport Lounge

Airline Weekly

Judge to JetBlue: No Merger for You

And just like that, JetBlue’s plans are up in smoke. A federal judge last week ruled that no, JetBlue cannot buy its rival Spirit, agreeing with the U.S. Justice Department that the deal would violate antitrust laws designed to protect consumers.

Judge to JetBlue: No Merger for You

Airlines

Four Ways to Avoid a Schwarzenegger-Style Airport Grilling

Traveling overseas should be an exciting experience, but you might be surprised to learn about local laws that could land you in big trouble at the airport.

Four Ways to Avoid a Schwarzenegger-Style Airport Grilling

Airlines

First Look Onboard Air India’s A350 Flagship: Is It Worth the Wait?

With the airline focusing so many of its turnaround initiatives on the A350, the jet marks a huge opportunity to showcase the new Air India to the world.

First Look Onboard Air India’s A350 Flagship: Is It Worth the Wait?