The podcast highlights the record-breaking performance of U.S. aviation in the third quarter of 2025, led by American Airlines, with Delta and United expanding globally and Southwest facing new challenges. It reviews the key drivers of success —strong domestic demand, fleet modernization, and digital transformation— while addressing ongoing issues such as pilot shortages and environmental pressure. It concludes that 2025 marks a new era for U.S. aviation, one defined by efficien...

The episode explores Airbus and Boeing’s contrasting strategies in 2025. Airbus strengthens its lead with steady profits and efficient production, while Boeing continues rebuilding after challenging years. Both focus on efficiency and innovation as key drivers of their future — two different paths toward the same goal: stability in the global skies.

Latin American aviation is experiencing growth amid strong challenges. Mexico faces tensions with the U.S. after 13 flight routes were revoked, while regional airlines denounce high taxes that limit competitiveness. Meanwhile, Viva Aerobus expands its network to Central America and Embraer strengthens its industrial role in Brazil. Hurricane Melissa reminded the Caribbean of its climate vulnerability and the need for resilient airports. Overall, the region advances towar...

Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines have officially received their single operating certificate from the FAA, marking a major milestone in their merger process. We cover two elevated credit card offers including the new Citi AAdvantage Globe Card with 90,000 miles and the Citi Strata Elite Card now offering 100,000 ThankYou points online. Plus, we discuss lower award rates appearing at select Hilton properties, TSA's suspension of Delta's premium security lanes due to the government

British Airways has massively expanded their Avios Shop from just Apple products to over 300 items across 17 premium brands including Antler suitcases, luxury leather goods, and travel accessories. You can now slash cash prices by up to 25% using Avios while still earning points on your remaining spend. We break down the value proposition compared to traditional flight redemptions and reveal the strategic scenarios where this actually makes sense. Plus, we establish the clear hierarchy for

We're covering the most generous rewards rate we've ever seen - Rove Miles offering up to 51 miles per dollar on hotel bookings, which Gary Leff says defies basic economics and won't last. Tomorrow is Bilt Rent Day with transfer bonuses up to 100% to Etihad Guest, perfect for booking first class seats at half price. Wells Fargo just added JetBlue as a transfer partner with instant transfers, while Alaska and Hawaiian's revamped Atmos credit cards are offering massive bonuses that end soon

We highlight recent progress in African aviation: more direct routes within the continent, wider use of sustainable aviation fuel, modernization of key airports such as Luanda, cities competing to become major hubs, and the essential role of humanitarian flights in connecting isolated regions.

The Middle East is entering a phase in which aviation leadership depends on operational excellence. Airlines in the region are prioritizing safety, punctuality and strategic fleet decisions as they prepare for the Dubai Airshow 2025.

Citi just dropped their best-ever American Airlines business card offer with 75,000 bonus miles and no annual fee - but the timeline is unclear. We break down how credit card companies have executed a massive $6 billion power shift, essentially taking control of airline loyalty programs and premium travelers. Plus, California just criminalized hotel AI pricing while airlines remain protected, and we cover a terrifying near-miss at Nice airport that pilots didn't even notice. Don't miss the

American Airlines has received its first Airbus A321 XLR, the most efficient and longest-range single-aisle aircraft from Airbus. Its arrival marks a new step in transcontinental aviation, combining autonomy, sustainability, and comfort in a more compact format. This model redefines how premium medium- and long-haul travel is understood today.

A personal reflection on the current moment of the space sector: the Dream Chaser’s delays, the renewed competition in NASA’s Artemis program, and the growing autonomy of Europe and Japan in building a new global balance in orbit.

Asia is emerging as the new center of global aviation, driving innovation, sustainability, and technological autonomy across all sectors of flight.

Today's SWAPA Number is 13,561. That's the number of views the Aeromedical and Benefits committee page has received in the last 12 months. So that's roughly each Southwest pilot viewing it once per year, and as we just started open enrollment for 2025, what a better way to rehack that currency than a guided tour of that page and its contents. This is another audio visual presentation. So for those of you listening to this intro on one of our podcast platforms, click the links in the sh...

We're excited to announce our special four-part podcast miniseries featuring stories from the making of our newest Behind the Wings PBS season! Director Cray Novick and Host Tracy "Jackie'O" LaTourrette discuss our upcoming episodes: "The Hurricane Hunters," "Building the International Space Station," "50 Years of the F-16," and "Unlocking Asteroid Secrets." Join us to hear inside tales you won't find anywhere else. This is going to be cool!Miniseries episodes come out every Thursday

Latin American aviation advances with balance, cooperation, and maturity. Embraer, airlines, and airports consolidate sustainable growth across the region.

Europe strengthens its aviation through stability, innovation, and cooperation. Spain stands out for its leadership in airlines, defense, and airport growth.

Rove has just revolutionized hotel loyalty by allowing travelers to earn transferable miles while still collecting hotel points, nights, and perks - the first true double-dipping opportunity in the industry. We also cover a rare 50,000-point Mesa Card bonus ending October 15th, Citi's increased 100,000 ThankYou points welcome offer, and how Delta's route planning is now being influenced by credit card partnerships. Plus, Marriott's new global promotion and the end of an era as Hawaiian

The United States bans Chinese airlines from flying over Russian airspace, aiming to balance competition and reaffirm its geopolitical influence in the skies.

Latin American aviation is taking flight once again — with Embraer leading new commercial and military contracts while the region faces deep infrastructure challenges that test its growth and resilience.

An analysis of the balance between airlines and aircraft manufacturers, their interdependence, the rise of new power centers in Asia, and the challenges of sustainability, efficiency, and adaptability that will shape the future of aviation.