The Airways Podcast

A new airline app can sit on top of reservation technology with roots stretching back decades. Making those systems work together is much of the work passengers never see.On this episode of the Airways Podcast, DataArt’s Tim McMullen joins Rohan Anand and Vinay Bhaskara to discuss how airlines modernize their technology while keeping the operation running.Tim explains why reliable data underpins successful AI projects and why replacing every older system is not always necessary. He also shares a personal example of what gets lost between systems: reaching a million-mile milestone at an airline without anyone acknowledging it during the journey.The conversation covers the different priorities of premium and low-cost carriers, ZIPAIR’s approach to payments, and the complications of sharing passenger information across airline partners. Tim also discusses how AI is changing software development, where human judgment remains necessary, and why some business problems are better solved without AI.Plus: Rohan and Vinay disagree about just how magical a Sunday morning at Newark can be.Hosts: Rohan Anand and Vinay BhaskaraGuest: Tim McMullen, DataArtSponsor: mizar.solutionsProduced by Helwing Villamizar This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit airwaysmagazine.substack.com/subscribe

Rohan Anand and Vinay Bhaskara examine Alaska’s new premium offerings, its position in the trans-Pacific market, and the role of fleet utilization and airline alliances in its strategy. They also compare onboard Wi-Fi experiences and discuss whether reliable connectivity could become a deciding factor when travelers book long-haul flights.The conversation begins with infrastructure and gate-capacity challenges at Denver and Chicago O’Hare, then turns to a recent flydubai in-flight incident, safety considerations, and the broader implications of geopolitical tensions for Middle Eastern and U.S. airlines.In this episode:* Alaska’s premium strategy and the competitive market for upgraded cabins* Starlink’s potential to raise expectations for onboard connectivity* Trans-Pacific routes, fleet deployment, and airline partnerships* Airport infrastructure constraints and their effects on operations* The flydubai incident and the intersection of aviation safety and geopoliticsHosted by Rohan Anand and Vinay BhaskaraProduced by Helwing Villamizar This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit airwaysmagazine.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, Austin Speaker shares his extensive journey through the airline industry, from Southwest to Breeze Airways, and discusses the evolution of airline IT systems, distribution channels, and industry trends post-pandemic. Discover insights into passenger systems, industry mergers, and the future of airline technology. In this episode, Austin shares insights into Breeze’s operational strategy, fleet management, market focus, and the passion that keeps him engaged in the airline industry. Rohan and Austin discuss Breeze’s growth, seasonal network, fleet transitions, and future plans, offering a deep dive into modern airline operations. key topicsAustin Speaker’s career journey from Southwest to Breeze AirwaysEvolution of airline passenger systems and IT infrastructureImpact of industry mergers and system migrationsRole of distribution channels including GDS, NDC, and OTA partnershipsPost-pandemic travel trends and airline strategies Breeze’s operational strategy and market focusFleet management and aircraft transitionsSeasonal network and route planningGrowth metrics and future fleet ordersIndustry challenges like fuel costs and regulationguest linksLinkedIn - https://linkedin.com/in/austinDiscover the All-New Airways DigitalAirways Digital provides readers with the flexibility to access North America’s leading commercial aviation magazine anytime, anywhere. Check out the new free previewer web app today!Hosted by Rohan Anand and Vinay BhaskaraProduced by Helwing Villamizar This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit airwaysmagazine.substack.com/subscribe

Join Rohan Anand and Vinay Bhaskara as they discuss SAS’ major widebody order and Copenhagen hub strategy, easyJet’s potential private-equity takeover, and American Airlines’ return to Chicago O’Hare–Tokyo Narita service. The episode also covers recent travel experiences, airport pain points, long-haul narrowbody limits, and the evolving shape of global airline alliances.key topicsSAS’ Airbus A330neo order and Copenhagen hub strategyThe future of SAS within the Air France-KLM/SkyTeam ecosystemThe limits of the Airbus A321LR/XLR long-haul promiseeasyJet’s potential Castlelake takeoverWhy easyJet’s airport slots may be more valuable than its faresAmerican Airlines’ return to Chicago O’Hare–Tokyo NaritaAmerican’s transpacific strategy and oneworld partnershipsChicago O’Hare, Tokyo Narita, and the AA/Japan Airlines joint ventureDiscover the All-New Airways DigitalAirways Digital provides readers with the flexibility to access North America’s leading commercial aviation magazine anytime, anywhere. Check out the new free previewer web app today!Hosted by Rohan Anand and Vinay BhaskaraProduced by Helwing Villamizar This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit airwaysmagazine.substack.com/subscribe

Join Rohan Anand and Vinay Bhaskara as they reflect on a decade of the Airways podcast, analyze the current state of the US airline industry in 2026, and explore recent travel experiences, airline mergers, and industry trends. key topicsDecade of the Airways podcastState of the US airline industry in 2026Impact of Spirit Airlines’ demiseAirline mergers and market consolidationTravel experiences and airline product updatesDiscover the All-New Airways DigitalAirways Digital provides readers with the flexibility to access North America’s leading commercial aviation magazine anytime, anywhere. Check out the new free previewer web app today!Become a Sponsor of The Airways PodcastIf you’re interested in sponsoring the Airways Podcast in 2026, please get in touch with us at [email protected] by Rohan Anand and Vinay BhaskaraProduced by Helwing Villamizar This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit airwaysmagazine.substack.com/subscribe