Airline sustainability with the founder and CEO of the SimpliFlying aviation marketing, branding, and communications consultancy firm. Also, actions by Boeing, the outcome of the American Airlines vs. Skiplagged.com suit, US airlines performing poorly in a global ranking, United Airlines and passenger accessibility, and the U.S. Army looks for a new heavy-lift helicopter.

Guest

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Shashank Nigam is the founder and CEO of SimpliFlying, one of the world’s largest aviation marketing, branding, and communications consultancy firms. Shashank’s new area of interest is airline sustainability.

Shashank explains that airline brand experience and engagement are longer than other products and services, especially with long-haul flights. The branding fundamentals remain the same, but how airlines build trust has changed. In 2008 it was airline presence on Twitter and Facebook. During the pandemic, it was health and safety. Now, airline sustainability has grown in importance.

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The Sustainability in the Air podcast explores what airline, airport, and technology firm CEO innovators are doing. Shashank gives an example of how creative financing is needed for airline sustainability.

We also consider what Boeing must do to restore trust and hear about the very interesting company culture at SimpliFlying.

SimpliFlying was founded in 2008 and has worked with over 100 aviation clients in airline branding, customer experience, digital marketing, crisis communications, and sustainability initiatives. SimpliFlying’s analysis and insights have been featured in leading international media outlets such as BBC, CNN, CNBC, Reuters, Bloomberg, the Wall Street Journal, and the New York Times.

Shashank is the author of Soar: How the Best Airline Brands Delight Customers and Inspire Employees and Sustainability in the Air: Innovators Transforming Aviation for a Greener Future. Look for him on LinkedIn and join over 4,000 Sustainability in the Air subscribers which separates the signal from the noise in sustainable travel.

Aviation News

United teams with United Spinal to strengthen accessibility

Under a new agreement, the United Spinal Association will help advise and support United Airlines to improve the travel experience for customers with disabilities. The United Spinal Association represents 5.5 million American wheelchair users. 

United Spinal Association CEO Vincenzo Piscopo said “This partnership demonstrates that accessible travel is a reality, and every step forward brings us closer to a more inclusive travel experience for the disability community. I hope to see continued improvements not only from United Airlines but also throughout the entire travel industry.”

The Runway Girl Network reports that the FAA “is working to define the criteria necessary to allow someone to remain in their personal wheelchair during flight using a tie-down similar to what’s used in the automotive industry, and as the US Department of Transportation prepares to initiate rulemaking in that regard.”

Boeing’s CEO Is Shrinking the Jet Maker to Stop Its Crisis From Spiraling

With all its troubles and difficult financial position, some Industry insiders and analysts are thinking about a possible Boeing breakup or even bankruptcy. In a note to employees, new CEO Kelly Ortberg said Boeing has spread itself too thin: “We need to be clear-eyed about the work we face. We also need to focus our resources on performing and innovating in the areas that are core to who we are.” Boeing is exploring asset sales and pruning non-core or underperforming units.

Boeing machinists to vote on new proposal with 35% raises that could end strike

The new proposal includes 35% in wage increases over four years, a $7,000 signing bonus, increased 401(k) contributions, and guaranteed minimum annual bonus payouts. The ratification vote is scheduled for Wednesday, October 23, 2024.

Why US airlines are loathed around the world – as they take up bottom spots in global ranking

Daily Telegraph researchers examined 90 major airlines and assessed a number of factors, including in-flight experience, luggage policies, reliability, and connectivity. No U.S. airlines made it into the top 20. Alaska was ranked at 23 and Delta at 24. Frontier, Allegiant and Spirit were in the bottom four.

American Airlines Wins $9.4 Million Verdict In Skiplagged Case

After a 5-day trial, a federal jury determined that the Skiplagged.com website infringed on the airline’s copyright, but did not violate American’s trademark protections. Skiplagged is a resource where consumers can “find flights the airlines don’t want you to see” and exposes “loopholes in airfare pricing to save you money.” American claimed that Skipplagged was not an authorized agent and the website fooled consumers when it used American’s logo. The jurors dismissed that claim. Nevertheless, Skipplagged was ordered to pay American $4.7 million in disgorgement from its revenues, and another $4.7 million for copyright infringement. The skiplagging hack is also called “hidden city” ticketing.

For more legal analysis, see: COPYRIGHT—N.D. Tex.: American Airlines’ contract claims against Skiplagged suffer hard landing, copyright claims arrive on time, (Aug 1, 2024)

Army Confirms It’s Exploring Requirements For A New Heavy-Lift Helicopter To Replace Chinook

Under its Future Vertical Lift program, the U.S. Army plans to replace the CH-47 Chinook heavy-lift tandem rotor helicopter with a new-generation aircraft. The Chinook is used by the U.S. Army and 20 international operators.

Mentioned

Twelve, The Carbon Transformation Company™.

Infinium, ultra-low carbon electrofuels.

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