
About this episode
In this episode of the Skift Airline Weekly Lounge podcast, Skift Travel Senior Aviation Business Editor Brian Sumers and I discuss the interviews we did on stage at Skift Global Forum in New York City, Sept. 18–19. Air France/KLM CEO Ben Smith told us how he's trying to rationalize and simplify Air France's network (while leaving KLM largely alone). American Airlines Chief Financial Officer Derek Kerr promised the carrier would recover from a difficult summer. And Delta CEO Ed Bastian spoke about transforming the airline into a trusted global brand.
Sumers and I chew on our conversations at Skift Global Forum and wonder just why Smith's favorite aircraft is the B747. —Madhu Unnikrishnan, editor, Skift Airline Weekly
Get every episode summarized
Each time Airline Weekly Lounge publishes, we email you a written briefing from the transcript — the topics, who appeared, and any specific claims, with the ad reads skipped.
Email me new episodesFree for 3 shows. No card needed.
No transcript yet
This episode has not been transcribed. Request it and it moves to the front of the queue.
More episodes
More from Airline Weekly Lounge

Why US Airlines Are Betting Big on Europe in 2027
Airline Weekly Lounge
Sep 3, 202632:07failed

Qatar Airways: Skift Global Forum Preview
Airline Weekly Lounge
Aug 27, 202632:33pending

Skift Global Forum 2026: Aviation Preview
Airline Weekly Lounge
Aug 20, 202639:57pending

Turkish Airlines' Turbulent Quarter
Airline Weekly Lounge
Aug 13, 202629:41pending