The Airways Podcast, hosted by aviation analysts Rohan Anand and Vinay Bhaskara and produced by Airways Digital Editor Helwing Villamizar, is a bimonthly show that covers the latest news and updates from the commercial aviation industry.
In each episode, we have discussions with guests and conduct a featured interview with a notable figure in the industry to gain insights into their plans, goals, and challenges. We also explore topics such as industry trends and recent developments, and analyze their impact on the commercial aviation sector.
airwaysmagazine.substack.com (https://airwaysmagazine.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast)
S10E6: Inside Breeze Airways: Austin Speaker on Airline Tech, Growth, and Strategy
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 topics
Austin Speaker’s career journey from Southwest to Breeze Airways
Evolution of airline passenger systems and IT infrastructure
Impact of industry mergers and system migrations
Role of distribution channels including GDS, NDC, and OTA partnerships
Post-pandemic travel trends and airline strategies Breeze’s operational strategy and market focus
Fleet management and aircraft transitions
Seasonal network and route planning
Growth metrics and future fleet orders
Industry challenges like fuel costs and regulation
guest links
LinkedIn - https://linkedin.com/in/austin
Discover the All-New Airways Digital
Airways 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 Bhaskara
Produced 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 (https://airwaysmagazine.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2)
12 Jul 2026
S10E5: SAS, easyJet, and American’s Return to Tokyo
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 topics
SAS’ Airbus A330neo order and Copenhagen hub strategy
The future of SAS within the Air France-KLM/SkyTeam ecosystem
The limits of the Airbus A321LR/XLR long-haul promise
easyJet’s potential Castlelake takeover
Why easyJet’s airport slots may be more valuable than its fares
American Airlines’ return to Chicago O’Hare–Tokyo Narita
American’s transpacific strategy and oneworld partnerships
Chicago O’Hare, Tokyo Narita, and the AA/Japan Airlines joint venture
Discover the All-New Airways Digital
Airways 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 Bhaskara
Produced 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 (https://airwaysmagazine.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2)
28 May 2026
S10E4: The State of the US Aviation Industry Post-Spirit
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 topics
Decade of the Airways podcast
State of the US airline industry in 2026
Impact of Spirit Airlines’ demise
Airline mergers and market consolidation
Travel experiences and airline product updates
Discover the All-New Airways Digital
Airways Digital provides readers with the flexibility to access North America’s leading commercial aviation magazine anytime, anywhere. Check out the new free previewer (https://airwaysmagdigital.com/preview) web app today!
Become a Sponsor of The Airways Podcast
If you’re interested in sponsoring the Airways Podcast in 2026, please get in touch with us at helwing@airwaysmag.com
Hosted by Rohan Anand and Vinay Bhaskara
Produced 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 (https://airwaysmagazine.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2)
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
4.8 / 5
17 ratings
Contact The Airways Podcast
Guest appearances
Books guests
Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.
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