Do Alliances Still Matter In 2026?

European aviation is operating in an increasingly volatile and unpredictable environment, with geopolitical instability and rising costs shaping airline network strategy. This episode explores some of the key takeaways from Routes Europe 2026, which took place in Rimini, Italy.    

Star Alliance CEO Theo Panagiotoulias discusses how alliances can transform customer experience and why they are still relevant today. Learn more about Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR) credits from 1PointFive here.

ATW editors discuss the factors behind the failing of Spirit Airlines and how it might change the U.S. airline market.

Recorded in Xi'an, China, at Routes Asia 2026, this episode explores the key themes shaping air service development across the Asia-Pacific region—from shifting traffic flows and evolving airline strategy to China's recovery and how the industry is balancing short-term uncertainty with long-term growth.

An oil expert discusses the impact of the closure of the Strait of Hormuz on oil prices and jet fuel availability with ATW Editor-in-Chief Karen Walker.

Industry experts from Thales and Karen Walker discuss the priorities and challenges of making sweeping changes across the national air traffic control system.

Wizz Air CCO Ian Malin discusses how the airline is navigating the summer 2026 season, including the impact of the Middle East conflict, aircraft groundings, fuel price volatility and changing booking trends.

ITA Airways CEO Jörg Eberhart discusses fleet plans and challenges, what's next for the Italian flag carrier after joining Star Alliance and the wait for Lufthansa's decision on increasing its stake from 41% to 90%.

ATW and Routes editors discuss how the world's airlines are adapting to airspace and airport closures, record high oil prices, a fatal crash in the U.S. and chaos at airport security screening. For more details on the TSA situation discussed in this episode, check out Aaron Karp's latest update.

Aviation consultant John Strickland talks with Karen Walker about how airlines are adapting to the latest crisis.