Flight Buzz
Southwest Airlines earnings hit by weak US travel demand, ETInfra
Southwest Airlines reported lower-than-expected quarterly profit and revenue on Wednesday, hurt by tepid demand from US consumers for travel.
Lingering uncertainty about the broader economy due to President Donald Trump’s trade war and rising living costs has hurt carriers that primarily service the US domestic market and price-sensitive customers. To stimulate demand, they have been leaning on fare discounts.
The Texas-based airline said domestic leisure travel demand stabilized after a slump in March and April and was showing signs of improvement.
But underscoring the uncertainty, it forecast its unit revenue, or revenue per seat, in the third quarter to range from down 2% to up 2 per cent from a year ago.
For the second quarter, Southwest reported an adjusted profit per share of 43 cents, compared with analysts’ average expectations of 51 cents, according to data compiled by LSEG.
It reported operating revenue of $7.24 billion in the quarter, compared with $7.29 billion expected by analysts.
Like most US airlines, Southwest pulled its full-year financial forecast in April as the trade war made it difficult to project its business.
On Wednesday, the company provided a new target for 2025 of $600 million to $800 million in earnings before interest and taxes. That compares with its previous forecast of $1.7 billion.
Southwest has been struggling to find its footing after the COVID-19 pandemic. Its lackluster earnings have fueled pressure to revamp its business model.
In the second quarter, it began charging customers for checked bags, ending a unique free policy. It also rolled out a new basic economy fare.
The company said the bag fee revenue thus far exceeded its expectations. But sales of basic economy fares on its website suffered a hit after their launch in May, hurting its unit revenue in the second quarter.
Southwest expects an impact on its third-quarter unit revenue as well. Meanwhile, its non-fuel operating costs were estimated to increase by as much as 5.5 per cent in the third quarter from a year ago.
Depressed demand
Summer, typically the peak money-making season for airlines, is falling short this year as sluggish demand for standard economy seats forces carriers to cut fares, undermining their pricing power.
Delta Air Lines and United Airlines have seen strong revenue gains from premium cabins, buoyed by affluent travelers willing to pay for upgrades.
By contrast, low-f carriers are under pressure to maintain profitability as price-sensitive travelers remain cautious with discretionary spending.
The airline, however, held out hopes for the second half of the year to be stronger, citing stronger demand as well as the industry’s efforts to limit seat supply and fend off discounting pressure.
“While early, recent industry demand shows signs of improvement off of depressed second quarter 2025 levels,” the company said.
Other airlines including United and Alaska have also reported a recovery in bookings in recent weeks. But the industry’s pricing power remains weak, particularly in the domestic market.
Southwest, the largest US domestic carrier, saw a 3 per cent year-on-year decline in its unit revenue in the second quarter. Its overall passenger revenue was also down from a year ago, with a sharp drop in passenger volumes.
The company said its capacity, or seats on its flights, was expected to be flat in the third quarter from a year ago.
The company will discuss its earnings with analysts on Thursday.
Flight Buzz
Connection times to be cut ‘by more than half’ via new security rules for London-US flights
Travellers on connecting flights from London to the US will soon be able to avoid rechecking hold luggage and skip standard airport customs.
Starting this month, US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) pilot programme One Stop Security (OSS) plans to streamline terminal security steps to speed up connections for air passengers.
Some American Airlines passengers flying from London Heathrow airport with connecting journeys through Dallas Fort Worth International (DFW) will now be able to clear US Customs at the arrival gate.
From here, customers can directly board their connecting flight without reclaiming and rechecking hold luggage or clearing TSA security.
Typically, travellers must clear customs, claim checked bags, recheck bags and then again go through security.
With OSS, checked bags are automatically transferred to the connecting flight.
The pilot system is a partnership of the TSA, US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the UK Department for Transport (DfT).
According to American Airlines, the new process is expected to cut airport connection times by “more than half”.
American is the first US airline to pilot the scheme on select routes at DFW.
Some Delta passengers are also trialling OSS on routes from Heathrow to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
Travellers with Delta will be processed in a dedicated customs area and will not have to claim and recheck their bags. However, only those who are registered in Global Entry, a “trusted traveller programme”, or have the Mobile Passport Control app, will be able to bypass TSA screening, reported the NY Times.
To apply for Global Entry, British passengers are required to apply for a background check by the UK government (£42), then the US government (£90). Upon passing, passengers are subject to an in-person interview. Once completed, Global Entry is valid for five years.
The introduction of the security system in the US follows a successful pilot in February for travellers connecting to international destinations from London Heathrow.
David Seymour, COO at American Airlines, said: “One Stop Security is one of the most forward-thinking enhancements we can bring to international travel — and importantly, to our customers — as it delivers a level of convenience and time-savings that’s never been available before to customers connecting from international flights.
“Customers will spend significantly less time worrying about an onerous connection process and more time enjoying their travel journey.”
TSA deputy administrator Adam Stahl told Fox News Digital that OSS could be expanded to other airports in the next month.
He said: “It really is a common sense security approach for us to streamline security from abroad to the United States.”
The Independent has contacted TSA and Delta Air Lines for comment.
For more travel news and advice, listen to Simon Calder’s podcast
By Euronews Travel with AP
Published on
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Russia on Sunday opened a regular air link between Moscow and Pyongyang, a move reflecting increasingly close ties between the two countries.
The first flight operated by Russian carrier Nordwind took off from Moscow’s Sheremetyevo airport on Sunday, carrying over 400 passengers, and landed in North Korea’s capital around eight hours later.
Tickets for the flight were priced at 45,000 rubles ( around €480), according to Russian state media outlet TASS. It reported that authorities gave Norwind permission to fly to North Korea in July.
The airline used to carry Russians to holiday destinations across Europe, including Spain and Germany, until the EU banned Russian carriers from operating in its airspace in 2022.
Russia’s Transport Ministry said there will be one flight a month to meet demand. It may be the first regular flight between the two capital cities since the mid-1990s, according to Russian aviation blogs and follows the resumption of the 10-day Moscow to Pyongyang rail service in June.
Previously, the only direct flight between Russia and North Korea was the service from Vladivostok in Russia’s Far East, which operates three times a week.
North Korea’s tourism push
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, who visited North Korea’s new Wonsan-Kalma beach resort earlier this month to meet with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, promised to encourage Russian tourists to visit the complex.
The resort, which can accommodate nearly 20,000 people, is at the centre of Kim’s push to boost tourism to improve his country’s troubled economy.
North Korea has been slowly easing the curbs imposed during the pandemic and reopening its borders in phases. But the country hasn’t said if it will fully resume international tourism. Restrictions still largely ban foreign tourists from entering the country.
Regular flights between Russia’s eastern port city of Vladivostok and Pyongyang reopened in 2023 following a break caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
Russia and North Korea have sharply expanded military and other ties in recent years, with Pyongyang supplying weapons and troops to back Russia’s military action in Ukraine.
Monday, July 28, 2025
Wizz Air, the leading Hungarian low-cost airline, has achieved a remarkable milestone by reaching 1,000 daily flights across Europe. This achievement highlights Wizz Air’s commitment to offering affordable and accessible travel options for millions of passengers every day. As one of the fastest-growing airlines in Europe, Wizz Air has expanded its reach significantly, connecting more cities and regions through its extensive network.
This major accomplishment is not just a milestone for the airline itself, but also for the broader European aviation industry. With its fleet of modern aircraft, innovative services and extensive route network, Wizz Air has cemented itself as a key player in European air travel.
Expansion of Routes and Increased Frequencies
The achievement of 1,000 daily flights reflects Wizz Air’s ongoing efforts to expand its routes and increase the frequency of its most popular services. Wizz Air has made it a priority to grow its network, especially by opening new routes that connect major European cities, regional hubs and underserved markets. For instance, the airline recently launched daily flights between Chisinau, Moldova and Bucharest, Romania, providing faster and more convenient travel options for passengers.
Such strategic route expansions help meet the demand for both business and leisure travel. By providing more flight options, Wizz Air enables passengers to travel at times that are most convenient for them, while also fostering economic growth in the regions it serves. Additionally, the airline’s commitment to increasing flight frequencies on high-demand routes ensures that travelers have greater flexibility and more choices when planning their journeys.
Beyond its existing routes, Wizz Air has also shown a keen interest in expanding into new markets, particularly in Eastern and Central Europe. With Europe’s demand for travel continuing to grow, Wizz Air’s decision to bolster its presence in these regions provides a much-needed boost for both local economies and the airline’s expanding customer base.
Fleet Modernization and Operational Efficiency
A significant contributor to Wizz Air’s ability to achieve such an extensive operational reach is its fleet modernization strategy. The airline operates one of the youngest fleets in the world, with the majority of its aircraft being Airbus A320 and A321 models.
The fuel-efficient nature of these aircraft plays a crucial role in helping the airline offer competitive ticket prices without compromising on service quality. This focus on maintaining a younger fleet also ensures that Wizz Air can better manage its environmental footprint, aligning with broader industry trends toward more sustainable aviation practices. The new, fuel-efficient aircraft not only help reduce operational costs but also significantly cut down on carbon emissions, contributing to the airline’s sustainability goals.
Moreover, the efficiency of the fleet ensures that Wizz Air can maintain high levels of punctuality and reliability, which are essential factors in the airline’s ability to handle 1,000 flights per day. With advanced technology and consistent performance, the airline is well-positioned to meet the growing demand for air travel while ensuring a smooth and efficient operation.
Wizz Air’s Commitment to Sustainability
As Wizz Air celebrates the 1,000 daily flight milestone, it is also placing a strong emphasis on sustainability. In a world where environmental concerns are becoming increasingly important, Wizz Air has taken several steps to ensure its operations are as sustainable as possible.
The airline has invested heavily in its fleet, opting for aircraft that are not only more fuel-efficient but also produce fewer carbon emissions per passenger. Wizz Air’s commitment to reducing its environmental impact goes beyond just fleet efficiency. The airline has introduced various initiatives to reduce waste and conserve resources, and it is actively exploring innovative solutions to further reduce its carbon footprint. These efforts align with broader industry movements towards sustainability, and Wizz Air is positioning itself as a leader in the green aviation space.
Enhanced Passenger Experience and Customer Service
Alongside its fleet modernization and sustainability efforts, Wizz Air continues to enhance its customer service offerings. The airline understands the importance of delivering a seamless travel experience, particularly as the demand for air travel grows. In response to this, Wizz Air has improved its onboard services, offering a more comfortable and enjoyable flying experience.
Wizz Air’s fleet features modern interiors, including improved seating, better cabin lighting, and additional onboard services designed to make travel more convenient and pleasant for passengers. In addition to improving the in-flight experience, the airline has also invested in its customer service operations, including online booking systems, mobile app functionality, and check-in processes.
By continually refining its services and passenger touchpoints, Wizz Air ensures that it remains competitive in an increasingly crowded market. As part of its ongoing commitment to its customers, the airline is focused on providing a high-quality experience at an affordable price, helping to build brand loyalty among travelers.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Wizz Air
As Wizz Air celebrates the achievement of operating 1,000 daily flights, the future looks bright for this rapidly growing airline. With continued fleet growth, increased route frequencies, and expanded sustainability initiatives, Wizz Air is well-positioned to maintain its momentum in the years to come.
The airline has ambitious plans for further expansion, particularly into new European markets and beyond. As travel demand rebounds across the globe, Wizz Air is poised to meet this demand with a robust network and efficient operations. The airline’s ongoing commitment to low-cost travel, combined with its focus on sustainability and customer service, will ensure that it remains a dominant player in Europe’s competitive airline industry.
Conclusion
Wizz Air’s achievement of 1,000 daily flights is not just a testament to the airline’s rapid growth and operational efficiency but also a reflection of the increasing demand for low-cost air travel in Europe. By continuously expanding its fleet, increasing frequencies, and focusing on sustainability, Wizz Air is helping to shape the future of air travel.
The milestone marks a significant step in the airline’s journey and highlights its ability to adapt to the changing dynamics of the aviation industry. As Wizz Air continues to grow and evolve, passengers can look forward to even more travel options, enhanced services, and a more sustainable future of air travel. Wizz Air’s success at reaching 1,000 daily flights shows that the airline is not only meeting the needs of today’s travelers but also positioning itself for success in the years ahead.
Image Credit:- Wizz Air
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