#89 - Air Traffic, Pilot Pay, and Airline Economics with A4A's Chief Economist John Heimlich
12/17/24 • 41 min
In this episode, Tait Duryea and Ryan Gibson sit down with John Heimlich, Chief Economist for Airlines for America (A4A), to unpack the challenges and wins shaping the airline industry. From air traffic control staffing shortages to the impact of pilot pay increases and aircraft delivery delays, John shares key insights into the state of U.S. airlines. He also discusses A4A's advocacy work and what the future holds for pilots and the broader aviation ecosystem.
John Heimlich is the Vice President and Chief Economist for Airlines for America (A4A), the leading trade group for U.S. airlines. With over 20 years of experience in airline economics and energy policy, John has been instrumental in shaping strategies that support airline profitability, sustainability, and growth. Before joining A4A, he held financial planning roles at United Airlines.
Show notes:
(0:00) Intro
(2:46) Who is John Heimlich and what does A4A do?
(5:52) Big wins for the U.S. airline industry in 2024
(8:15) Air traffic control staffing challenges and solutions
(12:38) Airspace capacity issues and delivery delays
(18:03) Pilot pay increases and airline financial health
(20:30) Revenue growth and sustainability of pilot contracts
(24:20) Industry profitability: Historical context and current outlook
(29:16) Political changes and their impact on airlines
(38:26) John’s advice for pilots and the future of aviation
(38:26) How to access A4A’s economic reports
(39:00) Outro
Connect with John Heimlich:
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/econdog
- Website: https://www.airlines.org
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/AirlinesforAmerica
—
You've found the number one resource for financial education for aviators! Please consider leaving a rating and sharing this podcast with your colleagues in the aviation community, as it can serve as a valuable resource for all those involved in the industry.
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Get our updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/passive-income-pilots/
Do you have questions or want to discuss this episode? Contact us at [email protected]
See you on the next one!
*Legal Disclaimer*
The content of this podcast is provided solely for educational and informational purposes. The views and opinions expressed are those of the hosts, Tait Duryea and Ryan Gibson, and do not reflect those of any organization they are associated with, including Turbine Capital or Spartan Investment Group. The opinions of our guests are their own and should not be construed as financial advice. This podcast does not offer tax, legal, or investment advice. Listeners are advised to consult with their own legal or financial counsel and to conduct their own due diligence before making any financial decisions.
In this episode, Tait Duryea and Ryan Gibson sit down with John Heimlich, Chief Economist for Airlines for America (A4A), to unpack the challenges and wins shaping the airline industry. From air traffic control staffing shortages to the impact of pilot pay increases and aircraft delivery delays, John shares key insights into the state of U.S. airlines. He also discusses A4A's advocacy work and what the future holds for pilots and the broader aviation ecosystem.
John Heimlich is the Vice President and Chief Economist for Airlines for America (A4A), the leading trade group for U.S. airlines. With over 20 years of experience in airline economics and energy policy, John has been instrumental in shaping strategies that support airline profitability, sustainability, and growth. Before joining A4A, he held financial planning roles at United Airlines.
Show notes:
(0:00) Intro
(2:46) Who is John Heimlich and what does A4A do?
(5:52) Big wins for the U.S. airline industry in 2024
(8:15) Air traffic control staffing challenges and solutions
(12:38) Airspace capacity issues and delivery delays
(18:03) Pilot pay increases and airline financial health
(20:30) Revenue growth and sustainability of pilot contracts
(24:20) Industry profitability: Historical context and current outlook
(29:16) Political changes and their impact on airlines
(38:26) John’s advice for pilots and the future of aviation
(38:26) How to access A4A’s economic reports
(39:00) Outro
Connect with John Heimlich:
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/econdog
- Website: https://www.airlines.org
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/AirlinesforAmerica
—
You've found the number one resource for financial education for aviators! Please consider leaving a rating and sharing this podcast with your colleagues in the aviation community, as it can serve as a valuable resource for all those involved in the industry.
Remember to subscribe for more insights at PassiveIncomePilots.com! https://passiveincomepilots.com/
Join our growing community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/passivepilots
Check us out on Instagram @PassiveIncomePilots: https://www.instagram.com/passiveincomepilots/
Follow us on X @IncomePilots: https://twitter.com/IncomePilots
Get our updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/passive-income-pilots/
Do you have questions or want to discuss this episode? Contact us at [email protected]
See you on the next one!
*Legal Disclaimer*
The content of this podcast is provided solely for educational and informational purposes. The views and opinions expressed are those of the hosts, Tait Duryea and Ryan Gibson, and do not reflect those of any organization they are associated with, including Turbine Capital or Spartan Investment Group. The opinions of our guests are their own and should not be construed as financial advice. This podcast does not offer tax, legal, or investment advice. Listeners are advised to consult with their own legal or financial counsel and to conduct their own due diligence before making any financial decisions.
Previous Episode
#88 - Flight Schools and Passive Income: Insights from Gordon Alvord
In this episode of Passive Income Pilots, hosts Tait Duryea and Ryan Gibson talk with Gordon Alvord, Alaska Airlines captain and co-founder of Rainier Flight Service. Gordon shares how a 2008 furlough led to creating Washington State’s largest flight school, with over 70 aircraft and a reputation for innovation. Discover how he and his partner used business acumen, strategic investments, and bonus depreciation to build a scalable operation. Whether you're a pilot seeking side hustles or curious about aviation businesses, this episode is packed with actionable insights.
Gordon Alvord is an Alaska Airlines captain and co-founder of Rainier Flight Service, and a leader in aviation business and innovation. With a BS in Aeronautics from the University of North Dakota and over 18 years as an airline pilot, Gordon combines his flying expertise with a commitment to exceptional service, safety, and professionalism. Rainier’s success reflects its client-focused culture and dedication to advancing the aviation industry.
Show notes:
(0:00) Intro
(3:42) Starting Rainier Flight Service
(8:44) Flight school financial breakdown
(17:21) Bonus depreciation for tax savings
(20:10) Balancing airline career and business
(21:25) Expanding to new locations
(23:50) Aircraft leaseback programs explained
(37:48) Flight instructor opportunities
(39:15) Airline interview prep
(42:07) Cost of becoming a pilot
(45:40) Outro
Connect with Gordon Alvord:
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gordonalvord
- Website: https://www.rainierflightservice.com/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rainierflight
- X: https://twitter.com/rainierflight
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/RainierFlight
—
You've found the number one resource for financial education for aviators! Please consider leaving a rating and sharing this podcast with your colleagues in the aviation community, as it can serve as a valuable resource for all those involved in the industry.
Remember to subscribe for more insights at PassiveIncomePilots.com! https://passiveincomepilots.com/
Join our growing community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/passivepilots
Check us out on Instagram @PassiveIncomePilots: https://www.instagram.com/passiveincomepilots/
Follow us on X @IncomePilots: https://twitter.com/IncomePilots
Get our updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/passive-income-pilots/
Do you have questions or want to discuss this episode? Contact us at [email protected]
See you on the next one!
*Legal Disclaimer*
The content of this podcast is provided solely for educational and informational purposes. The views and opinions expressed are those of the hosts, Tait Duryea and Ryan Gibson, and do not reflect those of any organization they are associated with, including Turbine Capital or Spartan Investment Group. The opinions of our guests are their own and should not be construed as financial advice. This podcast does not offer tax, legal, or investment advice. Listeners are advised to consult with their own legal or financial counsel and to conduct their own due diligence before making any financial decisions.
Next Episode
#90 - Balancing Flying, Business Ownership, and Financial Growth with Carl Valeri
In this action-packed episode of Passive Income Pilots, Tait Duryea and Ryan Gibson sit down with Carl Valeri, an airline captain and experienced entrepreneur, to share actionable strategies to balance a flying career with building a passive income. Carl dives into creative ways to start or buy a business, reduce your tax burden, and even transition to aviation from another career. You’ll hear inspiring stories of people who’ve turned hobbies into thriving businesses and learn how you can design your lifestyle for financial freedom.
Carl Valeri is a captain with a major airline, a serial entrepreneur, and the Aviation Careers Podcast and Stuck Mic AvCast host. With a background in computer science and extensive experience running businesses, Carl specializes in helping individuals transition careers and build passive income streams. From lawn care to vending machines and aviation podcasts, Carl’s entrepreneurial ventures reflect his passion for learning and innovation. His coaching programs have empowered countless professionals to achieve their career and financial goals.
Show notes:
(0:00) Intro
(1:51) Carl’s story: airline captain and entrepreneur
(3:58) Early lessons from Carl’s first business
(8:05) What passive income means
(12:16) How to structure a pilot’s career for free time
(15:57) Tax benefits you can unlock with a business
(22:16) How to scale a successful business
(25:20) Why buying an established business might work for you
(34:15) Inspiring stories of career transitions
(49:28) How to connect with Carl
(47:00) Outro
Connect with Carl Valeri:
- Website: https://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aviationcareerspodcast
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/ExpertAviator
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AviationCareersPodcast
- Podcast: https://stuckmicavcast.com
—
You've found the number one resource for financial education for aviators! Please consider leaving a rating and sharing this podcast with your colleagues in the aviation community, as it can serve as a valuable resource for all those involved in the industry.
Remember to subscribe for more insights at PassiveIncomePilots.com! https://passiveincomepilots.com/
Join our growing community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/passivepilots
Check us out on Instagram @PassiveIncomePilots: https://www.instagram.com/passiveincomepilots/
Follow us on X @IncomePilots: https://twitter.com/IncomePilots
Get our updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/passive-income-pilots/
Do you have questions or want to discuss this episode? Contact us at [email protected]
See you on the next one!
*Legal Disclaimer*
The content of this podcast is provided solely for educational and informational purposes. The views and opinions expressed are those of the hosts, Tait Duryea and Ryan Gibson, and do not reflect those of any organization they are associated with, including Turbine Capital or Spartan Investment Group. The opinions of our guests are their own and should not be construed as financial advice. This podcast does not offer tax, legal, or investment advice. Listeners are advised to consult with their own legal or financial counsel and to conduct their own due diligence before making any financial decisions.
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