#89 - Air Traffic, Pilot Pay, and Airline Economics with A4A's Chief Economist John Heimlich

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

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*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.