Experience 029. Four questions for the CEO. An interview with David Neeleman. The Seat 1A Podcast.

03/09/20 • 10 min

In this experience we are very grateful to be joined by a serial airline entrepreneur – David Neeleman. If you don't know who David is, you likely know at least some of the airlines that he has founded, co-founded or co-owns. JetBlue (founded); Azul (founded); Morris Air (co-founded and sold to Southwest); WestJet (co-founded); TAP Air Portugal (co-owns). David has recently founded Breeze Airways (officially named in February 2020).

The Seat 1A team pose four questions to David and he shares his candid feedback.

Geoff enquires when David realized he was passionate about aviation?

Vinny notes David's global and multicultural leadership, and searches for that key factor that David believes has linked his successes together.

Geoff asks about the unique offering from David's airlines that provide a front of cabin experience.

Finally, Vinny uncovers what David's personal tip or hack is for every flight.

If you have a story about flying one of David's airlines, a question, or other experience that you would like to share, please email us at stories(at)seat1a.org or find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Patreon. Show notes are available online at http://podcast.seat1a.org/

The Seat 1A team pose four questions to David and he shares his candid feedback.

Geoff enquires when David realized he was passionate about aviation?

Vinny notes David's global and multicultural leadership, and searches for that key factor that David believes has linked his successes together.

Geoff asks about the unique offering from David's airlines that provide a front of cabin experience.

Finally, Vinny uncovers what David's personal tip or hack is for every flight.

Previous Episode

Experience 028. Behind the Scenes. The Aircraft Turnaround. The Seat 1A Podcast.

In this experience we take a look behind the scenes and share the things that are happening in the background to your plane from before it arrives and departs.

We start four to six hours before the flight even arrives and what is required for the gate. What' the backup plan? Who is coming off of the plane? Are there unaccompanied minors, special assistance passengers, or groups? Are there any maintenance issues? As we get closer to the arrival, what is the minimum required turnaround time set by the airline? Has the airport been set for the flight arrival?

While that is happening, passengers are checking in. Are there enough crew? Are there issues with the plane weight and balance? Are there any special passengers or groups to account for? If the flight is late, do passengers checking in have the appropriate visa documentation?

How much fuel is the outbound flight going to need? Is it going to need de-icing? Is there special cargo? What are the catering requirements? Is there any notification from Customs and Immigration about a flight check?

Is the equipment needed on the ramp in working order and ready? Are the groomers and caterers ready?

Is the outbound crew ready with their checks and preparation of the plane? Has the pilot signed off on all documentation?

How is the passenger baggage being unloaded? How is the liquid and solid waste being disposed of? Are all the meals loaded as required? What's happening with tight passenger connections?

Who's at fault if the plane pushes back late?

As we can see there are many moving parts and processes between your plane landing and departing – many more are discussed in this experience.

News Items:

breakingtravelnews article "Alaska Airlines to join oneworld alliance"
BBC article "Storm Ciara helps plane beat transatlantic flight record"

If you have a story about a plane turnaround, a question or other experience that you would like to share, please email us at stories(at)seat1a.org or find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Patreon. Show notes are available online at http://podcast.seat1a.org/

Next Episode

Experience 030. Dirty Thirty. COVID-19 and Cleanliness on Airlines. The Seat 1A Podcast.

We wanted to extend our best wishes to all those in the industry during these incredibly challenging times for the aviation industry. The entire COVID-19 situation has brought about some strange occurrences.

During this time of global self-isolation, we invite out listeners to go back to our previous experiences – since eventually, planes will start flying again.

We had planned to talk about airline cleanliness in an episode – this has provided us the perfect opportunity.

Remember everyone that an airline is a public space, but that we do expect it to be comfortably clean when we board. How do different airlines groom their planes – outsourced to third parties, or does the crew groom the plane?

When a crew groom the plane what happens? What gets cleaned? What was Vinod's bone of contention that he got so often on flights? Deep cleaning is supposed to happen on a certain cycle. First flights out of the day from Canada to the US lead to interesting discoveries. What about premium cabins? How about carpeting on the plane?

Geoff and Vinod review a Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) news investigation about the dirtiest surfaces in an airplane. The filthiest location may surprise you and we review the five most filthy locations.

It's not all dirty though. There are airlines that consistently get recognition for their cleanliness.

Airlines do need to deal with different cultural practices where individuals may not be aware of airplane etiquette. And as always - passengers do silly, gross things on flights no matter where in the world. Remember that a plane may be a bit dirtier due to their turnaround time business model.

We share some tips on how to try to stay as clean and sanitary as possible on a flight. There is no need to be paranoid – once again remember it's a public space.

If you have a story about how you are dealing with COVID-19 as a passenger or flight staff, a question, or other experience about airplane cleanliness that you would like to share, please email us at stories(at)seat1a.org or find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Patreon. Show notes are available online at http://podcast.seat1a.org/