First Things First, Let's Buckle Those Belts: Economic Turbulence Ahead for Airlines & Airports with Bill Swelbar, Airline Consultant

The P-56 Aviation Podcast

As I set out to chart a course for who to invite for the first several episodes of the P-56 Podcast, Bill Swelbar was at or near the top of the list for his unique insights, deep knowledge of the airline industry, and experience with airport service development. In the premiere podcast for P-56, Bill discusses his updated forecast for air service from 2020-2025, what he's gotten right in the forecast, what he's gotten wrong in the forecast, and what he'd really like to be wrong about in the forecast for the future. We also discuss a lack of replacements for the 50-seat regional jet, airports that may be winners and losers in the new economic reality of airline travel, and where business aviation might be able to fill the gaps left by a shrinking airline industry.

Currently with the Swelbar-Zhong Consultancy, Bill has been at the forefront of airline industry analysis throughout a changing world. Previously with Delta Airport Consultants and InterVistas, he also holds positions at MIT and sits on the Board of Directors for Hawaiian Airlines. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Eastern Michigan University and an MBA from The George Washington University. The Swelbar-Zhong Consultancy website is currently under construction, but Bill can be found on LinkedIn here or reached via e-mail at [e-mail] with questions about the forecast.