Top Story
Jet fuel costs are hitting new highs, eating into the gains from higher airfares. Delta is expected to be among the few U.S. airlines to see a profit this year.
What Changed: Record jet fuel — $4.37 a gallon in September, $4.50 Thursday — is wiping out much of the gains from the record revenue carriers will report starting Friday.
Who it Impacts: Airline CFOs, revenue managers, corporate travel buyers, and investors tracking Q3 earnings.
What to Watch: Whether 32% higher domestic fares hold as capacity returns, and if American and JetBlue lose ~$1B.
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Skift Aviation Forum · NYC · November 12
Record fares, record revenue, and most U.S. carriers still won’t turn a profit this year. The margin math is the whole story heading into 2026, and it’s the conversation happening on stage at the TWA Hotel on November 12.
Luis Gallego of International Airlines Group, David Neeleman of Breeze Airways, and American Airlines CCO Nat Pieper work through where airlines compete harder and where loyalty closes the gap, across a one-day agenda built around the profitability question.
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SPONSORED · MINOR HOTELS
Asset-light growth can accelerate scale, but owners still carry the risk. Operators with capital at stake may make more disciplined investment decisions.
From Skift Research
Jet Fuel Shock Cuts Airline Profits in Half
Source: Skift Research’s State of Travel 2026
IATA projects that a 69% jump in jet fuel prices will cut airline net profits 49% in 2026 — to $23 billion from $45 billion.
Skift Podcast
Europe's Hotel Market Is Not Slowing Down. It Is Maturing.
Sarah Nan Dupre, Strategic Partnerships Director at AirDNA, explained why a softer European market is not a warning sign but a sign of maturity.
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Skift Executive Search
People Moves
This week's people moves shaping the industry. Email us about a move.
Vincent Billiard has been appointed Chief Operating Officer of LVMH Hotel Management's Cheval Blanc and a member of its Executive Committee, effective October 5.
Maria Strati has been appointed Chief Commercial Officer at Shedir Collection, effective October 1.
Patrick Cimerola, Chief Human Resources Officer at Choice Hotels International, will retire at the end of 2026 after 25 years with the company.
Joe Riley has taken over as CEO of Casago, succeeding founder Steve Schwab, who moves to Chairman.
Michael Menis is stepping away from IHG Hotels & Resorts after 25 years, most recently as SVP, Global Marketing.
Kara Brill Randall has joined Accor as Chief Development Officer, Accor Luxury Brands, North America, after 20 years at Hilton.
Kelly Vohs has been named CEO of Alterra Mountain Company, effective October 19.
Luc Bondar has been named Chief Brand & Commercial Officer at Universal Destinations & Experiences, effective October 19, succeeding Alice Norsworthy, who retires at year-end.
Virtuoso has named Thatcher Brown Chief Development Officer, a newly created role effective immediately.
Ankit Aggarwal is leaving RateGain after eight years, most recently as Deputy Chief Financial Officer.
IHG Hotels & Resorts has named Leanne Harwood SVP, Global Sales. She has spent 20+ years with IHG, most recently as SVP and Managing Director, Luxury, Lifestyle & Managed Hotels, Americas.
Drew Crawley, President of Amex GBT, has succeeded Paul Abbott as CEO, effective immediately.
Abbott becomes an Operating Partner with Long Lake, which recently completed its acquisition of Amex GBT.
Jeff Moore will join Hilton as Executive Vice President and Chief Technology Officer on 26 October, reporting to CEO Chris Nassetta.
Adam Armstrong has been appointed Chief Commercial Officer of Scenic Group, effective November 1, leading commercial for Scenic, Emerald Cruises & Tours, and Mayflower from Zug, Switzerland.
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