Podcast: Former Spirit CEO On ULCC Disruption & What's Next | Ben Baldanza (1:20:00)The Ultra-Low-Cost-Carrier model has exploded worldwide. After doing exceedingly well during two previous downturns, 9/11 and the 2008 recession, these carriers are once again gearing up for rapid expansion as we emerge from COVID-19.
Frontier is the first passenger carrier to announce hiring during the COVID crisis. Spirit is rumored to start up interviews again soon. Despite this impressive feat, the arrogant attitude towards the ULCC’s has continued amongst some pilots even after they’ve seen explosive growth and contractual gains.
We sat down with former Spirit CEO Ben Baldanza to make sense of it all. We talk about winners and losers. Is Delta delusional to think they can be cash neutral in Q2? We discuss timelines for bankruptcies and possible mergers. We learn what’s next from a true expert and industry insider who has served as a high-level leader within pretty much every major airline.
Listen to this fascinating interview with JetBlue Board Member and Former Spirit CEO Ben Baldanza and Raven’s own ULCC Pilot, Jason DuVernay.
Timestamps:
[02:18] How has Ben's fascination with strategy and board games affected the way he leads in business?
[07:35] Breeze Airlines: How will they disrupt?
[14:44] Industry Status: Optimism in quarterly reports, delusional?
[24:50] ULCC comparisons
[29:37] Q2 Cash neutral, a pipe dream?
[35:00] Why haven't we seen much success with ULCC's using wide-body aircraft?
[39:15] Passengers who fly ULCC's; cheap or smart? An economics lesson.
[42:52] Cares Act 2: Should pilots be excited about their recall?
[44:51] "Hope is not a strategy," United's candor.
[48:02] CASM: Are ULCC's able to outlast legacy price pressure?
[50:43] Is consolidation something we should be preparing for? Ben's Five bold predictions for the US airline industry in 2021
[1:00:22] Canceled: Spring Break 2021
[1:04:30] What keeps Ben up at night?
[1:09:18] What is Ben optimistic about?