Airline Business – December 2025

Summary

Antonoaldo Neves, Etihad Airways chief executive, talks frequencies and growth in Airline Business's December 2025 issue as the Abu Dhabi carrier enters a new expansion phase. The issue also examines why Emirates and Flydubai are likely to become even closer at the new Al Maktoum Airport, Asia's role in the net-zero push, and how US discount carriers are rethinking routes amid painful contraction.

The cover story "Real Results" (P16) profiles Neves' strategy for Etihad's growth phase. The Comment piece "Premium Bonds" (P4) examines whether the post-Covid premium-cabin boom is structural or a mirage — noting that corporate travel demand is still below 2019 levels in tickets sold even where revenue has caught up. LATAM CEO Roberto Alvo (P20) focuses on fleet renewal and operational improvements as SAF production remains a distant dream in Latin America. EgyptAir's Capt Ahmed Adel (P24) is readying the carrier for growth as the government invests in aviation infrastructure and targets doubling tourist traffic. A TravelX advertorial promotes the RmX solution, claiming it adds up to 1.5% to revenue.

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Content Guide

▸ Cover Story / Features

P16 · Real Results
Etihad CEO Antonoaldo Neves is steering the Abu Dhabi carrier into a new growth phase. The interview covers frequency strategy, fleet planning and how Etihad positions itself between the Gulf's super-connectors.

P20 · Striking a Balance
LATAM Airlines Group CEO Roberto Alvo on why fleet renewal and operational improvements are his focus while SAF production remains a distant prospect in Latin America. The piece offers a realistic alternative to the sustainability narrative that dominates European carrier interviews.

P24 · Ready for Growth
EgyptAir's Capt Ahmed Adel is preparing the carrier for expansion as the government invests in aviation infrastructure and targets doubling tourist traffic. The interview provides a rare look at North African aviation strategy.

P26 · Realising Potential
IATA's global sustainability gathering saw stakeholders cite Asia's role in turning SAF ambition into reality. Familiar frustrations about global progress persist, but the Asia-focused opportunity set is new.

P30 · Changing Dynamics
US discount carriers underwent painful contraction over recent months, but their capacity cuts opened unexpected network opportunities for other carriers. Network planners should study the specific routes identified here.

▸ Comment / Briefing

P04 · Premium Bonds
Analysis of whether the post-Covid premium-cabin boom is structural. Airlines are investing to make premium cabins bigger, and Air France-KLM regularly cites "Premiumisation" in earnings calls. But corporate travel demand has not returned to 2019 levels in tickets sold. The article raises the uncomfortable possibility that the industry is "enjoying the fruits of growing financial inequality."

P06 · Clark's Blended Vision for Al Maktoum Airport
Emirates' Tim Clark on the airline's future at the new airport and the likely closer integration with Flydubai.

P08 · Lima Latest to Make Latin Misstep
Peru's aviation market faces another setback as regulatory uncertainty deters investment.

P12 · Domestic Adjustments in Japan
Japanese carriers adjust domestic capacity in response to changing demand patterns and high-speed rail competition.

P14 · Saudi Transforming as It Grows
The Kingdom's aviation transformation continues with new carriers, expanded airports and tourism-driven demand.

▸ Analysis / Paid Content

P33 · Market Outlook
Quarterly market outlook with traffic and financial forecasts.

TravelX Paid Content
The RmX post-booking revenue solution uses AI to identify lower-yielding passengers and offer them incentives to switch flights. Claimed benefit: adds up to 1.5% to revenue. Customers include GOL, AirAsia, Viva, Spirit Airlines and Scoot.

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Editor's Take

The "Premium Bonds" Comment piece is the most intellectually honest article in this issue — it asks whether the premium-cabin boom is structural wealth inequality rather than a genuine market shift, a question most aviation media avoids. The Neves and Alvo interviews are both solid. The TravelX paid content is clearly labelled and contains a genuinely useful ROI claim (up to 1.5% revenue addition) that is specific enough to be verifiable. The weakest element is the LATAM SAF piece — while the reality check is welcome, the article offers no real path forward. Best for airline strategists, network planners and anyone questioning the sustainability of the premium-travel boom.

Strengths
• "Premium Bonds" Comment raises a necessary structural question
• Neves interview provides insight into Gulf carrier strategy
• TravelX ROI claim (up to 1.5%) is specific and testable

Weaknesses
• LATAM SAF article lacks a constructive path forward
• Briefing items are too short for the complexity of the topics

Verdict: Recommended — Buy for the "Premium Bonds" analysis and the Neves interview.