Skift Aviation Forum 2026: Airline Growth, Mergers, and What Comes Next

The Decision Brief SKIFT AVIATION FORUM David Neeleman, Founder, Chairman, and CEO, Breeze Airways Moderated by Gordon Smith, Airlines Editor, Skift THE TAKEAWAY Independent airlines can pursue growth by creating demand in markets that established carriers have overlooked. Breeze Airways founder David Neeleman argued that low trip costs and new nonstop connections can make underserved routes commercially viable, offering an alternative to competing directly with major airlines for existing passengers. PATHS FORWARD Find demand beyond existing airline networks. Neeleman said Breeze targets underserved routes where nonstop service makes travel more convenient, citing markets where passenger volumes have multiplied after service began. Build costs around the market opportunity. Neeleman emphasized trip costs over conventional per-seat comparisons, describing how Breeze combines smaller aircraft, premium seating, and bundled services to support routes with limited existing demand. Invest in reliability where alternatives are scarce. Breeze uses dedicated aircraft to transport maintenance crews and replacement parts, an approach Neeleman said helps prevent cancellations on routes with limited frequencies. WHAT TO WATCH How new routes stimulate travel demand. Breeze’s experience raises questions about how much additional travel improved nonstop connectivity can generate in underserved markets. Whether airlines capture more value beyond the flight. Neeleman discussed plans to participate in the hospitality and other economic activity generated by new air service, potentially expanding revenue opportunities. Access all the Skift Takeaways from this event, as well as full session videos, presentation documents, and more editorial coverage at our Skift Aviation Forum attendees hub.