#78 Montie Brewer: Interview with former Air Canada CEO

#78 Montie Brewer: Interview with former Air Canada CEO

In this episode we’re joined by Montie Brewer, former President and CEO of Air Canada, who provides a glimpse into the airline industry from the vantage point of a major airline leader. Montie draws on his experience as a CEO to share insights into how airlines make decisions about their networks and approach technology adoption. For entrepreneurs hoping to break into this space, Montie offers great advice, explaining how airlines, under the scrutiny of passengers, shareholders, and sustainability goals, make or break the technologies you're developing. He stresses that for airlines, decisions are data-driven and focused on clear returns, demanding solutions that enhance operational efficiency and financial performance.

Speaking from the perspective of someone who led a major airline, Montie talks about challenges such as balancing airline schedules with operational performance, predicting block times well in advance, and navigating the complexities of IT upgrades. Montie's reflections, combined with his personal passion for aviation, make this episode a must-listen for anyone looking to navigate the airline industry.

7:35 Is the ultra-low cost carrier model dead?
14:49 Falling in love with airline network planning
17:01 Airline network planning
24:07 Block time and slack
28:59 CEO perspective on network planning
32:51 Scheduled vs. on-demand model
34:12 The role of an airline CEO
36:31 Five reasons why airlines will never make money
40:23 Frequent flier programs
44:06 The winning business model
52:59 Modernizing airline IT systems
1:00:57 Privatizing ATC in the U.S.
1:03:24 Exciting emerging technologies

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