Testimonials

“I’ve known Bill for over 10 years, and he has always been a source of positive energy, good spirits, and analytically sound and creative research. Importantly, I have found Bill’s work to be insightful, detailed, and forward-thinking and I consider him a valuable resource. He is a grizzled airline industry veteran and he is probably forgotten more about airlines than I may ever know!”

“I have worked with Bill Swelbar on various projects for the past thirty years.  He has assisted me in air service and economic analysis of the aviation business and over the years and became a “go to” person when I need to better understand the airline business or the current economic environment.  Bill’s work is also recognized and valued by the airport trade associations.  He is often sought after by these associations to brief their Board of Directors and leaders on the airport and airline business.  His most recent presentation “Landed in a Pandemic, Departing in a Recession” was a masterful and candid portrayal of the current state of the aviation industry and where it is headed.  Documents such as this have provided guiding principles for me as I have managed airports over the years. ”

“Bill Swelbar brings an intricate knowledge of the commercial airline industry that is backed up by a significant amount of industry data.  That data combined with his long-term experience and strategic perspective provides clients with a clear picture of their air service market.  As a 30-year airport executive and past chairman of the American Association of Airport Executives, I have had the privilege of working closely with Bill on industry workforce challenges.  His knowledge, data, and most importantly his passion for our industry make him a valuable asset for any client.”

“Bill Swelbar and I first met when I was the Executive Director of the Duluth Airport Authority in 2002.  Why is that important?  Bill grew up in Duluth.  What is also ironic, is that I met Bill not long after the events of 9/11 forced the industry into a major restructuring.  Now I am writing as the industry is fighting for its survival resulting from a pandemic and a deep recession.  As in 2002, Bill and his team are at the forefront of analysis that helps to shape the industry’s thinking as it navigates what promises to be a changed business model for airlines and how that will transcend the airport industry.  His analysis, knowledge, and passion for the airline and airport industries are respected by virtually every stakeholder.”

“I have had the pleasure of knowing and working with Bill Swelbar for 15 years. Bill has an exceptional understanding of the airline and airport industry and is considered one of the leading experts in airline economics. I have reached out to Bill Swelbar and his team several times over the years to perform unique and complex analyses that other aviation consultants were incapable of performing and have been especially pleased with the results. ”

“Bill is an air service savant, and the depth of expertise and innovation he brings to every project has allowed us to assemble and use data effectively in support of our advocacy objectives. Because Bill knows aviation policy, in addition to aviation data, we never have to spend a lot of time explaining or doubling back on what we want to understand or convey. Projects run smoothly and we get the insight we need quickly and accurately. Bill is always more than willing to explain his work in layman’s terms and to help us gain acumen in conveying it. Whether it is examining air service trends, modeling risk for vulnerable markets, or demonstrating the economic footprint of small-town air service, Bill’s work is exceptional. This is why we’ve turned to him for support countless times over the years as an important partner in the fight to preserve small community air service.  ”

“I have had the pleasure of knowing Bill since 1999, when I was with United and his firm GKMG was assisting us with some analysis of our proposed merger with US Airways. I’ve maintained a valued professional relationship with Bill through his many years of consulting as well as important contributions as an MIT research engineer and lecturer. I have always appreciated his passion, acumen, and dedication. Most of all I have admired his determination to shape—and re-shape—how we think about commercial aviation. Of particular interest has been his unparalleled attention to small community air service, but his work encompasses a broad array of topics such as airline business models, competition, fleet planning, network structure, and labor relations/economics. He has always brought an independent, balanced view to the table, captured effectively through his innovative, energetic presentations and thought-provoking blog posts and op-eds. Bill has earned an excellent reputation thanks to these impressive traits as well as his numerous and diverse relationships across the industry. His experience speaks for itself.”

“I was lucky to have Bill Swelbar as a colleague and mentor during my time at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and later as an air service development consultant. Bill has dedicated his career to understanding, analyzing, and predicting the future of commercial air service in the United States. His breadth of expertise is wide and deep, from labor relations to public policy to small community air service, and his rolodex is filled with leading figures at airlines, airports, labor, and government. I can think of no one better positioned or better connected than Bill to attack these trying times for the airline industry, and I can provide only my highest recommendation to those who are, like me, lucky enough to have the chance to work with him.”

“Bill was one of my research advisors at MIT (along with Peter Belobaba).  As I reflected in my thesis acknowledgements, “Bill has an uncanny ability to add value to numbers, to turn data points into history lessons (and undoubtedly controversies).  I learned more from my conversations with Bill than from the hundreds of pages I read while a graduate student.”  Bill’s storied experience and industry passion is rivaled only by his humility.  That is why I continue to seek Bill out as a lifelong mentor.”

“Today I have the pleasure to serve on Hawaiian Holdings (Airlines), Inc. board of directors with Bill Swelbar.  As is true with Bill throughout his career, he brings a unique perspective to the table at each meeting.  I have known Bill for 25 years.  The beginnings of our knowing each other occurred when I served as President of the Airline Pilots Association.  Often, we sat on opposite sides of that table.  While typically working for a common outcome, economic interests of the parties we represented were most often not aligned.  While I certainly did not always agree with Bill, he always made his case with analytical integrity.  I am often a sounding board for Bill today, and that attribute remains true no matter the issue, the client or the political environment that often causes others to veer from their core beliefs.”

“Bill has established himself as a global leader in the airline industry. I’ve had the honor to hear Bill speak on multiple topics and venues. His messages are honest, straightforward, and convincing. His expertise and experiences in airline business is second to none and his passion is infectious. I’ve been an airline pilot for over 20 years and I’ve worked heavily in the analyst community for five years. I learn something new every time he presents. Exceptional speaker and genuinely wants you to understand his message. Bill has always gone the extra mile, no matter what he is doing.”

“Once a very tough competitor of mine, in 2013, I recruited Bill to join me at InterVISTAS.  He quickly became and remains one of my closest colleagues.   I immediately recognized that Bill was unique among experts, he had a point of view and he was not afraid of stating it.  That meant while we might pay a commercial price sometimes, we would always have the respect of the aviation industry.  Everyone returned Bill’s call. While his greatest contribution to my life has been his never-ending source of original thinking backed by razor sharp analysis, what I appreciate most is his integrity.  Knowing Bill Swelbar has made my life better.”