In this detailed discussion, Barry Eustance from The Sixsess Consultancy speaks with Remco Althuis (former CEO of Air Seychelles and Nordic Aviation Group) about the realities facing European airlines in 2025
They explore the paradox of rising costs and record passenger demand, the pressure of post-COVID labour expenses, and the razor-thin margins defining today’s airline industry.
Together they examine how legacy carriers like KLM, IAG, and Lufthansa are adapting – and why consolidation among smaller airlines is becoming inevitable.
The conversation also looks at the sustainability of airline business models, the operational strain on carriers with high labour costs, and what future developments might reshape the European aviation market.
Watch now to learn:
• Why costs are rising despite strong passenger demand.
• How labour inflation is impacting airline profitability.
• Why consolidation is increasingly critical for smaller airlines.
• How business models must evolve to remain sustainable.
• Which carriers are outperforming in a challenging market.
Sound bites:
– “Costs are going through the roof.”
– “Aviation is in a paradoxical situation.”
– “KLM is under pressure from several fronts.”
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to European Aviation Analysis
04:01 Current State of European Airlines
10:30 KLM’s Challenges and Opportunities
15:56 Cost Dynamics in European Aviation
21:10 KLM’s Business Model Viability
25:58 Lufthansa’s Position in the Market
36:22 The Future of Smaller European Carriers
Links:
• The Sixsess Consultancy Home:
• The Sixsess Consultancy Training:
• The Just Great People Podcast:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1mLL4YkJ9LEUPsjaZwBLAjoR-h8YEXpu
Keywords:
Aviation, Airline Industry, European Airlines, KLM, IAG, Lufthansa, Vueling, Air Seychelles, Nordic Aviation Group, Operational Challenges, Cost Dynamics, Consolidation, Sustainability, Labour Costs, Market Analysis, Airline Profitability, Aviation Economics, Business Model Evolution, Airline Competition, The Sixsess Consultancy