Journalist and Author
A storyteller to his core, Chris has reported extensively on the global aviation industry as both an independent journalist and as editor/managing editor of Airways magazine. Air Transport World, Aviation Week, Aviation Daily, Flight Global, Airliner World Magazine, Airways Magazine, Leeham News and Analysis, The Points Guy, Business Insider, CNN Travel, USA Today, Runway Girl Network, and Forbes featured his coverage. He has interviewed numerous C-Suite executives, traveled the world covering multiple special airline inaugural flights, and has provided insider, behind-the-scenes coverage of international industry events such as Paris and Farnborough Air Shows, among hundreds of other features. Chris has been covered by Business Insider, USA Today, CNBC, and the Miami Herald (to name a few) and appears regularly on the Airways Podcast and FlightRadar 24.
Victorville: More Than Meets the Sky
Chris Sloan travels to California to learn why this quirky desert facility is far more than an aviation retirement home.
This TPG reader tested positive while on vacation in St Lucia; Here’s what happened next
Being locked down in strict COVID-19 isolation is not how we expected to spend the last part of our Caribbean Christmas vacation.
Front and Centre – Breeze Airways unveils first A220
Breeze Airways introduces its first Airbus A220, marking a new era of efficiency and comfort.
Decade of the Dreamliner – An Auspicious Start?
Reviewing ten years of Boeing 787 Dreamliner service and its impact on the industry.
Sweet Dreams Aren’t Made of this – Who is Boeing to Disagree
An editorial critique on the ongoing issues and promise of Boeing's Dreamliner program.
Inside American Airlines new HQ
A tour inside American Airlines’ new headquarters and its vision for the future.
London Calling: Putting Jet Blue’s Service from JFK to Heathrow to the test.
Our man in America, Chris Sloan, criss-crosses the pond to put JetBlue's first JFK-London services to the test.
Ten years on, is the Boeing 787 Dreamliner still more dream than nightmare?
A decade later, assessing the Boeing 787 Dreamliner's impact and performance in the aviation industry.
Breeze Airways Takes Delivery of First A220, Debuts “Nicest” Cabin Seating
Breeze Airways launched in May with an all-Embraer fleet shortly before becoming the largest Airbus A220-300 customer in the world. The delivery of its first A220 marks the introduction of its “Nicest” cabin seating and fare class.
Emirates Celebrates its First Scheduled Passenger Flight into Miami
Chris Sloan joins the celebrations as Emirates operates its first scheduled passenger flight into the Florida gateway
American Airlines: Crisis Command
How American Airlines managed operations during a time of crisis with quick decision-making.
From Fort Worth to 40,000ft – Interview with American Airlines Brian Znotins
Brian Znotins discusses American Airlines' strategic planning and route optimization.
Winds of Change? Interview with Breeze CEO David Neeleman
An insightful conversation with Breeze Airways CEO David Neeleman about the airline's innovative approach.
The abandoned airport terminal where everything still works
A look inside an abandoned airport terminal that remains operational despite its deserted state.
Avelo Airlines The ‘swift bird’ takes flight.
There’s a new kid on the American low-cost block. Chris Sloan meets Andrew Levy, Avelo Airlines’ chairman and CEO, before jumping on board for the first flight.
US Startup Breeze Airways Completes First Flight
Breeze Airways successfully launches its inaugural flight, entering the low-cost market.
Key West Airport Profile: The Little Island That Could
Key West Airport is a small but mighty hub with big ambitions and local charm.
Avelo Airlines Takes to the Skies
Avelo Airlines joins the ultra-low-cost carrier market with its first commercial flights.
JetBlue Celebrated its 20th year by unveiling the first of 70 Airbus A220-300s
JetBlue celebrated its 20th year by unwrapping a late Christmas present – the first of 70 Airbus A220-300s. Chris Sloan headed to the Big Apple to see the ‘Baby Bus’
Southwest Airlines – Riding the storm during the pandemic.
Chris Sloan chats with the chief commercial officer at Southwest Airlines, Andrew Watterson, to find out how the Dallas-based carrier is mitigating the effects of the gravest crisis in aviation history.
Return to Business: Return of the American Airlines 737MAX 8 after 2 years of grounding.
Almost two years since the FAA’s grounding order, the MAX is back in revenue service. Chris Sloan was on board the first US flight with fare-paying passengers since 2019.
The long-awaited return of the American Airlines 737 MAX
It has taken 20 challenging months for the 737 MAX to be recertificated, but it will take Boeing far longer to repair its broken trust. Chris Sloan steps on board a special 737 MAX flight – the first in the US since March 2019 – to examine whether the manufacturer has turned a corner.
Interview with Volaris Executive VP Holger Blankenstein
Volaris EVP Holger Blankenstein outlines the carrier’s growth strategy and market focus.
I flew on the first Boeing 737 Max passenger flight in the US since its grounding.
American says it worked closely with Boeing on recertification and rewriting of new training protocols.
Post-crash recovery: How one airline plans to restore confidence in the Boeing 737 MAX
With over 4,800 gross orders, the 737 MAX is the best-selling commercial aircraft in Boeing history.
Forecasting the Unforecastable
It has taken 20 challenging months for the 737 MAX to be recertificated, but it will take Boeing far longer to repair its broken trust. Chris Sloan steps on board a special 737 MAX flight – the first in the US since March 2019 – to examine whether the manufacturer has turned a corner.
Halting America’s Terminal Decline
The framework of the building at Salt Lake City begins to take shape Salt Lake City International Airport.
From Worst to First? LaGuardia’s Metamorphosis
Likened to ‘third-world’ countries by a former vice president and handed the moniker ‘LaGarbage’ by its long-suffering passengers, LaGuardia Airport is in the midst of a multi-billion dollar metamorphosis to reassert the downtown down-and-outer as the Big Apple’s premier gateway. Chris Sloan visits the city that never sleeps.
Interview with Lester Sola – Director and CEO of Miami-Dade Aviation Department
Lester Sola shares insights on managing Miami-Dade's aviation operations and future plans.
Airport Interrupted: Crisis Curbs Bright Start of New Orleans Airport
Examining how unforeseen crises impacted the promising launch of New Orleans' new airport terminal.
You’re Not Nineteen Forever – A Special Report on JetBlue
A special report analyzing JetBlue's evolution and current market position.
The Future of Air Travel – 6 part series for Airways Magazine
A comprehensive six-part series exploring the future trends and challenges in air travel.
A Letter from America amid the Covid-19 Crisis
After ten bountiful years, the US airline industry started 2020 with renewed optimism that the worst of the Boeing 737 MAX grounding was over. Yet barely a few months into the new year, the COVID-19 crisis has placed another dark cloud over the industry’s future, as Chris Sloan reports from Florida.
777X Breakthrough for Boeing
After a series of delays, the Boeing 777-9 has finally taken to the skies. Chris Sloan braved the inclement weather in Seattle to see the long-awaited maiden sortie for himself.
Here’s Looking at you, Blue: Jet Blue Looks Ahead to the Next 20 Years
As it turns 20 years old this month, JetBlue Airways is making bold moves: Ordering nearly 150 new state-of-the-art aircraft, shaking up the most valuable international route in the world and going green in a big way.
Boeing’s Huge 777-9X
The world’s longest and largest twin-engine airliner, the Boeing 777-9X, has finally taken to the skies for its maiden flight, offering a ray of hope for the troubled US aviation company following months of grim headlines.
New Orleans New Airport Is Open for Business
Highlighting the opening and features of New Orleans' new airport facility.
Paris Air Show 2019
Highlights and key takeaways from the 2019 Paris Air Show, a premier aerospace event.
Your Guide to American Airlines Premium Cabins
A detailed guide to the amenities and services offered in American Airlines' premium cabins.
Flashback: Flying the inaugural A-380 with Singapore Airlines
Recalling the experience of the first commercial flight of the Airbus A-380 with Singapore Airlines.
How United’s Working to Right the Ship – Greg Hart, COO and Andrew Nocella, CCO
United Airlines executives discuss strategies to steer the company towards stability and growth.
Interview with JetBlue CEO and President Joanna Geraghty and CEO Robin Hayes
JetBlue's leadership duo shares their vision and plans for the airline's future.
High Flyer Interview – Delta’s CEO Ed Bastian
Delta CEO Ed Bastian provides insights into the airline's strategies and industry outlook.
Interview with Robert Isom – President American Airlines
American Airlines President Robert Isom discusses the company's direction and initiatives.
NASA’s SOFIA Flying Laboratory
An overview of NASA's SOFIA project, a unique airborne observatory for astronomical research.
Boeing 737 MAX maiden flight roars off the runway
“It flew beautifully. We worked through checks but there were no issues.”
A Tour of Cuba’s Havana Airport
Exploring the unique features and operations of Havana's main airport in Cuba.
