About Joanna Bailey
Joanna has led Simple Flying from a startup to the world's largest online aviation publication. With a decades-long background in digital publishing and travel, her valuable insight on both the operational side and the aviation industry have beautifully combined to bring the Simple Flying vision to life. Moderator, commentator, analyst and journalist, Joanna has become a prominent personality in modern aviation media.
Why do you love aviation?
Aviation is the string that connects the world. Thanks to aviation, people can discover new places, do business across continents, enjoy produce from all around the world and stay connected to friends and family. Despite understanding the fundamental physics behind getting a plane into the sky, the 'miracle of flight' still awes me on every takeoff, and the logistics behind getting that flight off the ground are fascinating.
What is your industry focus?
I pride myself on keeping up to date with all aspects of the aviation industry. In particular, I love to hear about new innovations in passenger experience, new seats, onboard products and facilities to make travel even better. I particularly enjoy the rise of solutions for passengers with reduced mobility, and the relentless efforts of airlines to shake off the image they have as the poster child of environmental damage. Design and manufacturing are fascinating to me, as are the many exciting (sometimes unfruitful) initiatives surrounding new airline launches and new aircraft types.
What is your favourite aircraft and why?
This is such a hard question to answer, but anyone who listens to the Simple Flying podcast will know I have a soft spot for turboprops (Dash 8 FTW!). In terms of jets, the A350 is an incredible aircraft for so many reasons, as too is the A220 pocket rocket. The 747 played a big part in my early travel years, as I'm sure it did for many, while the 757 remains a very special aircraft that is sadly dwindling in numbers today. Looking back, I wish I'd been around to fly the icons of yesteryear - the Constellation, the DC-3, the Comet... but I'm also excited to see what's next for aviation!
Latest Articles
The Differences Between De Havilland's DHC-6 'Twin Otter' Variants
The original Twin Otter only had three variants, but a fourth was made by another manufacturer.
How Tony Douglas Is Building Riyadh Air To Be A Better Airline
Getting to grips with a brand-new airline is a dream come true for Riyadh Air's CEO.
What Happened To US Cargo Carrier Southern Air?
The carrier flew freight services for itself and for other operators.
What Happened To Indian Carrier Kingfisher Airlines?
How did the carrier go from boasting the second-largest share of the domestic Indian aviation market to bankruptcy in the space of a few years?
Meet The Celera 500L: A Business Aircraft With Exceptional Fuel Efficiency
A futuristic business aircraft design is here.
Closing 'Shadow Factories' Could Be Boeing's Quality Control Solution
CFO Brian West believes repositioning the talent currently reworking planes can help it improve production quality.
The 5 Coolest European Fifth Freedom Flights
There are fewer fifth freedom flights today than there were in the past, but it’s still possible to fly within Europe on some pretty exotic airlines.
Why Did The Cessna 162 Skycatcher Fail?
The two-seat Light Sport Aircraft was canceled with less than 200 units publicly sold.
What Happened To Pan Am's Boeing 747 Aircraft?
While most aircraft have been broken up or scrapped, a handful are preserved.
The Simple Flying Podcast Episode 201: Spirt-JetBlue Merger Blocked, Akasa's Massive 737 MAX Order
Join Jo and Tom for the latest from the world of commercial aviation...
Age, Environmental Impact & More: Which Trends Are Influencing Aviation's Post-COVID Recovery?
A look at how the aviation industry continues to adapt their business in post-pandemic market.
The Simple Flying Podcast Episode 200: Alaska Airlines Door Blowout, Japan Airlines Fiery Crash
Join Jo & Jake as we share some of the biggest news stories that have broken in 2024 so far.
The Simple Flying Podcast Episode 199: Aviation's 2023 Wrapped
Join the Simple Flying team as we share some of the biggest news stories from around the world in 2023.
Did ETOPS Kill The Airbus A380?
Changing rules around the way in which two engined aircraft were used made the business case for the Airbus A380 increasingly weak.
Japan Airlines Airbus A350 Lands Engulfed In Flames In Tokyo
The plane collided with a Coast Guard aircraft upon landing.
Momentum Ventures: Powering Innovation In The Travel Industry
Simple Flying had the opportunity to sit down with Matt Keezer, CEO of Momentum Ventures, to find out more about this exciting holding company.
Turkish Airlines Plans Australia Flights In March 2024 With Margot Robbie As Brand Ambassador
Turkish Airlines is close to signing Oscar-nominated Margot Robbie as its brand ambassador for its upcoming Australia flight launch in March.
Japan Airlines First A350-1000 Departs Toulouse For Tokyo
Japan Airlines' first Airbus A350-1000 has departed for Tokyo, with the aircraft set to enter service in early 2024.