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
Valkenburg: KLM Celebrates Air-Rail Relations With Release Of 104th Delft House
The train station is the oldest in the Netherlands.
Looking Back: Delta Air Lines and Southwest Battle For Dallas Love Field
Delta was eventually granted full access to a gate.
United Airlines Announces Huge 110 Aircraft Order With More Boeing 787 & Airbus A321neo
The airline is mapping out its fleet strategy well into the 2030s.
Alaska Airlines' Mileage Plan Frequent Flyer Program: The Simple Flying Guide
The newest oneworld member has grown its reach significantly in recent years.
Delta Air Lines' SkyMiles Frequent Flyer Program: The Simple Flying Guide
Everything you need to know about the Delta Air Lines frequent flyer program.
5 Reasons Large Private Jets Aren't Always Practical
Very large private jets certainly have their benefits, but even those who can afford them might balk at some of the realities of ownership.
Ed Force One: The Story Of The Iron Maiden Boeing 747 Then And Now
The 19-year-old jumbo jet has certainly had a rock and roll career!
Confirmed: Vietnam Airlines Purchases 50 Boeing 737 MAX In $7.8 Billion Deal
The order is solely for the 737 MAX 8 variant.
New Pacific Airlines: Northern Pacific Forced To Rebrand After BNSF Injunction
This is one airline that just can't catch a break.
Why The Airbus A220 Is The Plane Of The Future
Since Airbus acquired the program, it has turned into a very successful aircraft family.
Low-Cost Luxury: Startup Beond To Connect Munich, Zurich & Riyadh With Maldives
The all-business class startup has revealed its initial routes.
Why Jeju To Seoul Is The World’s Busiest Route
The route retained its position over the COVID pandemic.
Passenger Experience: 6 Design Priorities For Airports
Christian Vatter, founder of the innovation agency Rlevance, shares his priorities for better airport design.
The Collapse Of Flybe: What Went Wrong
Flybe's first collapse came at the onset of the COVID pandemic following years of problems.
Why Airlines Reducing Leg Room Isn't Always Bad
Reduced legroom benefits the airlines much more than the passengers.
Why Virgin Atlantic Flew A Vickers Viscount To A Small Dutch City
Did you know about this short-lived service?
Which US Airlines Allow Dogs & Should More Airlines Allow Dogs On Flights?
Which carriers allow passengers to bring their furry friends into the cabin?
Could The Airbus A220 Ever Fly Passengers Across The Atlantic?
With the A220 already flying long-haul routes, could it fly across the pond?
Southwest Vs Ryanair - Which Carrier Has The Best Low Cost Strategy?
Serving two of the world's largest markets, the airlines have their obvious strengths and weaknesses.