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 Simple Flying Podcast Episode 172: Lufthansa Buys ITA, Air New Zealand Is Weighing Passengers & 3 More Stories
Join Jo and Tom for the latest from the world of aviation.
Air France Economy vs KLM Economy – Which Is Best?
Have you been onboard Air France or KLM? Which economy cabin do you prefer?
Northern Pacific Airways Delays Launch But Only By Three Weeks
The airline has postponed its inaugural flight to June 23rd.
The Simple Flying Podcast Episode 170: Mental Health Awareness Week - In Conversation With Captain Chris
Join Jo as she sits down with Captain Chris to discuss mental health in and out of the cockpit.
The Complicated Legacy and Uncertain Future of the GDS For Airline Ticket Sales
The GDS has long been the industry standard, but startups and low-cost airlines are increasingly moving away.
The Simple Flying Podcast Episode 169: Coronation Aviation Recap, Ryanair's Massive Boeing Order
Join Jo and Tom for the latest from the world of aviation.
Turkish Airlines Teases Huge 600 Airplane Order To Be Announced Next Month
The carrier wants to grow its fleet to 813 aircraft by 2033.
Breaking: Ryanair Places Huge Order For Up To 300 Boeing 737 MAX 10s
The huge order is worth $40 billion USD.
Shocking Photos: Pratt & Whitney GTF Woes Deepen As Iraqi Airways Grounds All Airbus A220s
Iraqi Airways is the latest airline to suffer a loss of capacity as its four A220s are taken out of service.
How Qantas Gave Airbus The Confidence To Increase The Range Of The A220
The Aussie airline needed a bit more from the A220, and the modification paid off for Airbus.
Business Air Travel Is Not Back Yet: Will It Ever Be?
Research shows business travel is still down around a quarter from pre-pandemic times; will it rebound fully?
Britten-Norman & Cranfield Merge To Bring Zero Emissions Airplane To Service By 2026
The two innovative powerhouses will form a new company to accelerate the development of a zero-emissions aircraft.
US Travelers Target Europe For Summer 2023 Vacations
With the world open again, many US travelers are already booking for big summer getaways.
Can We Stop Talking About Aviation’s Recovery Now?
With the world unlocked and numbers creeping back towards pre-pandemic levels, is the recovery complete?
Southwest Airlines Flights Grounded Amid Technology Issue
Southwest Airlines is in another world of pain today after technology issues caused hundreds of its flights to be grounded.
Webinar: In Conversation With The 'Father Of The Airbus A220' Rob Dewar
Join us to meet the man that started it all back in the CSeries days.
Why Wasn't The Second Antonov An-225 Finished?
Antonov had got 60 - 70% of the way through a second An-225, so why wasn't it completed?
Why Did The USSR Build The Antonov An-225?
The giant airplane was built with one very special purpose in mind...
Airport Of The Month: Los Angeles International
For April 2023, Simple Flying picked Los Angeles International (LAX) as our Airport of the Month!
7 Things You Might Not Know About Los Angeles International (LAX)
Think you know LAX? Let’s find out…