Morning Wire Podcast Summary

Episode: The Overhaul That Could Transform U.S. Air Travel
Date: December 21, 2025
Hosts: Georgia Howe, John Bickley
Guest: Chris Sununu (Former New Hampshire Governor, President & CEO of Airlines for America)

Main Theme and Purpose

This episode explores the sweeping changes underway in U.S. air travel, specifically the $12 billion Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) modernization project. Through an interview with Chris Sununu, the discussion dives into both industry-wide infrastructure upgrades and enhancements to the passenger experience, painting a picture of impending transformation in American skies.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Handling the Busiest Travel Period in History

• Context: Last month marked a record-breaking travel day for TSA, coinciding with a Midwest storm and aftermath of a 43-day government shutdown.
• Airline Performance: Airlines managed to minimize cancellations and delays effectively, even amidst air traffic controller shortages and logistical chaos.
  • Sununu: “There were actually very few cancellations...even though there were a lot of air traffic controller callouts and all that, I think they did an amazing job.” (02:40)
• Logistics: Forced cancellations by the government complicated aircraft and crew logistics but were managed efficiently.
• Readiness: Despite challenges, airlines are now prepared for heightened travel demand.
  • Sununu: “It's going to be busy, it's going to be exciting, but the airlines are ready...they’re growing and ready to handle the capacity now.” (03:26)

2. Air Traffic Control: Addressing the Crisis & Modernization

• State of Crisis: No acute crisis, but critical shortages in air traffic controllers and outdated systems.
  • Sununu: “There's a lack of controllers and we’re trying to get more people in the system…there's a lot of delays in it that just aren’t really necessary.” (03:39)
• Bureaucracy & Solutions: The FAA is working to remove bureaucratic obstacles and update recruitment and training.
• Modernization Effort:
  • Moving from “literally floppy disks and paper strips” to modern technologies.
  • Bipartisan support (including Senator Cruz) and increased funding demanded measurable results.
  • Goals include improving efficiency, speed, and safety of the American airspace.

3. Rollout & Implementation of Upgrades

• Progress: Modernization efforts have begun—appropriated dollars, hiring expert integrators, and upgrading technology are all underway.
  • Sununu: "They are already replacing copper into fiber. They're doing some of the computer and new equipment transfers...looking at new simulator technologies...it's all in process." (04:53)
  • He expects "real big wins" for the industry within the next six months.

4. Enhancing Customer Experience at Airports

• Department of Transportation Initiatives: Introducing gyms, playgrounds, and wellness upgrades at airports.
  • Sununu: “Airports themselves are getting bigger, they’re getting more robust. Some are like high-end shopping malls…completing that mission of making sure...you know, things to kind of, whether it’s working out or taking care of yourself...when you’re waiting for the next flight.” (06:08)
• TSA Improvements: Systems like PreCheck and CLEAR have drastically reduced wait times.
  • Sununu: “You can get through a TSA line in two minutes now in some places, as opposed to the two hour waits we used to have.” (06:37)
• Affordability: Competition and transparency have driven down costs for travelers and expanded accessibility.
  • “Most importantly, it’s more affordable. More Americans travel now than ever before because all this competition…has really reduced prices.” (06:54)

5. Has Flying Really Become Cheaper? (Hard Data)

• Statistical Evidence: Airline ticket prices have remained almost flat since 2019 despite widespread inflation elsewhere.
  • Sununu: “Since 2019...the average product in America has probably gone up about 30, 32%...Airlines 1%, I think it’s increased. The average domestic ticket has actually increased about 1% in five or six years. So that’s well below inflation.” (07:35)
• Accessibility Expansion: Airlines are investing in making travel inclusive for people with disabilities and for seniors.
  • Sununu: “Nobody should be cut out of the travel experience. And I think airlines are doing everything they can to make those investments.” (08:06)
• Strategic Importance: Air travel as both a personal opportunity and a national asset.
  • Sununu: “It’s a strategic national asset...for some folks, it’s just the opportunity to go visit a loved one…expand a business…” (08:29)

Memorable Quotes & Moments

• On Modernization:
  “We're getting away from, I mean literally floppy disks and paper strips and this old school coding that is really from the early 90s.”
  — Chris Sununu (03:53)

• On Airline Readiness:
  “It's going to be busy, it's going to be exciting, but the airlines are ready.”
  — Chris Sununu (03:26)

• On Affordability and Inclusion:
  “The average domestic ticket has actually increased about 1% in five or six years...There's more transparency on prices...Nobody should be cut out of the travel experience.”
  — Chris Sununu (07:35–08:06)

Notable Timestamps

• 02:40: How airlines managed the busiest day and government shutdown chaos
• 03:39: Explaining the air traffic control shortage and modernization needs
• 04:53: Implementation details of FAA’s modernization—fiber optics, new systems, facility upgrades
• 06:08: Airport customer experience improvements—wellness and convenience
• 07:35: Data: Why air travel is a rare exception to inflation
• 08:06–08:29: The importance of travel accessibility and its role as a national asset

Tone

Throughout, Sununu is optimistic yet candid, repeatedly commending the current administration’s fast action while stressing the need for continuous modernization. The tone is factual, forward-looking, and focused on concrete improvements—balancing industry pride with a practical outlook on what remains to be done for American flyers.