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Turbulence: Fifty Years on the Leading Edge of the Airline Industry
A behind-the-scenes view of the commercial airline industry from the “Airline Doctor.”
"[An] easy-to-read yet informative in-depth analysis of the aviation industry. For those who are fascinated by the dynamics of airline travel and are intrigued by how so many different disciplines come together to make flying what it is today, this is a must read.”—Gordon Bethune, chairman and CEO, Continental Airlines (retired)
David A. Banmiller’s career as an executive has put him in the middle of some of the airline industry’s defining moments over the last fifty years, from its 1960s jet-age heyday, to an era of hijackings in the 70s, through the aftermath of the Pan Am Lockerbie disaster in 1988 and the September 11th tragedy. Are you fascinated with aviation or ever wondered why prices change and legroom is limited? Turbulence is a fascinating journey through the industry—its people, its economics, and the logistics of continually “moving the iron” in times of ongoing upheaval. Challenging myths that flying is unsafe and expensive, the food is awful, and the personnel grouchy, this unique business memoir delves into the history of air travel, how it evolved into what it is today, and what the future holds. Infused with wisdom gleaned from hard lessons learned on the front lines, Turbulence is an engrossing peek behind the scenes of a memorable career in a tumultuous—but indestructible—American industry.
"[An] easy-to-read yet informative in-depth analysis of the aviation industry. For those who are fascinated by the dynamics of airline travel and are intrigued by how so many different disciplines come together to make flying what it is today, this is a must read.”—Gordon Bethune, chairman and CEO, Continental Airlines (retired)
David A. Banmiller’s career as an executive has put him in the middle of some of the airline industry’s defining moments over the last fifty years, from its 1960s jet-age heyday, to an era of hijackings in the 70s, through the aftermath of the Pan Am Lockerbie disaster in 1988 and the September 11th tragedy. Are you fascinated with aviation or ever wondered why prices change and legroom is limited? Turbulence is a fascinating journey through the industry—its people, its economics, and the logistics of continually “moving the iron” in times of ongoing upheaval. Challenging myths that flying is unsafe and expensive, the food is awful, and the personnel grouchy, this unique business memoir delves into the history of air travel, how it evolved into what it is today, and what the future holds. Infused with wisdom gleaned from hard lessons learned on the front lines, Turbulence is an engrossing peek behind the scenes of a memorable career in a tumultuous—but indestructible—American industry.
- GenresAviation
276 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 23, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
February 1, 2024
A somewhat interesting read, although not my favorite. His story telling didn’t connect with me as much. Part of this is probably due to the fact that he is likely targeting an audience not intimately familiar with the industry as I am. I didn’t appreciate some of his characterizations of pilots and their unions, but that is to be expected since he was part of airline management and I am a pilot in a union.
I really appreciated his explanation of the great innovations in aviation to improve safety and efficiency. Aviation is often maligned as detrimental to the environment, but when you really take a closer look you see that all the common criticisms fall short. He does a good job highlighting this point.
I also enjoyed reading his perspective on David Neelman and JetBlue. He speaks very highly of both Neelman and JetBlue on multiple occasions. I think current leadership at JetBlue would do well to read these bits as he is praising things that used to be core parts of the company that have diminished in recent years.
For anyone not familiar with the aviation industry, and airlines specifically, this is an informative and easy read that overall was enjoyable.
I really appreciated his explanation of the great innovations in aviation to improve safety and efficiency. Aviation is often maligned as detrimental to the environment, but when you really take a closer look you see that all the common criticisms fall short. He does a good job highlighting this point.
I also enjoyed reading his perspective on David Neelman and JetBlue. He speaks very highly of both Neelman and JetBlue on multiple occasions. I think current leadership at JetBlue would do well to read these bits as he is praising things that used to be core parts of the company that have diminished in recent years.
For anyone not familiar with the aviation industry, and airlines specifically, this is an informative and easy read that overall was enjoyable.
June 17, 2023
Had some very insightful and informative moments, but not my favorite. A bit turned off by the constant reminders of the raunchy treatment flight attendants got back in the day.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews