As I set out to chart a course for who to invite for the first several episodes of the P-56 Podcast, Bill Swelbar was at or near the top of the list for his unique insights, deep knowledge of the airline industry, and experience with airport service development. In the premiere podcast for P-56, Bill discusses his updated forecast for air service from 2020-2025, what he's gotten right in the forecast, what he's gotten wrong in the forecast, and what he'd really like to be wrong about in the forecast for the future. We also discuss a lack of replacements for the 50-seat regional jet, airports that may be winners and losers in the new economic reality of airline travel, and where business aviation might be able to fill the gaps left by a shrinking airline industry.
​
Currently with the Swelbar-Zhong Consultancy, Bill has been at the forefront of airline industry analysis throughout a changing world. Previously with Delta Airport Consultants and InterVistas, he also holds positions at MIT and sits on the Board of Directors for Hawaiian Airlines. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Eastern Michigan University and an MBA from The George Washington University. The Swelbar-Zhong Consultancy website is currently under construction, but Bill can be reached via e-mail at [email protected] with questions about the forecast.

What is P-56? Take a look at a Washington aeronautical chart and you’ll see two small shaded areas over the city of Washington DC. Those shaded areas represent the prohibited airspace over the nation’s capitol. In the tract of land under the airspace given the designation of Prohibited Area 56, significant work is done to regulate and develop our aviation system. 
This podcast aims help any aviation professional or hobbyist learn more about what makes our aviation system tick. Hosted by Martin Rottler, a professional avgeek with experience in airline management and as a university professor in the United States, and featuring experts from across the aviation industry, each episode will take a deep dive into the known and little known areas of aviation policy, economics, and current affairs. 
Episode 1, featuring Bill Swelbar of the Swelbar-Zhong Consulancy, MIT, and member of the Board of Directors for Hawaiian Airlines will be released soon!
Follow us on Twitter and Instagram at P56Podcast, Like us on Facebook, and subscribe using your favorite podcast streaming service. Have an idea for an episode? Drop an e-mail to [email protected].