Skylar Vanel Taking Over As Host of Airborne Programming

After a long run as the Senior Host of Airborne programming, ANN's Laura Hutson let us know some time ago that she had some personal projects she wanted to undertake... and that after a long and distinguished run as the Host of Airborne, that she was ready to get a start on the next chapter of her life.

And, after an extensive search that was a little more involved than it should have have been, we have found an outstanding person (much later in the process) to take over for Laura... starting this next week.

Her name is Skylar Vanel, and her experience and background are a solid match for what we need for now... and in the future... and her enthusiasm has already shown itself to be a solid indicator that all circumstances aside, we appear to have a great match in the making.

So.... over the next few weeks, including the abbreviated holiday programming roster between now and the first of the years, 'Sky' (great nickname... no?), will be taking on the chore of hosting all current editions of Airborne and helping us plan for some new ones in 2019.

Sky has serious bona fides for this gig... Skylar grew up in Texas, but since, she has lived coast-to-coast.There aren't many places left that she hasn't been- She's been to all 50 states, and 42 countries. She has lived in 10 states and did a few stints abroad where she lived in London, Dubai, and Auckland. Skylar graduated from the University of Alaska Fairbanks with a BA in Digital Journalism, and a science minor. Skylar brings over 10 years experience in Broadcast Journalism, and a love for aviation.  Over the years she has worked as an Anchor, a Meteorologist, a Multi-Media Journalist, and as a Sports Reporter. Before she worked in media, Skylar was a flight attendant. In her spare time, she takes classes towards a masters degree, and during baseball season you'll find her cheering on her favorite team- The Houston Astros.

Yeah... like we said, Sky has serious skills -- and better yet, massive enthusiasm for all things aviation. That's a good thing, because ANN is about to dramatically bet the ranch in an effort to raise the bar higher than ever before in terms of an even more aggressive brand of real aviation journalism that champions the future, aids in the industry's survival, and enhances new opportunities for aviation to do more than exceed past glories but to build a new generation of capabilities and freedoms that offer all those who dream of flight the chance to realize their aspirations.   

But more on that later... in the meantime, excuse our dust as we work through the next few week's abbreviated holiday schedules and make this complex transition. We also hope you'll wish Sky good luck as she learns the ropes of the Airborne game and carries on all the good works that Laura pioneered so that Airborne becomes even more valuable to you ALL in the future.

FMI: I Have Comments About The Next Generation of Airborne Programming