[zalzally]

If you haven't yet, I would spend a couple years working for a reasonably good airline (US: Southwest, Virgin America, JetBlue, etc.) and see how it's done. Not sure which function would be the best to focus on, but operations seems like the trickiest part in managing costs, schedules, fares, passengers, employees, airport personnel, federal agencies, you name it.

[decadentcactus]

It'd probably have to be Qantas (or Virgin Blue) since I wouldn't be able to work in the US but it is a good idea. I'm trying to make sure I don't get complacent as well :P