Airline Industry News

PhocusWire's in-depth coverage of the airline sector, featuring news, analysis, interviews, research and more on network carriers, low-cost airlines and package charters.

The airline sector continues to evolve rapidly, driven by technological innovation, shifting traveler expectations, and a dynamic global marketplace. PhocusWire delivers up-to-the-minute airline industry news with a focus on distribution strategies, operational advancements, customer experience, and sustainability in aviation.

Latest airline updates, trends, and aviation insights

Get a comprehensive view of what’s shaping the global airline landscape—from new fleet technologies and route expansions to loyalty program shifts and retailing transformations. Our coverage highlights how carriers are adapting to economic pressures, regulatory changes, and emerging consumer trends through digital tools, automation, and enhanced service models.

Business travel spend back to pre-pandemic levels by 2024
News / Online
Business travel spend back to pre-pandemic levels by 2024
By Molly Dyson - BTN | November 22, 2021
While the recovery of business travel in 2021 has proceeded at a slower pace than predicted last year, global business travel spend is expected to surge in 2022. Read More
Elude raises $3 million for budget-based travel booking app
News / Online
Elude raises $3 million for budget-based travel booking app
By Jill Menze | November 19, 2021
The seed round was led by ATX Venture Partners, bringing Los Angeles-based Elude's total funding to $5 million. Read More
american-airlines-winding-tree
News / Distribution
American Airlines enables direct connection through Winding Tree
By Mitra Sorrells | November 19, 2021
Through the partnership, employees of an unnamed large corporate buyer can book their leisure travel directly with American Airlines, without the use of an intermediary, while still receiving the... Read More
AirAsia adds biometric facial recognition to super app services
News / Technology
AirAsia adds biometric facial recognition to super app services
By Kevin May | November 19, 2021
The biometric technology, known as Fast Airport Clearance Experience System (FACES), will be deployed initially for air travel and in the Philippines. Read More
hopper-fintech-future-travel-2
News / Technology
VIDEO: Hopper on fintech and the huge opportunity in travel
By PhocusWire | November 18, 2021
During a session at the Phocuswright Conference 2021 this week, Hopper CEO Fred Lalonde discussed the size of the opportunity he sees in fintech. Read More
Despegar narrows adjusted EBITDA loss in Q3 2021
News / Online
Despegar narrows adjusted EBITDA loss in Q3 2021
By Jill Menze | November 18, 2021
Despegar ended the third quarter of 2021 with an adjusted EBITDA loss of $10.3 million, its highest adjusted EBITDA figure since the pandemic-affected second quarter of 2020. Read More
Google highlights travel trends that will shape travel in 2022
News / Online
Google highlights travel trends that will shape travel in 2022
By Jill Menze | November 16, 2021
According to the online search giant, travel will become more meaningful, inclusive and purposeful moving into 2022. Read More
Hot 25 Startups 2022: Flyzy
Interview / Startups
Hot 25 Startups 2022: Flyzy
By PhocusWire | November 15, 2021
Flyzy aims to transform modern-day travel into a completely personalised and hassle-free experience by bringing innovation and the power of technology right to your fingertips. Read More
hot-25-travel-startups-2022-gordian-sofware-main-2
Interview / Startups
Hot 25 Startups 2022: Gordian Software
By PhocusWire | November 15, 2021
Gordian Software enables online travel agencies, travel management companies, airlines and other travel companies to sell air-related ancillaries. Read More
Hot 25 Startups 2022: Kambr
Interview / Startups
Hot 25 Startups 2022: Kambr
By PhocusWire | November 15, 2021
Kambr delivers revenue optimization solutions through a combination of software and services. Read More
Hot 25 Startups 2022: Miles
Interview / Startups
Hot 25 Startups 2022: Miles
By PhocusWire | November 15, 2021
The Miles platform and app allows anyone with a smartphone to earn miles for all of their travel. Read More
Sounding Off: NDC still means different things to different people
Interview / Distribution
Sounding Off: NDC still means different things to different people
By PhocusWire | November 12, 2021
Many now admit that, perhaps in that initial phase, IATA mis-sold NDC, with one of the criticisms levelled at its development being too much talk of costs. Read More
Amadeus enters into value-based distribution deal with Delta
News / Distribution
Amadeus enters into value-based distribution deal with Delta
By Robert Silk - Travel Weekly | November 12, 2021
Delta has been doing away with flat segment fees and replacing them with scaled payments to GDSs based upon the value of each booking. Read More
Collaboration: how we can overcome barriers to NDC's success
From Our Partners / Distribution
Collaboration: how we can overcome barriers to NDC's success
By Angel Gallego - Amadeus | November 12, 2021
Now is the time to get on board and collaborate towards a shared vision to unlock these opportunities in digital travel retailing. Read More
Travel industry urged to be more ambitious on sustainability
News / Distribution
Travel industry urged to be more ambitious on sustainability
By Linda Fox | November 11, 2021
A Roadmap to Net Zero report from the WTTC and Accenture says some elements of travel could fully decarbonize before 2030. Read More
The Phocuswright Conference 2026