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.

Southwest, Sabre set July 26 as GDS start date
News / Distribution
Southwest, Sabre set July 26 as GDS start date
By Michael B. Baker - BTN | June 1, 2021
The date falls on the early end of Southwest's prior guidance of the second half of 2021. Read More
eDreams Odigeo highlights subscriptions and vaccines as routes to better times
News / Online
eDreams Odigeo highlights subscriptions and vaccines as routes to better times
By Kevin May | May 27, 2021
The current slump in revenue comes despite what the online travel agency group says is a strong position to "ride the industry tailwinds" as the market begins to recover. Read More
VIDEO: Biometrics lead the way for fast, contactless identification in travel
News / Technology
VIDEO: Biometrics lead the way for fast, contactless identification in travel
By PhocusWire | May 27, 2021
Paravision CEO Doug Aley explains the benefits of biometric systems for identification and security and what’s next for this technology.   Read More
How I Got Here, episode 66 - David Armstrong and Sebastian Kaatz of HolidayPirates
Interview / Online
How I Got Here, episode 66 - David Armstrong and Sebastian Kaatz of HolidayPirates
By PhocusWire | May 27, 2021
Originally a content site, HolidayPirates quickly morphed into a large listings service for discounted air tickets, as told by Armstrong and Kaatz to PhocusWire's Kevin May and David Litwak of Mozio. Read More
IATA warns of “chaotic” airport scenes if governments fail to adopt digital COVID checks
News / Technology
IATA warns of “chaotic” airport scenes if governments fail to adopt digital COVID checks
By Jill Menze | May 27, 2021
According to IATA, airport processing times have ballooned to three hours per trip and could reach as long as eight hours. Read More
Portside raises $17M to grow cloud-based business aviation tech
News / Startups
Portside raises $17M to grow cloud-based business aviation tech
By Jill Menze | May 24, 2021
Founded in 2018, Portside helps aviation management companies, aircraft owners, corporate flight departments and fractional operators streamline their digital data operations. Read More
payment-transformation-amadeus
News / Technology
How the COVID-19 crisis is accelerating transformation of travel payments
By Mitra Sorrells | May 21, 2021
A new study from Amadeus finds trends that were emerging pre-pandemic – especially related to the adoption of alternative payment methods – are quickening across all sectors of travel. Read More
Airlines are finding new ways to boost traveler confidence
News / Distribution
Airlines are finding new ways to boost traveler confidence
By Linda Fox | May 20, 2021
COVID insurance policies and providing consistent information are among measures carriers are taking to entice travelers. Read More
How I Got Here, episode 65 - Alex Cruz of British Airways
Interview / Distribution
How I Got Here, episode 65 - Alex Cruz of British Airways
By PhocusWire | May 20, 2021
Alex Cruz admits that his career has been centered around people "betting on me" as a leader of businesses, as he tells Mozio's David Litwak and Kevin May of PhocusWire. Read More
Will bureaucracy over vaccinations kill the travel industry?
Opinion / Distribution
Will bureaucracy over vaccinations kill the travel industry?
By Dan Richards - Global Rescue | May 19, 2021
Governments need to achieve a level of coordination to ensure the smooth reopening of borders. Read More
Trip.com Group points to "full recovery" in domestic travel
News / Online
Trip.com Group points to "full recovery" in domestic travel
By Kevin May | May 19, 2021
The company, operator of the Ctrip, Skyscanner and Trip.com brands, says the group's overall revenues were mainly due to a "strong recovery" in March 2021. Read More
PhocusWire Pulse: Decoding Travel Security
News / Technology
PhocusWire Pulse: Decoding Travel Security
By PhocusWire | May 19, 2021
Our fourth PhocusWire Pulse looks at the current state and future of security in travel, examining issues ranging from biometrics, system breaches, listing fraud and blockchain. Read More
VIDEO: Research Spotlight - Middle East travel report and recovery progress
News / Online
VIDEO: Research Spotlight - Middle East travel report and recovery progress
By PhocusWire | May 18, 2021
Online travel bookings fell by 64% in the Middle East during 2020 - a signal that the region faired somewhat better than others around the world. Read More
Travel recovery and responsibility: A chance to do the right thing
News / Technology
Travel recovery and responsibility: A chance to do the right thing
By PhocusWire | May 17, 2021
With the COVID-19 pandemic putting the industry's operations on hold for over a year, some might hope that companies have used this time to think seriously about their role in climate change and other... Read More
Airports must lose check-in desks, reduce touchpoints
News / Technology
Airports must lose check-in desks, reduce touchpoints
By Linda Fox | May 17, 2021
The aviation industry has missed past opportunities to create a more automated passenger journey. Read More
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