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.

VIDEO: Reaping the emotional and financial value of airline loyalty
News / Distribution
VIDEO: Reaping the emotional and financial value of airline loyalty
By PhocusWire | April 1, 2021
Mark Ross-Smith discusses the evolution to lifestyle programs from airlines and the drive toward personalization during a session at the PhocusWire Pulse event in March. Read More
Sabre unveils storefront technology enabling comparison of airline products and services
News / Distribution
Sabre unveils storefront technology enabling comparison of airline products and services
By Linda Fox | March 31, 2021
The technology is available via Sabre’s shopping APIs enabling users and developers to create their own storefront. Read More
Webjet invests $4.1M into blockchain startup LockTrip
News / Technology
Webjet invests $4.1M into blockchain startup LockTrip
By Jill Menze | March 31, 2021
As part of the deal, Webjet has agreed to a second optional tranche of $4.2 million for a total of $8.3 million. Read More
Sounding Off: The truest test of a travel brand? Disruption
Interview / Technology
Sounding Off: The truest test of a travel brand? Disruption
By PhocusWire | March 26, 2021
This will be found in a combination of honesty, the speed with which a brand makes good on refunds, implementing health protocols, not capitalizing publicly on the misfortune of other companies and... Read More
VIDEO: How one airline is rethinking every element of customer loyalty
News / Online
VIDEO: How one airline is rethinking every element of customer loyalty
By PhocusWire | March 26, 2021
AirAsia has shifted its loyalty strategy from providing passenger services to being a one-stop-shop for passengers to earn credit for tickets and numerous other consumer goods. Read More
JetBlue launches new travel site for customers to book hotels, car rentals
News / Online
JetBlue launches new travel site for customers to book hotels, car rentals
By Jill Menze | March 25, 2021
Called Paisly, JetBlue's new travel website lets consumers book hotels, car rentals and theme park tickets after they've purchased a flight. Read More
Travel recovery goes beyond planes in the sky - it requires customer empathy
Opinion / Technology
Travel recovery goes beyond planes in the sky - it requires customer empathy
By Simon Dempsey - AviLabs | March 25, 2021
Winning business is hard. Most successful companies will tell you that retaining customers is far cheaper than acquiring new ones.  Read More
VIDEO: Why loyalty programs are still relevant
News / Online
VIDEO: Why loyalty programs are still relevant
By PhocusWire | March 25, 2021
Phocuswright analyst Mark Blutstein has carried out a study into what consumers think about loyalty programs and what type of rewards and engagement they want from their favorite brands. Read More
PhocusWire Pulse: Loyalty For The Long Haul
News / Online
PhocusWire Pulse: Loyalty For The Long Haul
By PhocusWire | March 25, 2021
Our second PhocusWire Pulse concentrates on the world of loyalty and how the industry is evolving to capture the attention and hearts of consumers. Read More
hopper-170m-hopper-cloud
News / Online
Hopper closes $170M funding round, creates new B2B offering with Capital One as first partner
By Mitra Sorrells | March 24, 2021
Hopper is kicking off an ambitious growth plan that includes the launch of Hopper Cloud, selling its infrastructure, agency content, financial technology and data science capabilities to other travel... Read More
Leisure travel to lead airline recovery, but demand can’t do it alone
Opinion / Technology
Leisure travel to lead airline recovery, but demand can’t do it alone
By Aditi Mehta - PROS | March 23, 2021
Appealing to travelers will be increasingly important and a digital strategy built around customers and where, how and when they want to engage, will be the key to successfully gaining the loyalty and... Read More
Pangiam acquires airport biometric tech provider VeriScan
News / Technology
Pangiam acquires airport biometric tech provider VeriScan
By Kevin May | March 23, 2021
The VeriScan platform was originally developed by the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority's in-house technology department and is now in use at Dulles and Dallas-Fort Worth airports in the U.S. Read More
STARTUP STAGE: WePlan brings tech to travel team planning
Interview / Technology
STARTUP STAGE: WePlan brings tech to travel team planning
By Jill Menze | March 23, 2021
The Germany-based startup was founded by Franziska Burmester and Lana Jansen following successful careers in aviation consulting. Read More
Coupa acquires Pana business travel platform
News / Technology
Coupa acquires Pana business travel platform
By Kevin May | March 22, 2021
The deal is the second in the travel sector in recent years for U.S.-based Coupa after its deal to buy Yatra in January 2020. Read More
European regulators propose digital green light for travel
News / Technology
European regulators propose digital green light for travel
By Linda Fox | March 19, 2021
Proposals from European regulators would see a digital travel pass ready for the 2021 summer. Read More
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