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.

timeshifter-2-million
News / Startups
Jet-lag app Timeshifter raises $2M as it launches new product for shift workers
By Mitra Sorrells | February 5, 2021
The company has partnerships with travel brands including Tripadvisor, Travelperk, SAP Concur, CWT and United Airlines. Read More
Kiwi.com draws rash of complaints for not paying air refunds
News / Online
Kiwi.com draws rash of complaints for not paying air refunds
By Jaime Biesiada - Travel Weekly | February 4, 2021
The agency is accused of not dispersing refunds on air travel canceled by airlines due to COVID-19. It claims the refunds have been delayed by the volume of requests due to the pandemic. Read More
anand krishnan-ibs-software
Interview / Technology
In The Big Chair - Anand Krishnan of IBS Software
By Jill Menze | February 4, 2021
In 2018, Anand Krishnan was brought on as CEO of IBS Software, a leading SaaS solutions provider managing mission-critical operations for airlines, airports, hotels and cruise companies. Read More
iata-2020-traffic-figures
News / Online
Global air passenger traffic shows historic decline in 2020, future bookings down 70%
By Mitra Sorrells | February 4, 2021
IATA’s baseline forecast for 2021 predicts an improvement of 50.4% over 2020 demand. Read More
ixigo-buys-confirmtkt
News / Distribution
Ixigo buys train booking app Confirmtkt to serve India’s $8B rail market
By Mitra Sorrells | February 4, 2021
The deal aligns with the Indian online travel agency’s decision in 2019 to focus on flights, trains and buses. Read More
The challenges of digital health passports in getting corporate travelers back on the road
News / Technology
The challenges of digital health passports in getting corporate travelers back on the road
By Linda Fox | February 3, 2021
In a Q&A with PhocusWire, Brandon Balcom, director of innovation, business development, for CWT, discusses barriers to digital health passports. Read More
Expedia opens up discount rates to COVID-hit travel agency partners
News / Distribution
Expedia opens up discount rates to COVID-hit travel agency partners
By Kevin May | February 3, 2021
The company's affiliate program, which has around 10,000 agency partners, will be opened up so that exclusive rates for hotel and air ticket packages are available for all. Read More
WEBINAR REPLAY! How travel can leverage payment technology for a smart COVID-19 recovery
News / Technology
WEBINAR REPLAY! How travel can leverage payment technology for a smart COVID-19 recovery
By PhocusWire | February 2, 2021
As airlines and travel agencies plan their comeback, it is essential they have access to the most recent and relevant research enabling them to make smart decisions on how to mitigate the economic... Read More
makemytrip earnings
News / Online
MakeMyTrip sees 2020 end with some financial improvement
By Linda Fox | February 2, 2021
MakeMyTrip has seen improvement in gross bookings and revenue across its business units for its third quarter 2021 financial earnings. Read More
business travel recovery 2025
News / Distribution
Business travel expected to make full recovery by 2025
By Kevin May | February 2, 2021
According to GBTA, global business travel spending slumped by over a half to $694 billion during a coronavirus-hit 2020. Read More
travalyst-coalition-report
News / Online
Prince Harry-backed Travalyst coalition urges industry collaboration to “rebuild more responsibly”
By Mitra Sorrells | January 29, 2021
Former Skyscanner CEO Bryan Dove is now chairing the coalition, working alongside Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex, who launched it in 2019 with Booking.com, Skyscanner, Trip.com Group, Tripadvisor and... Read More
In the new world of business travel, traveler wellbeing must come first
Opinion / Technology
In the new world of business travel, traveler wellbeing must come first
By Scott Sunderman - Collinson | January 29, 2021
For essential travel in the COVID era, employees need robust pre‐travel screenings, 24/7 access to medical and travel advice and detailed contingency plans. Read More
WEBINAR REPLAY! Connected trip - Is it still relevant in 2021?
News / Technology
WEBINAR REPLAY! Connected trip - Is it still relevant in 2021?
By PhocusWire | January 29, 2021
Before the pandemic the idea of the “connected trip” was widely discussed in the travel industry. But how will it evolve in a post-pandemic environment. Read More
How travel app usage paints another picture of travel's fate in 2020
News / Online
How travel app usage paints another picture of travel's fate in 2020
By Linda Fox | January 28, 2021
Travel apps went quiet as the pandemic hit but there were some notable exceptions such as Airbnb and Vrbo. Read More
united-airlines-covid-19-app
News / Technology
United app now accepts flyers' COVID test, vaccine info
By Robert Silk - Travel Weekly | January 27, 2021
The rollout of the feature coincides with CDC mandates for U.S. arrivals that go into effect this week. Read More
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