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.

Digital nomads are helping fuel recovery in the Middle East
News / Online
Digital nomads are helping fuel recovery in the Middle East
By Jill Menze | February 25, 2021
Thanks to initiatives such as Dubai’s Digital Nomad Visa, the Middle East region is seeing green shoots of recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. Read More
U.S. Customs and Border Protection launches app to expedite travel
News / Technology
U.S. Customs and Border Protection launches app to expedite travel
By Jill Menze | February 24, 2021
The CBP One Mobile App allows travelers to streamline their travel into the United States by providing information before or upon arrival or departure. Read More
Travelport rebrands to align with company's “monumental culture shift”
News / Distribution
Travelport rebrands to align with company's “monumental culture shift”
By Mitra Sorrells | February 23, 2021
Travelport is launching a new visual identity ahead of the rollout of its next generation platform, which will replace the legacy three-core distribution system. Read More
emirates-gds-fees-tw-rerun
News / Distribution
Emirates to roll out GDS fees as it moves sellers toward an NDC solution
By Robert Silk - Travel Weekly | February 23, 2021
Emirates' GDS surcharge of between $14 and $25 per ticket will begin July 1. Read More
The vital, the obvious and the hopeful: Tech trends to watch in travel
News / Technology
The vital, the obvious and the hopeful: Tech trends to watch in travel
By Kevin May | February 22, 2021
We list some of the trends noted by a recent CBInsights report and how they might strike a chord with the industry's strategies to move forward in 2021. Read More
trustly-part-1-recovery
News / Online
Investment in digital channels a priority for airlines, OTAs
By Mitra Sorrells | February 22, 2021
Trustly asked leaders from European OTAs and airlines about the strategies they intend to use to improve their relationship with travelers. Read More
uplift-ventures-500k
News / Startups
Jet-lag app creator Uplift Ventures closes $500K angel round
By Mitra Sorrells | February 19, 2021
Uplift Venture says it will use the money to develop the app and also a new solution for night shift workers. Read More
As Bitcoin surges, will cryptocurrency become an accepted form of payment in travel?
News / Technology
As Bitcoin surges, will cryptocurrency become an accepted form of payment in travel?
By Mitra Sorrells | February 18, 2021
Industry experts agree digital currencies are an inevitable evolution and provide advantages for travel payments, but there are challenges to adoption. Read More
Travel + Leisure Co. launches online booking platform
News / Online
Travel + Leisure Co. launches online booking platform
By Jill Menze | February 17, 2021
Travel + Leisure Co., formerly known as Wyndham Destinations, has launched a vacation booking platform as part of the company's rebrand. Read More
Future-Proofing Travel: Decius Valmorbida of Amadeus
News / Distribution
Future-Proofing Travel: Decius Valmorbida of Amadeus
By PhocusWire | February 17, 2021
In this series of one-to-one interviews with business leaders, we ask them to detail changes that are coming now and in the future. Our guest for this episode is Decius Valmorbida, president of the... Read More
Sabre revenues fall by 66% during COVID-hit 2020
News / Distribution
Sabre revenues fall by 66% during COVID-hit 2020
By Kevin May | February 16, 2021
The company says its metrics were negatively impacted by the onslaught of the coronavirus pandemic but a number of cost-cutting measures put in place during the year partially offset the impact. Read More
EasyJet boss talks sustainability, business travel and uncomfortable decisions
News / Distribution
EasyJet boss talks sustainability, business travel and uncomfortable decisions
By Linda Fox | February 15, 2021
EasyJet's boss, Johan Lundgren, points to previous crises as proof that demand will rebound. Read More
pnp-digital-passport-panel
News / Technology
Health passport standards, interoperability critical for revival of international travel
By Mitra Sorrells | February 12, 2021
During a panel discussion hosted by Plug and Play, industry leaders stressed the need for fast solutions to spur travel this summer. Read More
Lufthansa Innovation Hub spins off mobility startup RYDES, Porsche acquires stake
News / Startups
Lufthansa Innovation Hub spins off mobility startup RYDES, Porsche acquires stake
By Linda Fox | February 11, 2021
Lufthansa Group and Porsche are now minority stakeholders in the startup, with Porsche’s Forward31 venture arm acquiring a stake. Read More
Lastminute.com Group ends 2020 with 62% collapse in revenue
News / Online
Lastminute.com Group ends 2020 with 62% collapse in revenue
By Kevin May | February 10, 2021
The online travel agency business brought in €128.9 million in core revenues over the 12-month, pandemic-hit period. Read More
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