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.

Revolut acquires Swifty to build AI concierge for customers
News / Startups
Revolut acquires Swifty to build AI concierge for customers
By Linda Fox | October 14, 2025
Swifty, which launched in 2023, uses LLMs and a conversational interface to help plan and book corporate travel, including payment and invoicing. Read More
Where are they now? Catching up with the Hot 25 Travel Startups for 2022
News / Startups
Where are they now? Catching up with the Hot 25 Travel Startups for 2022
By Mileva Sapic | October 13, 2025
As we build up to unveiling the PhocusWire Hot Travel Startups for 2026, we are checking in with some of the class of 2022, including Road.Travel, Onfly and Wheel the World. Read More
PhocusWire's weekly travel tech news briefs: Accelya, Hotelrunner, Riyadh Air and more...
News / Technology
PhocusWire's weekly travel tech news briefs: Accelya, Hotelrunner, Riyadh Air and more...
By PhocusWire | October 10, 2025
Keep up with all the latest people, partner and product news from around the global travel industry. Read More
Rapid Fire with Sarosh Waghmar of Spotnana
News / Online
Rapid Fire with Sarosh Waghmar of Spotnana
By Morgan Hines | October 9, 2025
As we approach The Phocuswright Conference in San Diego, PhocusWire is highlighting a number of conference speakers in a series of Q&As. Read More
How gen AI will reshape travel and why the industry needs a data-first approach
From Our Partners / Technology
How gen AI will reshape travel and why the industry needs a data-first approach
By PhocusWire | October 8, 2025
DataArt's Greg Abbott explains why the industry still lags behind peers like finance and retail on data readiness and what it will take to close the gap. Read More
In-flight digital services provider Immfly acquires Data Clarity
News / Online
In-flight digital services provider Immfly acquires Data Clarity
By Abby Crotty | October 8, 2025
The companies said the strategic partnership will address the disconnected systems and siloed solutions that airlines struggle with. Read More
Joby, Skyports, RAKTA to expand air taxi service network in the UAE
News / Online
Joby, Skyports, RAKTA to expand air taxi service network in the UAE
By Abby Crotty | October 7, 2025
Service is expected to start with an “inter-emirate corridor” connecting Joby’s planned service in Dubai to Ras Al Khaimah. Read More
ChatGPT brings apps into chat, starting with Expedia and Booking.com
News / Technology
ChatGPT brings apps into chat, starting with Expedia and Booking.com
By Morgan Hines | October 7, 2025
OpenAI said the system is using Model Context Protocol (MCP) to enable ChatGPT to connect to external tools and data. Read More
DerbySoft sees new airline distribution path with Global Data Network launch
News / Distribution
DerbySoft sees new airline distribution path with Global Data Network launch
By Linda Fox | October 7, 2025
DerbySoft said the GDN for flights will give airlines more control of their inventory and open up content to travel sellers. Read More
How AGI is building the tech for AI agents to book travel
From Our Partners / Technology
How AGI is building the tech for AI agents to book travel
By PhocusWire | October 7, 2025
The San Francisco-based startup has partners and investors including Visa, Point 72, Menlo Ventures and Anthropic. Read More
Reconciling airline retailing and channel innovation: The offer distribution platform
Opinion / Distribution
Reconciling airline retailing and channel innovation: The offer distribution platform
By Sebastien Gibergues | October 7, 2025
Sebastien Gibergues argues that the “offer distribution platform” concept could be the solution to address the limitations of current API-based distribution models. Read More
Travel trends in the Middle East: Experiences, Gen Z and technology
News / Online
Travel trends in the Middle East: Experiences, Gen Z and technology
By Abby Crotty | October 7, 2025
According to Phocuswright data, in 2024, the travel market in the Middle East exceeded pre-pandemic levels by 23%, with gross total bookings reaching $101.2 billion. Read More
Where are they now? Catching up with the Hot 25 Travel Startups for 2021
News / Startups
Where are they now? Catching up with the Hot 25 Travel Startups for 2021
By Mileva Sapic | October 6, 2025
Zamna, Troop, Kyte and Tripkicks, which were selected as PhocusWire's Hot 25 Travel Startups for 2021, share their milestones for the past year and the technology they are most excited about. Read More
Momentum and bottlenecks: India’s aviation in focus
News / Distribution
Momentum and bottlenecks: India’s aviation in focus
By Phocuswright Research | October 6, 2025
India has now emerged as the world's third-largest aviation market by passenger traffic. Read More
RateGain to acquire Sojern for $250M
News / Online
RateGain to acquire Sojern for $250M
By Morgan Hines | October 2, 2025
The companies aim to create an AI-focused, digital marketing and distribution platform to help the travel industry boost guest acquisition, retention and engagement. Read More
The Phocuswright Conference 2026