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.

Travel industry reacts to Google antitrust probe in the U.S.
News / Online
Travel industry reacts to Google antitrust probe in the U.S.
By PhocusWire | October 20, 2020
Google, it is claimed, has abused its dominant position in search and advertising to keep competition down. So, how is the industry reacting so far? And what about Google itself? Read More
British Airways sees data breach fine significantly reduced
News / Technology
British Airways sees data breach fine significantly reduced
By Linda Fox | October 20, 2020
The U.K.-based carrier had a penalty for a data breach in June 2018 reduced to £20 million by the Information Commissioner's Office. Read More
VIDEO: Travel investors on startup survival
News / Startups
VIDEO: Travel investors on startup survival
By Linda Fox | October 19, 2020
Executives from Rockaway Capital, Credit Suisse, Lakestar and PROfounders Capital discuss the advice given to travel startups on their portfolios. Read More
VIDEO: How aviation can unravel itself from travel's deepest crisis
News / Technology
VIDEO: How aviation can unravel itself from travel's deepest crisis
By Kevin May | October 19, 2020
Speaking at Phocuswright Europe 2020, Sergio Colella (SITA) and Rafael Schvartzman (IATA) discuss shifting trends that they need to navigate quickly, new standards and technical... Read More
covid-flaws-payment-systems-carlo
News / Technology
How COVID exposed flaws in antiquated hospitality payment systems
By Mitra Sorrells | October 19, 2020
Travel payments veteran and XanderPay CEO Mike Carlo says one solution for the hospitality industry is a centralized payment system for large brands. Read More
Empowering travel brands to optimize marketing during challenging times
From Our Partners / Online
Empowering travel brands to optimize marketing during challenging times
By Facebook | October 19, 2020
We take an in-depth look at lift studies and how travel brands in particular can use them to understand channel performance and inform budget decisions. Read More
Emirates rejects the new norm, sees robust recovery
News / Distribution
Emirates rejects the new norm, sees robust recovery
By Linda Fox | October 16, 2020
Predictions for when airlines might recover to something near 2019 levels are currently at around 2024. But Tim Clark of Emirates has different ideas. Read More
GetYourGuide lands aviation's first in-flight destination activities booking deal
News / Distribution
GetYourGuide lands aviation's first in-flight destination activities booking deal
By Kevin May | October 16, 2020
The agreement with Spanish digital cabin services provider Immfly will put search and booking tools into IFE devices on airlines, allowing functionality even when aircraft are out of range of... Read More
orbitz-zoghlin-atpco-ceo
News / Technology
Orbitz co-founder Alex Zoghlin named ATPCO CEO, Rolf Purzer to retire
By Mitra Sorrells | October 15, 2020
Zoghlin will join ATPCO on November 1, replacing current president and CEO Rolf Purzer, who plans to retire in January.  Read More
How I Got Here, episode 46 - Fabio Cannavale of Lastminute.com Group
Interview / Online
How I Got Here, episode 46 - Fabio Cannavale of Lastminute.com Group
By PhocusWire | October 15, 2020
Spearheading the BravoFly online travel agency business since 2004, culminating in the acquisition of Lastminute.com in 2015, Fabio Cannavale talks to Mozio's David Litwak and Kevin May of PhocusWire. Read More
WEBINAR REPLAY! How top travel companies combine AI and humans to deliver excellent customer service
News / Technology
WEBINAR REPLAY! How top travel companies combine AI and humans to deliver excellent customer service
By PhocusWire | October 15, 2020
Learn how travel businesses are realizing the benefits of combining artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning with the unique value only humans can deliver. Read More
skyscanner-expedia-hopper-atpco-panel
News / Distribution
Skyscanner, Expedia, Hopper on need for transparency in travel retailing
By Mitra Sorrells | October 14, 2020
At an ATPCO virtual event, product managers from the three companies shared how they are adapting to the new needs of customers. Read More
phocuswright-covid-survey-us-europe
News / Online
VIDEO: Travelers fear catching virus, losing money amid COVID pandemic
By Mitra Sorrells | October 13, 2020
At least two-thirds of respondents say they worry they may contract COVID-19 during travel or while in a destination. Read More
Imagine there’s no COVID-19 slamming the travel industry - it isn’t hard to do
Opinion / Technology
Imagine there’s no COVID-19 slamming the travel industry - it isn’t hard to do
By Gavin Smith - Element | October 12, 2020
There are four key areas to focus on as the travel industry navigates its way through this mid-pandemic period: revenue, organization, operations and technology. Read More
commonpass-digital-health-passport
News / Technology
Airlines begin trialing “CommonPass” digital health passport
By Mitra Sorrells | October 9, 2020
United Airlines and Cathay Pacific Airlines are testing a new app that stores and verifies a traveler’s COVID-19 test status. Read More
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