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: Travel businesses in Asia spot pockets of recovery
News / Online
VIDEO: Travel businesses in Asia spot pockets of recovery
By Linda Fox | October 8, 2020
Domestic travel is recovering across Asia but experts believe a vaccine is key to international travel, in both the leisure and business segments. Read More
How airlines are scrambling to provide passengers with touchless technology
News / Technology
How airlines are scrambling to provide passengers with touchless technology
By Linda Fox | October 7, 2020
Minimum viable product has taken on a new meaning for airlines as they rush to meet the need for contactless solutions. But how do carriers work out what to prioritize? Read More
iata-cash-burn-covid
News / Online
IATA predicts airlines will burn through $77B in cash in second half of 2020
By Mitra Sorrells | October 7, 2020
IATA predicts the industry will lose nearly $300,000 every minute and will not turn cash-positive until 2022. Read More
Travel companies have ground to make up when it comes to web user experience
News / Online
Travel companies have ground to make up when it comes to web user experience
By Linda Fox | October 6, 2020
The online experience could matter even more as the travel industry rebuilds after the pandemic - but it lags behind other industries and their digital-first strategies. Read More
WATCH: Visualization of digital travel's most brutal financial quarter in history
News / Online
WATCH: Visualization of digital travel's most brutal financial quarter in history
By PhocusWire | October 6, 2020
The second quarter in the financial calendar was always going to be the one where travel brands would be hit the hardest. Our animated chart explains it all. Read More
As livestream events gain traction in Asia, Western travel brands should take note
News / Distribution
As livestream events gain traction in Asia, Western travel brands should take note
By Linda Fox | October 5, 2020
Companies such as Trip.com Group and Alibaba are seeing positive results from livestream events, which travel marketers should consider as a new sales channel. Read More
business-travel-recovery
News / Distribution
Travel buyers estimate significant reduction in 2021 business travel volumes
By Linda Fox | October 2, 2020
Business travel is beginning to return, but more than a third of travel buyers say decreases of as much as 70% are possible. Read More
sounding-off-big-tech
Interview / Distribution
Sounding Off: Like it or not, Big Tech is in the driver's seat
By PhocusWire | October 2, 2020
COVID-19 has caused an acceleration of e-commerce adoption, which is making the world's largest tech platforms even more influential. Read More
Google says private accommodation is recovering faster than hotels on a global scale
News / Online
Google says private accommodation is recovering faster than hotels on a global scale
By Linda Fox | October 1, 2020
The search giant highlights uncertainty, domestic trips and hygiene as dominating travel searches in Asia Pacific but eagerness to travel is lukewarm in many global markets. Read More
Airline ancillary revenue projections slashed by half for 2020
News / Distribution
Airline ancillary revenue projections slashed by half for 2020
By Linda Fox | October 1, 2020
Airlines are expected to report ancillary revenue declines of at least 40% for 2020 - but revenue rates are holding during this pandemic-hit year. Read More
What are the forces shaping airline distribution in a pandemic world?
Opinion / Distribution
What are the forces shaping airline distribution in a pandemic world?
By Mario Gavira | October 1, 2020
Airline distribution was already going through a seismic shift before the crisis broke, yet the pandemic has turned all the underlying market dynamics upside down. Here's how the market unravels. Read More
How I Got Here, episode 44 - Azim Barodawala of Volantio
Interview / Technology
How I Got Here, episode 44 - Azim Barodawala of Volantio
By PhocusWire | October 1, 2020
Volantio launched in 2014, bidding to capitalize on a burgeoning need by airlines to embrace the digital world behind the scenes. Barodawala tells the story to Mozio's David Litwak and Kevin May of... Read More
VIDEO: New Reality With... Kurt Ekert of CWT
News / Technology
VIDEO: New Reality With... Kurt Ekert of CWT
By PhocusWire | September 30, 2020
The next guest on the New Reality With... series is Kurt Ekert, CEO of CWT, one of the world's largest corporate travel management companies. Read More
Amazon launches virtual tours and activities for destinations
News / Online
Amazon launches virtual tours and activities for destinations
By Kevin May | September 29, 2020
The Amazon Explore platform includes a sizable range of products ranging from virtual walking tours of cities and visiting landmarks to cooking courses and destination retail trips. Read More
Travel & Transport acquired by CTM for $200M
News / Online
Travel & Transport acquired by CTM for $200M
By Kevin May | September 29, 2020
The acquisition, which includes Radius Travel, is being touted as a move to create one of the world's leading global, mid-market corporate travel managers. Read More
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