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.

Thomas Cook attempts a comeback, under new ownership and online-only
News / Online
Thomas Cook attempts a comeback, under new ownership and online-only
By Kevin May | September 15, 2020
Thomas Cook will be a digital-only operation, operating as ThomasCook.com, with an emphasis on build-your-own packages to popular destinations around Europe. Read More
Destinations join forces with private companies to boost tourism
News / Distribution
Destinations join forces with private companies to boost tourism
By Linda Fox | September 15, 2020
Travel companies and tourism organizations are devising various initiatives to bring back travelers in recent months. It's not just lip service, but a collaborative effort by all parties. Read More
air-black-box-opinion-interlining
Opinion / Technology
How new approaches to interlining can help airlines rebuild capacity post-COVID
By Patrick Edmond - Air Black Box | September 15, 2020
With new interlining strategies based on better collaboration and partnerships, airlines can position themselves to generate more revenue as traffic resumes.   Read More
VIDEO: New Reality With... Jennifer Wilson-Buttigieg of Valerie Wilson Travel
News / Distribution
VIDEO: New Reality With... Jennifer Wilson-Buttigieg of Valerie Wilson Travel
By PhocusWire | September 15, 2020
The next guest on the New Reality With... series is Jennifer Wilson-Buttigieg, co-president and owner of Valerie Wilson Travel, one of the U.S.'s leading independent retail travel agencies. Read More
Q&A: How a pandemic has heightened the need for automation in airlines
News / Technology
Q&A: How a pandemic has heightened the need for automation in airlines
By Linda Fox | September 14, 2020
Startups offering tech that enables passengers to rebook themselves, as well as gives carriers a better picture of what's happening, already existed - but the pandemic has thrust the need for... Read More
Collaboration desperately needed between travel industry players if a recovery is going to be effective
News / Online
Collaboration desperately needed between travel industry players if a recovery is going to be effective
By Kevin May | September 11, 2020
Some "smart initiatives" are being created to get travelers moving again, but not across the board unless there is better sense of partnership created across the industry. Read More
Delta pauses NDC development, "doubles down" on existing distribution strategy
News / Distribution
Delta pauses NDC development, "doubles down" on existing distribution strategy
By Linda Fox | September 10, 2020
As Delta moves away from NDC to focus on its existing infrastructure, Air France-KLM continues its NDC strategy. Read More
Mondee acquires Rocketrip in bid to grow business travel strategy
News / Online
Mondee acquires Rocketrip in bid to grow business travel strategy
By Kevin May | September 9, 2020
The company had raised $32 million in a series of funding rounds since 2013, including a $15 million Series C in 2018 from Google Ventures. Read More
European tourism bodies plead for coordinated travel restrictions
News / Distribution
European tourism bodies plead for coordinated travel restrictions
By Linda Fox | September 9, 2020
The call follows one from the European Commission last week, which wants a coordinated approach to travel restrictions and to help the recovery of economies across Europe. Read More
klee-opinion-airline-pricing
Opinion / Distribution
Change fees are gone, now can we fix the rest of what’s wrong with airline pricing?
By Jeff Klee - AmTrav | September 9, 2020
Delta, United and American airlines have announced they are eliminating change fees, but AmTrav CEO Jeff Klee says there is still much work to be done to fix airline pricing. Read More
Airlines can address other passenger frustrations as they work to rebuild confidence
News / Technology
Airlines can address other passenger frustrations as they work to rebuild confidence
By Linda Fox | September 8, 2020
Data analyzed by Lufthansa Innovation Hub's TNMT platform identifies major issues in the passenger experience. Read More
15 vital points for travel startups to consider in their mid-pandemic strategy
News / Startups
15 vital points for travel startups to consider in their mid-pandemic strategy
By Kevin May | September 8, 2020
Insert a near-shutdown of the industry due to COVID-19 this year and you can multiply the existing challenges for travel startups tenfold. But they should think about these tips as they look ahead. Read More
Forget online stars and rankings, hotels will be now judged by hygiene factors
News / Distribution
Forget online stars and rankings, hotels will be now judged by hygiene factors
By Linda Fox | September 7, 2020
While there is no ranking or rating system for hygiene and cleanliness, there are tell-tale signs for who is putting in the time and money. And this matters a lot in the mid-pandemic period. Read More
Phocuswright Europe 2020 preview: Out of Office with... Sergio Colella
Interview / Technology
Phocuswright Europe 2020 preview: Out of Office with... Sergio Colella
By PhocusWire | September 7, 2020
In a series of interviews with executives participating in the online event in September, PhocusWire finds out what they have learned from the COVID-19 crisis. Next up: SITA's Sergio Colella. Read More
VIDEO: OCUS - Summit pitch at Phocuswright Europe 2020
Interview / Technology
VIDEO: OCUS - Summit pitch at Phocuswright Europe 2020
By PhocusWire | September 5, 2020
OCUS offers brands a complete photography solution anytime, anywhere in the world to drive engagement and boost revenue - all while scaling your business. Read More
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