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.

Sounding Off: Travel bailouts are not simple tasks to manage
Interview / Technology
Sounding Off: Travel bailouts are not simple tasks to manage
By PhocusWire | March 27, 2020
 It seems more likely that any form of state aid will go only to propping up the travel-facing operations that inspire people to travel or are functional elements of a trip. Not the ecosystem... Read More
InPhocus, episode 3 - Living with the virus, thinking about a reset for tourism
News / Technology
InPhocus, episode 3 - Living with the virus, thinking about a reset for tourism
By PhocusWire | March 27, 2020
Destination specialist Doug Lansky to gives his account of contracting coronavirus and shares his perspective on the current climate for destinations and what could (or should) happen next. Read More
Travel value chain under scrutiny as airlines get bailouts and intermediaries plead for help
News / Distribution
Travel value chain under scrutiny as airlines get bailouts and intermediaries plead for help
By Linda Fox | March 26, 2020
IATA's mention of the value chain has faced significant criticism in the past week from some areas of the intermediary community, seemingly for acting in isolation. They believe the industry is in this... Read More
Airline partnerships at forefront of building the most efficient global air transport ecosystem
From Our Partners / Distribution
Airline partnerships at forefront of building the most efficient global air transport ecosystem
By Dohop | March 26, 2020
Many airlines maintain partnerships with each other, be it in the form of bilateral arrangements or by joining an alliance. But the technology that has enabled these partnerships, however, hasn’t... Read More
Amadeus plans for €300M cost-cutting program as coronavirus slams aviation
News / Distribution
Amadeus plans for €300M cost-cutting program as coronavirus slams aviation
By Linda Fox | March 25, 2020
The company has been hit by a combination of trip cancellations and restrictions on international flights, impacting the volume of bookings and passengers boarded. Read More
Digital travel brands want the same bailouts from governments as hotels and airlines
News / Technology
Digital travel brands want the same bailouts from governments as hotels and airlines
By Kevin May | March 24, 2020
A lobbying organization, which includes the likes of Amadeus, Travelport, Booking.com, Expedia Group, Skyscanner, Tripadvisor and eDreams ODIGEO as members, says the COVID-19 outbreak is hitting the... Read More
adara-china-coronavirus-flights
News / Distribution
China sees uptick in flight searches and bookings
By Mitra Sorrells | March 20, 2020
ADARA says flight search and booking data indicates signs of a rebound for travel to and within China. Read More
Sabre makes $200M in cuts to offset coronavirus impact
News / Distribution
Sabre makes $200M in cuts to offset coronavirus impact
By Kevin May | March 20, 2020
The cuts range from offering voluntary unpaid leave, severance and early retirement to staff across the world to scaling back its third-party contracting and vendor costs. Read More
Corporate travel on the front line of global incidents
News / Online
Corporate travel on the front line of global incidents
By Linda Fox | March 18, 2020
The corporate travel industry has to deal with an increasing volume of incidents related to weather, terrorism - and now health - that impact travel. Read More
Q&A: Trip.com Group's Jane Sun on weathering the coronavirus storm in China
News / Online
Q&A: Trip.com Group's Jane Sun on weathering the coronavirus storm in China
By Yeoh Siew Hoon - WebInTravel | March 18, 2020
The travel giant's boss talks about the measures taken to get the company through the storm – pay cuts, cancellations guarantees, remote work and providing the right information to customers – and what... Read More
traveler walking airport
News / Online
Travelers satisfied with airlines during coronavirus, frustrated with insurance providers
By Steven Lerner | March 18, 2020
As travelers are forced to rethink trips due to the COVID-19 coronavirus, airlines are being praised while trip insurance remains a source of frustration. Read More
WEBINAR REPLAY! Why we book: Unpacking travel loyalty
News / Online
WEBINAR REPLAY! Why we book: Unpacking travel loyalty
By PhocusWire | March 17, 2020
Considering the top 25% of travelers generate 77% of travel revenue, having a loyal customer base is critical if you are in the travel business. Read More
Travel’s last big trauma offers few clues for the future
Opinion / Distribution
Travel’s last big trauma offers few clues for the future
By Maggie Rauch | March 17, 2020
Both 9/11 and the coronavirus pandemic hit travel hard and fast - but the fallout from coronavirus could be much more severe. Read More
sabre-travel-tech-europe
News / Distribution
VIDEO: Sabre talks partnerships with Google and Accor
By Linda Fox | March 16, 2020
Sabre joins PhocusWire at Travel Technology Europe 2020 to discuss recent partnerships with Google and Accor. Read More
Aviation body says coronavirus could bankrupt most airlines in three months
News / Distribution
Aviation body says coronavirus could bankrupt most airlines in three months
By Linda Fox | March 16, 2020
The membership organization is calling for urgent “coordinated” government and industry action in light of the impact of coronavirus on the travel industry. Read More
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