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.

Why loyalty programs are key to meeting business travelers' demands
Opinion / Online
Why loyalty programs are key to meeting business travelers' demands
By Phil Seward - Collinson | August 23, 2019
With demand for business travel only continuing to increase, airlines, airports and hotels are turning towards their loyalty programs to address the needs of these frequent fliers. Read More
ClaimCompass 1.3 million funding
News / Startups
ClaimCompass raises $1.3M to develop its flight compensation technology
By Mitra Sorrells | August 22, 2019
This latest funding, a late seed/pre-Series A round, brings the company's total funding to date to just over $2 million. Read More
How I Got Here, episode 1 - Gareth Williams of Skyscanner
Interview / Online
How I Got Here, episode 1 - Gareth Williams of Skyscanner
By Kevin May | August 22, 2019
For the debut of the How I Got Here weekly podcast, hosted by PhocusWire's Kevin May and David Litwak from Mozio, we talk to Gareth Williams, one of the co-founders, ex CEO and now chairperson at... Read More
inflight-VR-funding
News / Technology
Inflight VR looks to fresh funding to bring more travel companies on board
By Linda Fox | August 21, 2019
The funding comes from existing shareholders Motu Investors and CBC Investments while two new investors also came on board. Read More
U.S. government sues to block Farelogix sale to Sabre
News / Distribution
U.S. government sues to block Farelogix sale to Sabre
By Kevin May | August 20, 2019
Sabre dared regulators last week to block its $360 million acquisition of Farelogix - and now the U.S. government has taken up the challenge. Read More
GBTA convention digital identity frictionless travel
News / Technology
Could digital ID be the key to achieving a frictionless travel experience?
By Mitra Sorrells | August 19, 2019
Amadeus traveler ID innovation manager Laurent Conjat says digital identity is coming and will add efficiency and remove friction at every step of the traveler's journey.  Read More
TUI eyes tours and activities opportunities, makes progress on digital platforms
News / Distribution
TUI eyes tours and activities opportunities, makes progress on digital platforms
By Linda Fox | August 16, 2019
TUI is not ruling out further acquisitions in the tours and activities space as it looks to grow its holiday experiences division further. Read More
BA-virtual-reality
News / Technology
British Airways boosts in-flight experience with virtual reality trial
By Linda Fox | August 16, 2019
The carrier is offering passengers on some flights in its first class cabin the chance to view films, documentaries and other programs in 2-D, 3-D and 360-degrees formats Read More
sabre-farelogix-DOJ
News / Distribution
Sabre pushes to close Farelogix acquisition, awaits potential D.O.J. block
By Linda Fox | August 15, 2019
Sabre says it intends to close its acquisition of Farelogix by August 21 but will extend the agreement until the end of April to overcome regulatory hurdles. Read More
SITA aviation capacity issues and data
Opinion / Technology
Will data or collaboration solve aviation's capacity crunch?
By Thomas Deillon - SITA | August 14, 2019
SITA's Thomas Deillon analyzes how the airline industry should handle the impending capacity crunch. Read More
STARTUP STAGE: Exosonic wants to cut flight times in half with supersonic airliners
Interview / Technology
STARTUP STAGE: Exosonic wants to cut flight times in half with supersonic airliners
By Jill Menze | August 14, 2019
Exosonic - winner of Phocuswright's Battleground competition - sells quiet supersonic airliners to the commercial aviation industry. Read More
VIDEO: Getting to One Order - is the airline industry there yet?
News / Technology
VIDEO: Getting to One Order - is the airline industry there yet?
By Jill Menze | August 13, 2019
At GBTA 2019, IATA's Yanik Hoyles and Travelport's Ian Heywood engaged in a spirited discussion on the status of IATA's One Order initiative. Read More
wit mark okerstrom interview
News / Online
Mark Okerstrom on competitor moves, Expedia's strengths and what he's had to "unlearn"
By Siew Hoon Yeoh - WebInTravel | August 12, 2019
In this wide-ranging interview, the Expedia Group boss opens up about where the travel company fits in an ever-evolving tech landscape. Read More
Four online travel agency myths to stop believing now
Opinion / Online
Four online travel agency myths to stop believing now
By Peter O’Connor - Essec Business School | August 8, 2019
OTAs suffer from some image problems amongst many hoteliers, often due to misconceptions or misinformation about how they work. So, let's bust some myths. Read More
Booking Holdings q2 2019 earnings
News / Online
Booking Holdings integrates brands, develops payment capabilities in quest for “connected trip”
By Mitra Sorrells | August 7, 2019
Booking Holdings reports positive financial results as it works toward what CEO Glenn Fogel called the "connected trip." Read More
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