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.

mindsay-chatbot-funding
News / Startups
Mindsay adds $10M in Series A funding to expand chatbot service
By Linda Fox | May 29, 2019
Paris-based chatbot startup also took on a brand name after starting out as Destygo. Read More
In The Big Chair - Estuardo Ortiz of JetSmart
Interview / Online
In The Big Chair - Estuardo Ortiz of JetSmart
By Mitra Sorrells | May 29, 2019
The founder and CEO of the ultra low-cost carrier discusses JetSmart's business model, the challenges of building an airline from scratch and much more. Read More
ectaa-iata-antitrust-complaint
News / Distribution
Agent organization accuses IATA of abusing dominant distribution role
May 28, 2019
European agents and operators' body ECTAA has filed an antitrust complaint with the European competition authority. Read More
VIDEO: Google on leveraging machine learning in travel search
News / Online
VIDEO: Google on leveraging machine learning in travel search
By Kevin May | May 28, 2019
Google is at the heart of the search experience and sits on enormous amounts of data that, it says, helps create a better search experience for travelers. Read More
Latin America, part 4: Challenges and opportunities in travel distribution
News / Distribution
Latin America, part 4: Challenges and opportunities in travel distribution
By Mitra Sorrells | May 28, 2019
For the final piece in our series on Latin America, we take a look at the current state and future outlook for distribution in hospitality and air. Read More
Ctrip Q1 earnings
News / Distribution
Ctrip sales jump 21% in Q1 to more than $1B
By Mitra Sorrells | May 23, 2019
The online travel agency giant's results are fueled by strong performance in both accommodation and transportation ticketing and growing international business. Read More
Business travelers increasingly seek digital channels
News / Technology
Business travelers increasingly seek digital channels
By Linda Fox | May 22, 2019
Research from CWT shows how business travelers are increasingly look to self-service channels such as web and mobile bookings and other travel-related tasks. Read More
VIDEO: Expedia on being an empire and the future of platforms
News / Online
VIDEO: Expedia on being an empire and the future of platforms
By Kevin May | May 22, 2019
The Expedia Group is a sprawling empire of a business, with online travel agencies, corporate travel agencies and investments in metasearch. Read More
Skylark Travel raises $4M to build its high-touch platform for luxury travelers
News / Startups
Skylark Travel raises $4M to build its high-touch platform for luxury travelers
By Mitra Sorrells | May 22, 2019
Skylark Travel, a hybrid online-offline agency, has raised a $4 million seed round. Read More
VIDEO: Setoo - Battleground pitch winner at Phocuswright Europe 2019
Interview / Startups
VIDEO: Setoo - Battleground pitch winner at Phocuswright Europe 2019
By PhocusWire | May 22, 2019
Empowering e-businesses to turn insurance into products consumers love and providing a new insurance experience.  Read More
brexit-panel-pcwe-19
News / Distribution
VIDEO: How the travel industry is preparing for Brexit
By Linda Fox | May 21, 2019
Travel and tourism executives discuss Brexit plans during Phocuswright Europe 2019 in Amsterdam. Read More
VIDEO: Tech heads on a digital world to decipher in travel
News / Technology
VIDEO: Tech heads on a digital world to decipher in travel
By Kevin May | May 21, 2019
The strategies that they impose on a business have to meet with the demands of their customers - a process that needs careful consideration, investment and, sometimes, good fortune. Read More
ctrip-atpco-routehappy
News / Online
Ctrip builds out airline content with Routehappy descriptions
By Linda Fox | May 21, 2019
Ctrip is the latest to partner with ATPCO bringing the Routehappy airline rich content to its websites. Read More
MakeMyTrip revenue and bookings up more than 25%, operating losses down more
News / Distribution
MakeMyTrip revenue and bookings up more than 25%, operating losses down more
By Mitra Sorrells | May 21, 2019
Operating losses have decreased and revenue and bookings are up for India's largest online travel agency, MakeMyTrip. Read More
VIDEO: Rethinking the entry of Google in travel
News / Online
VIDEO: Rethinking the entry of Google in travel
By Kevin May | May 20, 2019
A series of spiky (angry, even) tweets and comments during conferences over the years - that's been the mainstay of one critic of Google's role in travel. Read More
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