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.

airbnb-transportation-fred-reid
News / Online
Airbnb hires airline veteran Fred Reid to oversee "transportation", but rules out obvious options
By Kevin May | February 7, 2019
The seasoned airline exec - Virgin America, Lufthansa, American Airlines and Delta - becomes the company's global head of transportation. Read More
qantas-agency-channel
News / Distribution
Qantas unveils NDC-led booking channel for agents, hints at fees down the road
By Linda Fox | February 7, 2019
Qantas will introduce an agency booking channel from August this year providing its "widest range of fares." Read More
TripActions new flight shopping interface
News / Distribution
TripActions introduces new flight shopping experience for business travelers
By Mitra Sorrells | February 5, 2019
TripActions is rolling out a new interface to provide a better flight shopping experience for business travelers. Read More
What should the travel industry understand about China in the Year of the Pig?
News / Online
What should the travel industry understand about China in the Year of the Pig?
By Kieron Branagan - OpenJaw Technologies | February 5, 2019
Take a deeper look at what’s going on away from the geopolitical headlines, and marketers will understand how trends in China are going to eventually affect us all. Read More
China series part 1 overview
News / Online
China, part 1: The big (and getting bigger) picture
By Mitra Sorrells | February 4, 2019
Travel brands and suppliers need to be aware that the Chinese travel market is not only growing - it is also changing. Read More
Up in the clouds: Tech upgrades can bring much-needed innovation to airlines
Opinion / Technology
Up in the clouds: Tech upgrades can bring much-needed innovation to airlines
By Krishna Mohan - TCS | January 31, 2019
Keeping track of an airline's data, let alone gaining insights from it, is beyond the means of any one carrier's I.T. department - so other methods are now vital. Read More
Switchfly in new hands as private equity firms take over loyalty tech provider
News / Technology
Switchfly in new hands as private equity firms take over loyalty tech provider
By Kevin May | January 29, 2019
Golub Capital and L Capital take a controlling stake in the business, with a new CEO coming in as former boss steps down. Read More
Airline distribution in 2030, part 2: Four scenarios for the future
Opinion / Distribution
Airline distribution in 2030, part 2: Four scenarios for the future
By Mario Gavira | January 25, 2019
Who wins - the tech giants, existing intermediaries, airlines, lawmakers or something else? Four possible patterns are analyzed here in part two. Read More
MakeMyTrip posts gains in revenue and bookings as overall loss figure narrows
News / Online
MakeMyTrip posts gains in revenue and bookings as overall loss figure narrows
By Kevin May | January 24, 2019
Total gross booking volumes hit $1.41 billion, up by 32% on the same period in 2017 - pushing loss figure down to $22.9 million. Read More
NDC is not just a standard – it’s a signal to the industry
News / Distribution
NDC is not just a standard – it’s a signal to the industry
By Stu Waldron - Travelport | January 24, 2019
In order to understand what NDC means for businesses and where the industry is heading, it is important to recognize current challenges facing our industry and improvements that are enabled through... Read More
uplift-123-million-investment-2019
News / Technology
Uplift banks $123M round to expand travel payment service on multiple fronts
By Kevin May | January 23, 2019
A $123 million financing round led by Madrone Capital Partners brings the total invested in the company to around $220 million. Read More
research spotlight us airlines 2018
News / Distribution
Research Spotlight: How basic economy, ancillaries and NDC are shaping the airline industry
By Jill Menze | January 23, 2019
The introduction of basic economy fares has allowed full-service airlines in the United States to experiment with their offerings through different bundles and combinations to see what sticks. Read More
Lufthansa invests alongside Hopper, plotting collaboration on artificial intelligence-led tools
News / Technology
Lufthansa invests alongside Hopper, plotting collaboration on artificial intelligence-led tools
By Kevin May | January 23, 2019
A "multimillion-dollar" deal will include a research collaboration and help spearhead the Canada-based price prediction platform's expansion into Europe. Read More
Startup Stage SBC Travel
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: SBC Travel launches crypto-friendly hotel booking platform
By Mitra Sorrells | January 23, 2019
SBC Travel is a new online travel agency that accepts cryptocurrency. It is launching with an inventory of 175,000 hotels and accommodation providers in more than 185 countries, primarily powered by... Read More
Flyiin secures first funding round of €2.4M for airline booking platform
News / Technology
Flyiin secures first funding round of €2.4M for airline booking platform
By Kevin May | January 22, 2019
Former Air Canada boss Montie Brewer is one of a number of airline industry execs who has backed the Germany-based startup in its debut round. Read More
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