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.

Japan Airlines and Travelport unite to create domestic distribution platform
News / Distribution
Japan Airlines and Travelport unite to create domestic distribution platform
By Kevin May | March 22, 2019
Travelport will form a joint venture with Japan Airlines to take over the running of the former global distribution system known as Axess. Read More
hotels-cyber-attacks-fraud
News / Online
Highly connected hotel industry continues to be vulnerable to cyber attacks
By Linda Fox | March 20, 2019
Fraud in travel is on the up, according to a number of recently released reports from experts in the field. Read More
Why does the financial community not value digital innovation at airlines?
Opinion / Technology
Why does the financial community not value digital innovation at airlines?
By Lennart Dobravsky - Lufthansa Innovation Hub | March 20, 2019
Lufthansa Innovation Hub used AI to analyze the major themes discussed by Wall Street and top management executives of five major airlines during earnings calls between 2015 and 2018. Read More
Ground transportation part 3 autonomous vehicles
News / Technology
Ground innovation, part 3: A driverless future in travel and tourism
By Mitra Sorrells | March 18, 2019
In the third part of our series on ground transportation we consider the impact of autonomous vehicles on the travel industry. Read More
women in aviation
News / Technology
Women in aviation: Why a diverse workforce is necessary to drive tech innovation
By Jill Menze | March 18, 2019
At the Aviation Summit 2019, four female airline CIOs discussed how having more women in leadership roles is critical to driving advancements in technology. Read More
The push and pull of travel advertising
News / Online
The push and pull of travel advertising
By Phocuswright Research  | March 14, 2019
Products have their strengths, and travel brands need to diversify their ad channel mix to maintain a balance of brand awareness tactics, direct-response offerings and a foray into emerging technologies... Read More
SITA baggage tracking Aeromexico chatbot
News / Technology
Aeromexico enables automated baggage tracking via chatbot
By Mitra Sorrells | March 12, 2019
  Aeromexico is the first airline to integrate SITA’s artificial intelligence-powered baggage tracking system into its passenger chatbot. Read More
Google Flights and Hotel search updates
News / Online
Google enables flight destination search by price
By Mitra Sorrells | March 11, 2019
Google has made updates to its Flights and Hotel search, enabling new filters and options. Read More
Skyscanner Trello integration
News / Technology
Skyscanner enables flight search through Trello platform
By Mitra Sorrells | March 7, 2019
Skyscanner has created an integration with Trello, a visual organization and collaboration tool. Read More
Amex GBT launches cross-industry benchmarking tool to measure travel manager performance
News / Technology
Amex GBT launches cross-industry benchmarking tool to measure travel manager performance
By Jill Menze | March 6, 2019
American Express Global Business Travel's new Peer Travel Insights service will rank companies within their peer group. Read More
Ctrip ticks $4.5B annual revenue level for the first time
News / Online
Ctrip ticks $4.5B annual revenue level for the first time
By Kevin May | March 5, 2019
Ctrip cited "robust growth momentum" in its international business during 2018, but despite the uptick in overall annual revenue, Ctrip saw a decline of 19% in fourth quarter revenues to $1.1... Read More
AirAsia launches venture capital fund to grow startup base in Southeast Asia
News / Online
AirAsia launches venture capital fund to grow startup base in Southeast Asia
By Jill Menze | March 5, 2019
The low-cost carrier’s venture arm, RedBeat Ventures, is establishing the VC fund - dubbed RedBeat Capital - alongside a strategic partnership with San Francisco-based startup accelerator and venture... Read More
Startup Stage Gaffl main
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: GAFFL connects solo travelers to plan trips, split costs
By Mitra Sorrells | March 1, 2019
GAFFL, or, Get a Friend for Life, is intended to help solo travelers find others planning similar itineraries to travel together and share costs.   Read More
Amadeus reports growth across distribution and IT solutions units in 2018
News / Distribution
Amadeus reports growth across distribution and IT solutions units in 2018
By Linda Fox | February 28, 2019
Amadeus sees revenue growth across businesses in 2018, hitting almost €5 billion total for the full year in 2018. Read More
WeChat 2018 rankings Dragon Trail Interactive
News / Online
Airlines, cruise lines see big gains in WeChat engagement
By Mitra Sorrells | February 28, 2019
According to a report from Dragon Trail Interactive, the top 10 airlines and cruise lines saw significant increases in WeChat activity in 2018. Read More
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