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.

China, part 2: A conversation with Ctrip founder James Liang
News / Online
China, part 2: A conversation with Ctrip founder James Liang
By Mitra Sorrells | February 11, 2019
For part two of our China theme month, we talk to Ctrip co-founder and chairman James Liang about the company's growth and future plans. Read More
How airlines can sweat existing assets to capture in-flight eyeballs
Opinion / Technology
How airlines can sweat existing assets to capture in-flight eyeballs
By Dan Hurwitz - Penthera | February 11, 2019
In-flight entertainment has evolved at a rapid pace in recent years, yet seat-back screens are already on the decline - so airlines need to think differently as their passengers are now paying more... Read More
airline-conversion-rates
News / Technology
Airlines look to test-and-learn techniques to shift from being "laggards"
By Linda Fox | February 8, 2019
The survey divides airlines into laggards, challengers, visionaries and leaders when it comes to conversion rate optimization activities. Read More
Expedia earnings full year 2018
News / Online
Expedia reports double-digit growth in key metrics in 2018, continues international push
By Mitra Sorrells | February 8, 2019
Expedia Group turned in strong figures for 2018 as it looks to continuing strengthening its product in new international markets. Read More
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
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