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.

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
What's next for intent data in the travel industry?
Opinion / Technology
What's next for intent data in the travel industry?
By John Ardis - Conversant | January 21, 2019
As the booking process has been simplified and personalized, the travel industry hasn't been nearly as fast to harness technology for people-based marketing.  Read More
Ryanair offers direct distribution for European hotels via Siteminder
News / Distribution
Ryanair offers direct distribution for European hotels via Siteminder
By Linda Fox | January 21, 2019
One element of Ryanair's "Amazon Of Travel" strategy remains - giving European hotels a direct distribution channel for its Ryanair Rooms brand. Read More
quote of the week 52
News / Distribution
QOTW: Something about following a trail of data breadcrumbs
By PhocusWire | January 18, 2019
Travel brands - especially those at the center of the Battle Of The Platforms - need to think like their Big Tech cousins, slicing and dicing data to help them capitalize on owning the customer. Read More
Ixigo launches tech provider Travenues
News / Technology
Ixigo creates subsidiary to develop consumer-facing tech for airlines
By Mitra Sorrells | January 18, 2019
Indian travel booking platform Ixigo has created Travenues, a subsidiary to help airlines improve their booking and upselling technology. Read More
VIDEO: Uplift - Launch pitch at Phocuswright 2018
Interview / Technology
VIDEO: Uplift - Launch pitch at Phocuswright 2018
By Kevin May | January 18, 2019
Uplift is the leading provider of flexible, seamless, pay-over-time consumer financing solutions for the travel industry. Read More
VIDEO: PerfectStay - Summit pitch at Phocuswright 2018
Interview / Startups
VIDEO: PerfectStay - Summit pitch at Phocuswright 2018
By Kevin May | January 18, 2019
Big brands can fully realize their potential for packaged travel sales with this B2B travel operator. Read More
REPORT: Dynamic travel packaging - The next game-changer
From Our Partners / Distribution
REPORT: Dynamic travel packaging - The next game-changer
By PhocusWire | January 18, 2019
Dynamic packaging has been growing and evolving for the past ten years and this trend will continue to 2020 and beyond. This in-depth report finds out why. Read More
Airline distribution in 2030, part 1: Gravitating towards airlines, intermediaries or tech giants?
Opinion / Distribution
Airline distribution in 2030, part 1: Gravitating towards airlines, intermediaries or tech giants?
By Mario Gavira | January 17, 2019
Airline distribution is an evolving beast - but in the first of this two-part series we outline why developments over the next decade could trigger the most fundamental changes in its history. Read More
appannie-mobile-trends
News / Technology
Airline mobile app usage is on the rise, bike and scooter apps freewheeling
By Linda Fox | January 17, 2019
App Annie's State of Mobile report reveals travel and wider mobile app trends. Read More
onthebeach-emirates-direct-connect
News / Distribution
On The Beach makes NDC direct connection with Emirates to assist long-haul push
By Linda Fox | January 16, 2019
The online travel agency is claiming it is the first in the U.K. to have a direct connection with Emirates via the carrier’s NDC API. Read More
urban-airship-acquires-accengage
News / Technology
Urban Airship acquires Accengage for Europe mobile marketing push
By Linda Fox | January 16, 2019
Urban Airship has acquired Accengage to boost its mobile marketing capabilities and strengthen its presence in Europe. Read More
The Phocuswright Conference 2026