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.

Plusgrade gets $150M capital raise to expand tech for upgrades
News / Technology
Plusgrade gets $150M capital raise to expand tech for upgrades
By Linda Fox | November 28, 2018
Plusgrade, a specialist in revenue enhancing technology, has received a $150 million capital boost from an institutional investor. Read More
airline-ancillary-revenue-2018
News / Distribution
Global airline ancillary revenue will close in on $100B in 2018
By Linda Fox | November 28, 2018
Airline ancillary revenue is forecast to hit $93 billion in 2018, according to the latest report by IdeaWorksCompany and CarTrawler. Read More
VIDEO: Jeff Katz on a new path for connectivity
News / Technology
VIDEO: Jeff Katz on a new path for connectivity
By Kevin May | November 28, 2018
Jeff Katz is an enigmatic figure in the travel industry, having overseen a string of business and considered by many as an important thinker in the development of the modern sector. Read More
VIDEO: Situm Indoor Positioning - Summit pitch at Phocuswright 2018
Interview / Startups
VIDEO: Situm Indoor Positioning - Summit pitch at Phocuswright 2018
By Kevin May | November 28, 2018
Indoor navigation technology for the traveler. Indoor workforce and asset-tracking technology to boost productivity. Read More
Dnata majority stake Bd4travel
News / Technology
Dnata acquires majority stake in AI personalization platform Bd4travel
By Mitra Sorrells | November 27, 2018
Dnata, an air services provider that is part of the Emirates Group, has acquired a majority stake in Bd4travel for an undisclosed amount.   Read More
Gen Z reignites traveler affinity for mobile apps
News / Technology
Gen Z reignites traveler affinity for mobile apps
By Linda Fox | November 27, 2018
Generation Z travelers are looking for mobile apps and services to help them budget and plan trips as well as to organize and share their experiences on return. Read More
VIDEO: Expedia Group on being relevant and still trying to win
News / Online
VIDEO: Expedia Group on being relevant and still trying to win
By Kevin May | November 27, 2018
At some point, Mark Okerstrom will no longer be the figure who stepped into the breach at Expedia Group when his old boss and mentor Dara Khosrowshahi left to run Uber. Read More
Startup Stage Bacarai
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: Bacarai wants to automate online sales of group air travel
By Mitra Sorrells | November 27, 2018
Bacarai is creating a marketplace to bring group airfare online and add efficiencies – and upsell opportunities for airlines – to the process. The system functions through artificial... Read More
airline-retailing
News / Distribution
U.S. airlines offer rare unified view on their dream retail world
By Linda Fox | November 26, 2018
The days of a one-size-fit-all experience on airlines are gone, but the technology that facilitates a wider retail offering is playing catch-up. Read More
Regulator launches antitrust probe into Sabre and Amadeus over air distribution contracts
News / Distribution
Regulator launches antitrust probe into Sabre and Amadeus over air distribution contracts
By Kevin May | November 23, 2018
The European Commission has unveiled a formal investigation into agreements between airlines and two of the air industry's global distribution systems. Read More
VIDEO: eDreams Odigeo on staying competitive, expanding markets
News / Online
VIDEO: eDreams Odigeo on staying competitive, expanding markets
By Jill Menze | November 23, 2018
Although eDreams Odigeo holds the title as number one in flights in Europe, it falls behind Expedia and Booking.com in market share. Read More
Lufthansa sees momentum for NDC in 2019, introduces incentives to drive adoption
News / Distribution
Lufthansa sees momentum for NDC in 2019, introduces incentives to drive adoption
By Linda Fox | November 22, 2018
Lufthansa is expecting bookings via its NDC channels to gain momentum in the next year as an increasing number of travel agencies sign up. Read More
Technically Speaking - Bobby Healy of CarTrawler
Interview / Distribution
Technically Speaking - Bobby Healy of CarTrawler
By Jill Menze | November 21, 2018
A seasoned tech investor and entrepreneur - and outspoken Google opponent - Bobby Healy has helped steer the technological vision of CarTrawler since joining in 2005. Read More
VIDEO: JetBlue Tech Ventures on a new focus for airlines
News / Startups
VIDEO: JetBlue Tech Ventures on a new focus for airlines
By Kevin May | November 21, 2018
With a string of investments under its wing, JetBlue Technology Ventures has become a pioneer in the aviation-investing-in-startups space in recent years. Read More
Dee Waddell IBM Phocuswright Conference 2018
News / Technology
VIDEO: IBM on how blockchain will - and won't - impact travel
By Mitra Sorrells | November 20, 2018
When it comes to blockchain, focus on the business concepts and not the technology. Read More
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