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.

In The Big Chair - Deep Kalra of MakeMyTrip
Interview / Distribution
In The Big Chair - Deep Kalra of MakeMyTrip
By Mitra Sorrells | September 25, 2018
Deep Kalra founded MakeMyTrip in 2000 in the United States to help the country’s Indian community manage its travel to and from India. It started operations within India in 2005 and now offers flights,... Read More
malaysia-airlines-chatbot-amadeus
News / Distribution
Malaysia Airlines pilots chatbot developed with Amadeus
By Linda Fox | September 24, 2018
Malaysia Airlines is piloting a chatbot for flight search and booking which has been developed in partnership with Amadeus. Read More
Startup Stage FlyGRN
Interview / Startups
Startup Stage: FlyGRN combines flight booking with automatic carbon offsetting
By Mitra Sorrells | September 21, 2018
FlyGRN uses a portion of the commission it receives for flight bookings to support carbon offsetting projects, such as a solar panel initiative in India that displaces fossil fuels. Travelers receive a... Read More
Kayak AR bag measurement Siri Shortcuts
News / Technology
Kayak adds AR-powered bag measurement tool, Siri Shortcuts to mobile app
By Mitra Sorrells | September 21, 2018
Kayak wants to help travelers have confidence their carry-on bags meet airline restrictions.   Read More
Booking.com ODX blockchain internet marketplace
News / Technology
Booking.com will give data to consumers in emerging markets to access its site
By Mitra Sorrells | September 20, 2018
Booking.com has signed on to try a new blockchain-based data marketplace aimed at helping brands connect with users in emerging markets.   Read More
In the green room at Phocuswright with... Jeff Katz
Interview / Technology
In the green room at Phocuswright with... Jeff Katz
By PhocusWire | September 18, 2018
The founder of Orbitz, CEO of Swiss, senior executive at American Airlines and Sabre - Katz has seen and done it all, and now he joins us for an executive roundtable on corporate travel at The... Read More
Texting proposed as way to speed up customs entry
News / Technology
Texting proposed as way to speed up customs entry
By Robert Silk - Travel Weekly | September 17, 2018
U.S. Customs and Border Protection would one day like to speed up the entry process through the use of text messaging.  Read More
Inside the complicated world of cancellation fees and non-refundable bookings
Opinion / Online
Inside the complicated world of cancellation fees and non-refundable bookings
By Stefano Petrazzoli - Chargebacks911 | September 14, 2018
In this digital era, we’re used to booking our ticket, but often then have separate extras to consider, like choosing our seat, eating in-flight meals, hold luggage, among others. Read More
airlines-artificial-intelligence
News / Technology
How AI might alleviate planning headaches for airlines
By Linda Fox | September 13, 2018
Airlines are hoping artificial intelligence could do away with many of the traditional planning processes in the industry. Read More
Emirates boss reverses GDS criticism, yet sees role for blockchain-led distribution
News / Distribution
Emirates boss reverses GDS criticism, yet sees role for blockchain-led distribution
By Linda Fox | September 10, 2018
Emirates is experimenting with blockchain technology as a potential means of distribution in the future. Read More
Offline part 2 agency technology
News / Technology
Back in the offline world, part 2: Travel agency technology
By Mitra Sorrells | September 10, 2018
For part two in this month’s series on the offline travel market, we look at the technology that is supporting the work of traditional agents and how it has evolved over the years.   Read More
easyjet-lundgren-data
News / Distribution
Airline data riches are making scientists cry
By Linda Fox | September 7, 2018
EasyJet chief executive Johan Lundgren talks about data as a "game-changer". Read More
ATPCO SITA Blockskye blockchain airline distribution
News / Distribution
ATPCO, SITA and Blockskye to explore blockchain for airline offer management
By Mitra Sorrells | September 6, 2018
Could blockchain be used to create decentralized airline distribution that is based on IATA’s New Distribution Capability and ONE Order initiatives?   Read More
Google breathes down the neck of Kayak in clicks sent to airlines
News / Online
Google breathes down the neck of Kayak in clicks sent to airlines
By Kevin May | September 5, 2018
Google is sending almost equal levels of traffic to airline websites as Kayak, following a massive increase for the search giant over the course of the last 12 months. Read More
How travel agents are working differently with technology
News / Technology
How travel agents are working differently with technology
By Mary Pat Sullivan - TravelAge West | September 5, 2018
Travel agents have had quite a longstanding relationship with technology. Read More
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