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.

Travelport NDC benefits
News / Distribution
Travelport touts opportunities, challenges of NDC
By Mitra Sorrells | May 14, 2018
As the industry moves ahead with implementation of IATA’s New Distribution Capability (NDC), Travelport’s global head of product and marketing for air commerce is optimistic the new data transmission... Read More
Security series part 2 GDPR
News / Technology
Unlocking travel security, part 2: The looming GDPR deadline
By Mitra Sorrells | May 14, 2018
The European Parliament approved GDPR in 2016 and gave companies two years to prepare their systems and policies for compliance.  Read More
AI and tracking data: looking beyond the travel industry
Opinion / Technology
AI and tracking data: looking beyond the travel industry
By Simon Tomlinson - SITA | May 11, 2018
The combination of artificial intelligence and tracking data will increasingly enable organizations to optimize operations, introduce automation, utilize prediction tools and adapt what they do in... Read More
Booking Holdings hits record $25B booking mark for a quarter
By Jill Menze | May 9, 2018
In the first quarter of 2018, Booking Holdings, formerly the Priceline Group, has reported significant financial growth despite a slowing of growth in bookings and room nights. Read More
tripadvisor q1 earnings 2018
News / Online
TripAdvisor's Experiences and restaurants boost revenue, hotel growth flat
By Jill Menze | May 8, 2018
A dip in its hotels business and a boom of its Experiences offerings saw TripAdvisor’s non-hotel revenue grow to around one-third of hotel revenue for the first quarter of 2018, compared to the same... Read More
Security series part 1 threat landscape
News / Online
Unlocking travel security, part 1: The threat landscape
By Mitra Sorrells | May 7, 2018
Equifax, Yahoo, Ebay – all major brands that have been the targets of cyber criminals, with millions of customers impacted in each case.   Read More
Airline distribution surcharge trend tipped to slow
News / Distribution
Airline distribution surcharge trend tipped to slow
By Kevin May | May 7, 2018
Air France-KLM could be the last of the major airline groups to introduce a fee for passengers that book tickets through the global distribution systems. Read More
Research Spotlight: The rise of mobile bookings
News / Technology
Research Spotlight: The rise of mobile bookings
By Jill Menze | May 7, 2018
Bookings via mobile are growing faster than through any other channel - with mobile websites and apps accounting for more than one in five US online travel bookings in 2017. Read More
Amadeus Q1 2018 earnings
News / Distribution
Amadeus revenue up on growth in distribution and IT solutions
By Mitra Sorrells | May 4, 2018
Amadeus brought in €1.23 billion in revenue during the first quarter of 2018 – up 3.1% over the same period a year earlier. Read More
How marketers should use Facebook's new Trip Consideration tool
News / Online
How marketers should use Facebook's new Trip Consideration tool
By MDG | May 4, 2018
When planning a future trip, many people may have a beach getaway or hiking adventure in mind—but they still may be wondering where to go. Read More
Travelport up in revenue but Flight Centre exit hits other metrics
News / Distribution
Travelport up in revenue but Flight Centre exit hits other metrics
By Kevin May | May 3, 2018
Travelport saw its revenues increase to $678 million in the first quarter of 2018 but the loss of its large Flight Centre account has hit profits to the tune of 9%. Read More
Thomas Cook Qubit digital personalization
News / Online
How personalization is driving conversions for Thomas Cook
By Mitra Sorrells | May 3, 2018
Personalization of the digital experience is a primary strategy for brands looking to attract and retain customers. But one of the challenges is how to create personalization at scale and in a way that... Read More
Air Canada and WestJet irked over Hopper's Secret Fares
News / Distribution
Air Canada and WestJet irked over Hopper's Secret Fares
By Mitra Sorrells | May 2, 2018
Since its long-awaited launch in 2015, Hopper has established a unique – and, it appears, lucrative – platform to sell flights.    Read More
Low-cost carrier apps benefiting from diverse ancillary offerings
News / Technology
Low-cost carrier apps benefiting from diverse ancillary offerings
By Jill Menze | May 2, 2018
As travelers grow accustomed to individualized offerings - paying for things like insurance, baggage and seat and meal selection separately - airlines stand to gain by unbundling services. Read More
Digital luggage brand Bluesmart packs its bags
News / Technology
Digital luggage brand Bluesmart packs its bags
By Kevin May | May 2, 2018
Bluesmart has closed its doors after failing to find a route forward following a ban on lithium batteries by a number of airlines. Read More
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