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.

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
Sabre hits nearly $1 billion in revenue for Q1 2018
News / Distribution
Sabre hits nearly $1 billion in revenue for Q1 2018
By Kevin May | May 1, 2018
Sabre found itself with an 8% increase in revenue for the first quarter of 2018, giving it almost $1 billion for a three-month period for the first since it went public in 2014. Read More
mgm resorts expedia
News / Online
MGM Resorts taps Expedia to grow package bookings in Vegas
By Jill Menze | April 30, 2018
To boost customer acquisition at its properties in Las Vegas, MGM Resorts International is operating its package booking platform using Expedia Powered Technology. Read More
Expedia Group ticks solid start box for 2018, helped by HomeAway
News / Online
Expedia Group ticks solid start box for 2018, helped by HomeAway
By Mitra Sorrells | April 26, 2018
Expedia Group recorded a 15% increase in total gross bookings and a 15% increase in revenue to $2.5 billion for the first quarter of 2018 compared to the same period last year. Read More
SDL AI machine learning content creation
News / Technology
How AI is rewriting content creation for travel
By Mitra Sorrells | April 25, 2018
Content is the foundation of a brand’s interaction with its customers. Whether in the form of a website, mobile app, emails, or a social campaign, the words a brand uses provide both information and... Read More
Phocuswright Europe 2018 Preview: Q&A with Lufthansa's Heike Birlenbach
Interview / Distribution
Phocuswright Europe 2018 Preview: Q&A with Lufthansa's Heike Birlenbach
By PhocusWire | April 24, 2018
Ahead of the event, she discusses new technologies, ancillary sales and more. Read More
wrapup april 20 2018
Notated News / Technology
Delta, Blacklane, BookingKit and more news briefs today...
By PhocusWire | April 20, 2018
Delta launches Farelogix’s calculation engine… BookingKit partners with Vakario… Thai Airways International promotes Blacklane… Cathay Pacific integrates with Skyscanner… RedAwning grows... Read More
Kayak Alexa flight notifications
News / Technology
Kayak adds flight notifications to Alexa skill
By Mitra Sorrells | April 19, 2018
As Kayak’s Amazon Alexa skill approaches its two-year anniversary, the company is updating the service with flight notifications.   Read More
Aruba blockchain Winding Tree3
News / Technology
Can blockchain help a tiny, travel-dependent island reinvent its economy?
By Mitra Sorrells | April 18, 2018
On the tiny Dutch Caribbean island of Aruba – population just over 100,000 – tourism is the foundation of the economy, contributing about 88% of its gross domestic product and accounting for 90% of its... Read More
The Phocuswright Conference 2026