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.

AI series part 3 Hopper
News / Technology
AI analysis, part 3: The brains behind Hopper
By Mitra Sorrells | April 16, 2018
In part three, we talk to Fred Lalonde, founder and CEO of Hopper. Read More
QOTW: Something about keeping things alive
News / Distribution
QOTW: Something about keeping things alive
By PhocusWire | April 13, 2018
Quote from Kathy Morgan, vice president of product management at Sabre Travel Network, in an article on PhocusWire this week. Read More
In The Big Chair – Noreen Henry of WayBlazer
Interview / Technology
In The Big Chair – Noreen Henry of WayBlazer
By Mitra Sorrells | April 12, 2018
Hotel brands, travel tech providers, airline vacation packaging groups and others use Wayblazer’s AI-powered recommendation engine to help travelers find the best destinations and products. Read More
Sabre makes NDC push, launches new airline commercial platform
News / Distribution
Sabre makes NDC push, launches new airline commercial platform
By Jill Menze | April 12, 2018
While airlines are still adjusting their attitudes toward IATA’s New Distribution Capability, Sabre has changed its tune about how the communication standard will present new opportunities around... Read More
Sabre aims to break down walls as it "reimagines" business of travel
News / Technology
Sabre aims to break down walls as it "reimagines" business of travel
By Jill Menze | April 11, 2018
Sabre president and CEO Sean Menke has a new vision for how tech will reimagine the business of travel. Read More
EAN Points Loyalty Program report 2
News / Distribution
Experiences and products - not financial rewards - drive customer loyalty for travel brands
By Mitra Sorrells | April 10, 2018
The key to long-term loyalty for travel brands comes from creating memorable experiences based on superior products and personalized service.   Read More
AI series part 2 Watson
News / Technology
AI analysis, part 2: Watson's world
By Mitra Sorrells | April 9, 2018
It’s been more than seven years since IBM’s Watson computer entered the spotlight by beating two acclaimed – and human – competitors on the quiz show Jeopardy!   Read More
MakeMyTrip Flipkart partnership
News / Distribution
MakeMyTrip boosts distribution with Flipkart partnership
By Mitra Sorrells | April 5, 2018
Less than a month after buzz circulated that Amazon could make a move into travel – again – one of its biggest e-commerce competitors is doing just that. Read More
Expedia Air France-KLM agreement
News / Distribution
Expedia Group can sell Air France-KLM flights without surcharge
By Mitra Sorrells | April 4, 2018
Air France-KLM has agreed to waive surcharges for leisure and corporate customers that book through Expedia Group brands Expedia, Ebookers and Egencia. Read More
Rome2rio PCW Europe
Interview / Online
Phocuswright Europe 2018 Preview: Q&A with Rome2rio's Rod Cuthbert
By PhocusWire | April 3, 2018
Ahead of the event, Rod Cuthbert discusses the evolution of multi-modal booking, how Google is changing travel and why he's publicly called out TripAdvisor. Read More
wrapup april 2 2018
Notated News / Technology
Amadeus, Hotelbeds, Interjet and more news briefs today...
By PhocusWire | April 2, 2018
Amadeus adds tours from Bookingkit… Hotelbeds group succeeds through its API… Interjet signs deal with Sabre… Philippine Airlines works toward five-star rating… Peakwork introduces new solutions… Read More
AI analysis, part 1: Travel tech giants
News / Technology
AI analysis, part 1: Travel tech giants
By Mitra Sorrells | April 2, 2018
The ubiquity of artificial intelligence is evident in the fact that the abbreviation “AI” is now a common and recognizable term.    Read More
Air France-KLM NDC Amadeus Travelport
News / Distribution
Air France-KLM inks NDC deals with Amadeus and Travelport
By Mitra Sorrells | March 30, 2018
Amadeus and Air France-KLM have reached an agreement to allow Amadeus customers to access a private channel to receive airline content without paying a surcharge. Two days earlier Travelport announced... Read More
travel influencer marketing report
News / Online
The state of influencer marketing for travel brands
By Mitra Sorrells | March 29, 2018
Photos, blog posts and other content shared by social media influencers can be an effective way for brands to communicate with consumers – particularly since surveys have found that between one-third to... Read More
Predicting the future: How airlines can be proactive around flight delays
Opinion / Technology
Predicting the future: How airlines can be proactive around flight delays
By Fraser McGibbon - SITA | March 28, 2018
Today we live in uncertain times with one out of every four flights not operating on time. Many would be shocked to learn that the airlines of the world are spending in excess of 25 billion USD per year... Read More
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