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.

Kiwi Logitravel partnership
News / Distribution
Kiwi, Logitravel partner to expand global footprint
By Mitra Sorrells | February 8, 2018
Kiwi.com, a search platform that combines flights from nearly 700 airlines, has partnered with online travel agency Logitravel Group to increase flight offerings in Europe, Russia, Latin America and... Read More
In The Big Chair - Robert Albert of Routehappy
Interview / Distribution
In The Big Chair - Robert Albert of Routehappy
By Jill Menze | February 7, 2018
The travel industry veteran of more than ten-plus years will continue to lead Routehappy as a strategic business unit as part of its ATPCO acquisition.  Read More
Google new nav bar hotel search
News / Online
Google simplifies travel search, leads for partners with new all-in-one mobile upgrade
By Mitra Sorrells | February 6, 2018
Google is adding new features to its travel search functions to add ease and speed for mobile users. Read More
Bing Phocuswright digital travel marketing study
News / Online
What travel marketers need to know for digital engagement
By Mitra Sorrells | February 6, 2018
Travel marketers should fine-tune digital strategies to attract new customers and reinforce loyalty among existing ones as they strive to prevail in the competitive landscape of online travel agencies,... Read More
Singapore Airlines blockchain loyalty wallet
News / Technology
Singapore Airlines creates blockchain-based rewards program for frequent flyers
By Mitra Sorrells | February 5, 2018
Singapore Airlines will launch a blockchain-based “digital wallet” for members of its KrisFlyer loyalty program.   Read More
phocuswright research otas
News / Distribution
Research Spotlight: OTAs, the big getting even bigger
By PhocusWire | February 5, 2018
Competition to online travel agencies no longer comes from fellow OTAs and traditional suppliers. Read More
travel-agency-evolution
News / Technology
The tech-led evolution of the travel agency community
By PhocusWire | February 5, 2018
The travel agency channel was once the most high-tech of industries back in the 1970s and 1980s. Read More
Blockchain known travel digital identity
News / Technology
Decoding blockchain, part 1: Travel ID and security
By Mitra Sorrells | February 5, 2018
Depending on who you listen to, cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin will either change fundamental aspects of people’s daily lives – financial services, healthcare, retail and, yes,... Read More
ATPCO buys content tech Routehappy to expand airline services
News / Distribution
ATPCO buys content tech Routehappy to expand airline services
By Jill Menze | February 1, 2018
As it assesses its future in the distribution landscape, ATPCO has acquired Routehappy to boost its rich content offerings. Read More
Google Flights AI update WayBlazer reaction
News / Technology
Google Flights can now predict flight delays before airlines
By Mitra Sorrells | February 1, 2018
Google’s latest updates to its Flights search engine combine artificial intelligence and data analysis to forecast flight delays and decipher the fine print of “basic economy” fares.   Read More
American Express buys Mezi chatbot
News / Startups
AmEx buys Mezi, embraces "do-it-for-me" model
By Mitra Sorrells | January 30, 2018
American Express has acquired artificial intelligence-powered assistant Mezi, which co-founder and CEO Swapnil Shinde says upends the current “DIY” trend of travel search and booking into a... Read More
Canada blockchain ID system test
News / Technology
Canada tests blockchain-based ID system for international travel
By Mitra Sorrells | January 30, 2018
The Canadian government is designing a project between its country and the Netherlands to test a new model for airport screening and security that uses biometrics, cryptography and distributed ledger... Read More
Wi-Fi now on 82 airlines, system upgrades on the rise
News / Technology
Wi-Fi now on 82 airlines, system upgrades on the rise
By Jill Menze | January 30, 2018
In-flight Wi-Fi is more prevalent than it’s ever been, with 82 airlines now offering the service, up 17% over last year. Read More
Ryanair, Toncheng-Elong, TripIt and more news briefs today...
Notated News / Technology
Ryanair, Toncheng-Elong, TripIt and more news briefs today...
By PhocusWire | January 30, 2018
Ryanair announces credit program… Toncheng-Elong adds wallet features… TripIt shares airport wait times… Choice Hotels debuts global reservation system… BCD Travel extends Amadeus partnership… Read More
Kayak Desktop Escape app
News
Kayak's new desktop app inspires wanderlust from the cubicle
By Mitra Sorrells | January 30, 2018
Mobile may be gaining ground for travel research and bookings, but the desktop still dominates.   Read More
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