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.

Startup travel planner Layla acquires AI-itinerary builder Roam Around
News / Startups
Startup travel planner Layla acquires AI-itinerary builder Roam Around
By Mitra Sorrells | February 12, 2024
Roam Around founder Shie Gabbai is now chief operating officer at Layla, a startup that launched last fall with backing from travel veterans Andy Phillipps, Barry Smith and Brent Hoberman. Read More
Joby gets exclusive rights to fly electric air taxis in Dubai
News / Technology
Joby gets exclusive rights to fly electric air taxis in Dubai
By Linda Fox | February 12, 2024
Joby is hoping to begin air taxi operations as early as 2025 in Dubai and has signed a partnership with Skyports for the development and operation of four locations. Read More
Jeff Katz on Journera’s shutdown and why a connected trip still matters
Opinion / Startups
Jeff Katz on Journera’s shutdown and why a connected trip still matters
By Jeff Katz - Journera | February 12, 2024
Jeff Katz shares his lessons from trying to build Journera and why he still believes in the need for the industry to break down silos in a traveler’s journey. Read More
Jeff Katz is shutting down Journera, his startup that tried to create a connected trip
News / Startups
Jeff Katz is shutting down Journera, his startup that tried to create a connected trip
By Mitra Sorrells | February 8, 2024
The founder of Orbitz created Journera in 2016 with the goal of creating a secure, real-time data exchange for creating more seamless travel journeys. Read More
Let’s not love our favorite destinations to death!
Opinion / Online
Let’s not love our favorite destinations to death!
By Gaurav Bhatnagar - TBO.com | February 8, 2024
TBO.com co-founder Gaurav Bhatnagar says the travel industry needs to stop pointing fingers at governments and tourism boards and instead take responsibility - and action - to reduce overtourism. Read More
Cosmic Aerospace raises $4.5M for electric aircraft development
News / Startups
Cosmic Aerospace raises $4.5M for electric aircraft development
By PhocusWire | February 7, 2024
The electric aircraft startup will use the seed funding to advance technology for its zero-emission vehicles capable of carrying 24 passengers and flying 600 miles.   Read More
Airline tech bosses prioritize artificial intelligence investment
News / Technology
Airline tech bosses prioritize artificial intelligence investment
By Linda Fox | February 7, 2024
Airline technology spend has been increasing since 2020 and was expected to hit approximately $35 billion in 2023, up from 2022’s figure of $30 billion, according to the SITA Air Transport IT 2023... Read More
New report identifies four elements of an effective travel loyalty program
News / Online
New report identifies four elements of an effective travel loyalty program
By Mitra Sorrells | February 6, 2024
Sustainability, lifestyle rewards, personalization and integration of fintech tools stand out in iSeatz’ survey of consumers and loyalty program managers.   Read More
Turbulence ahead: Aviation leaders brace for elevated flight disruptions
News / Online
Turbulence ahead: Aviation leaders brace for elevated flight disruptions
By Derek Catron | February 6, 2024
Flight disruptions are 300% above historical norms, and aviation leaders expect those levels to remain elevated, a new study from Amadeus finds.   Read More
Buy now, pay later powers revenue for travel and airline merchants
From Our Partners / Online
Buy now, pay later powers revenue for travel and airline merchants
By Suzanne Hirt | February 5, 2024
Buy now, pay later solutions can propel profits for airline and travel merchants and aid them in attracting new customers and locking in loyalty at no additional cost or risk.  Read More
Heart Aerospace lands $107M for hybrid-electric airplane
News / Startups
Heart Aerospace lands $107M for hybrid-electric airplane
By Linda Fox | February 2, 2024
The company plans to put the investment toward further development of the business as well as progressing certification of its ES-30 hybrid-electric aircraft. Read More
Assessing the effectiveness of influencer marketing in travel
News / Online
Assessing the effectiveness of influencer marketing in travel
By Morgan Hines | February 1, 2024
Windstar Cruises is the latest company to bolster its influencer marketing strategy, recently announcing a partnership with Jerne, which helps to facilitate connections with influencers. Read More
Google will update flight emissions calculations in its Travel Impact Model
News / Technology
Google will update flight emissions calculations in its Travel Impact Model
By Mitra Sorrells | January 31, 2024
Along with three updates, the advisory committee for Google's Travel Impact Model has agreed to prioritize research on contrails to provide consumers with clear information on their impact on the... Read More
Amadeus acquires biometrics specialist Vision-Box for €320M
News / Technology
Amadeus acquires biometrics specialist Vision-Box for €320M
By Linda Fox | January 31, 2024
Amadeus is adding biometric border control to its services with its acquisition of Vision-Box. Read More
AirAsia taps into event trend with new global event ticketing platform
News / Technology
AirAsia taps into event trend with new global event ticketing platform
By Mitra Sorrells | January 29, 2024
Capitalizing on the “Taylor Swift effect,” AirAsia will now offer event ticket booking along with all the necessary travel options on its app.   Read More
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