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.

Staples tests travel agents in stores in plan to grow travel services
News / Distribution
Staples tests travel agents in stores in plan to grow travel services
By Mitra Sorrells | September 15, 2023
The office supply retailer has offered TSA PreCheck and passport services for several years and is now talking to travel industry partners about expanding its offerings. Read More
United Airlines inks deal to buy 1B gallons of SAF
News / Technology
United Airlines inks deal to buy 1B gallons of SAF
By Derek Catron | September 14, 2023
Houston-based Cemvita to provide 50 million gallons of sustainable aviation fuel a year for 20 years to the airline.   Read More
Caravelo raises €3.5M in Series A round
News / Online
Caravelo raises €3.5M in Series A round
By Morgan Hines | September 14, 2023
 Subscription-focused travel company Caravelo is looking at expanding into new markets with its series A round. Read More
Key barometers of Chinese travel and its emerging behavioral and spending patterns
News / Online
Key barometers of Chinese travel and its emerging behavioral and spending patterns
By Phocuswright Research | September 8, 2023
While China's gross bookings are not anticipated to surpass 2019 totals until 2024, recovery and rebuilding are underway, thanks to nimble suppliers and intermediaries and consumers’ passion for... Read More
Booking will fight any decision to veto Etraveli acquisition in court
News / Online
Booking will fight any decision to veto Etraveli acquisition in court
By Linda Fox | September 8, 2023
Booking Holdings has responded to rumors that European regulators will veto its Etraveli acquisition, saying that decision would be "flawed on both factual and legal grounds." Read More
Travelers are placing more value on customer experience when considering air travel
News / Online
Travelers are placing more value on customer experience when considering air travel
By Morgan Hines | September 8, 2023
SITA's latest Passenger IT Insights report finds travelers becoming more comfortable with technology, particularly mobile apps, and also increased desire for technology that boosts sustainability for... Read More
AI Insights: Generative AI across airline operations
News / Technology
AI Insights: Generative AI across airline operations
By PhocusWire | September 7, 2023
Lufthansa Digital Hangar's Christian Spannbauer answers our questions about the areas the airline group is applying generative artificial intelligence technology to. Read More
Point.me raises $10M to boost partnerships and expand concierge service
News / Startups
Point.me raises $10M to boost partnerships and expand concierge service
By Linda Fox | September 5, 2023
Point.me enables loyalty program members to find flights using their points via its proprietary algorithm. Read More
Smartvel extends travel content with acquisition of ArrivalGuides
News / Technology
Smartvel extends travel content with acquisition of ArrivalGuides
By Linda Fox | September 5, 2023
ArrivalGuides provides destination guides in multiple languages from tourism boards and travel experts for travel brands to integrate into their websites, mobile applications and marketing campaigns. Read More
Trip.com says platforms like TikTok will have difficulty challenging OTAs
News / Online
Trip.com says platforms like TikTok will have difficulty challenging OTAs
By Linda Fox | September 5, 2023
Trip.com Group's Q2 2023 report revealed net revenue of $1.6 billion, up 180% year over year and 22% quarter over quarter. Read More
Skiplagging isn’t likely to stop anytime soon, even if airlines fight it
News / Online
Skiplagging isn’t likely to stop anytime soon, even if airlines fight it
By Morgan Hines | September 5, 2023
While the practice is nothing new, a lawsuit by American Airlines puts skiplagging back in the headlines and raises questions about why it persists. Read More
Luxury Escapes’ Schwab on growing fast, being one of a kind and new superstore in Melbourne
News / Online
Luxury Escapes’ Schwab on growing fast, being one of a kind and new superstore in Melbourne
By Ian Jarrett - WiT | September 5, 2023
Australia-based Luxury Escapes has seven million members globally and has just opened a store in Melbourne where customers can develop travel plans while sipping champagne. Read More
Will European regulators block Booking's acquisition of Etraveli?
News / Online
Will European regulators block Booking's acquisition of Etraveli?
By Linda Fox | September 4, 2023
In June, the European Commission said the proposed acquisition may allow Booking to strengthen its dominant position in the hotel OTA marketplace. Read More
Are dynamic bundles for air travel personalization?
News / Technology
Are dynamic bundles for air travel personalization?
By Norm Rose - Phocuswright Research | September 1, 2023
The evolution toward personalized pricing would require some underlying changes to the way personal profiles are created, stored and interact with the booking process. Read More
Climate disasters renew focus on travel sustainability goals
News / Online
Climate disasters renew focus on travel sustainability goals
By Derek Catron | August 31, 2023
Will another summer of climate calamities galvanize the level of coordination necessary to keep the travel industry growing — while helping to save the planet?   Read More
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