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.

Travelshift looks to accelerate growth with $10M investment
News / Online
Travelshift looks to accelerate growth with $10M investment
By Linda Fox | August 31, 2023
Iceland-based Travelshift operates marketplaces including Guide to Europe for European leisure travel. Read More
Branchspace receives £5M investment
News / Online
Branchspace receives £5M investment
By Morgan Hines | August 31, 2023
Branchspace is a travel technology consultancy and software provider that works with airlines on digital retailing. Read More
Travel websites failing basic accessibility tests
News / Online
Travel websites failing basic accessibility tests
By Linda Fox | August 30, 2023
Consistent accessibility issues such as missing alternative text and unlabeled form fields are barriers to bookings from disabled travelers. Read More
CEO Spotlight - Tony Fernandes of Capital A
Interview / Online
CEO Spotlight - Tony Fernandes of Capital A
By Linda Fox | August 29, 2023
Capital A has been steadily developing from an airline to an online travel platform and most recently a super app offering financial services, ride hailing, food delivery and more.  Read More
Google adds “cheapest time to book” in time for Christmas
News / Online
Google adds “cheapest time to book” in time for Christmas
By Derek Catron | August 28, 2023
Google is adding information on when fares are expected to be lowest for booking a specific destination for specific dates, similar to advice offered by Hopper, Kayak and Skyscanner.   Read More
Ryanair's online facial recognition creating friction for business travelers
News / Technology
Ryanair's online facial recognition creating friction for business travelers
By Lauren Arena – Business Travel News Europe | August 28, 2023
Business travelers in the United Kingdom have reported ongoing "friction" and "frustrations" when booking flights with Ryanair due to the carrier's online booking verification process that requires... Read More
Are airline patents a mark of industry innovation?
News / Technology
Are airline patents a mark of industry innovation?
By Linda Fox | August 25, 2023
Lufthansa Innovation Hub's study of airline patents filed over the past 20 years revealed a steady decline since 2016 with financial constraints and outsourcing of innovation among reasons for this... Read More
Travelport execs share insights from new platform migration
News / Technology
Travelport execs share insights from new platform migration
By Michael B. Baker – Business Travel News | August 24, 2023
More than two years after launching Travelport Plus as a unified platform to replace its three legacy global distribution systems, CEO Greg Webb and chief product and technology officer Tom Kershaw... Read More
How cloud services help expand Amazon’s role in travel
News / Technology
How cloud services help expand Amazon’s role in travel
By Derek Catron | August 22, 2023
Massimo Morin, Amazon Web Services’ global head of travel, shares insights into how AI and other new tech extends the company’s reach into the travel industry.   Read More
Lufthansa unveils Swifty, an AI assistant for business travel
News / Startups
Lufthansa unveils Swifty, an AI assistant for business travel
By Linda Fox | August 22, 2023
The technology enables business travelers to share their hotel and flight preferences via chat, select appropriate options and have them booked. Read More
Wego CEO on the Middle East’s travel boom, generative AI and more
News / Online
Wego CEO on the Middle East’s travel boom, generative AI and more
By Mitra Sorrells | August 18, 2023
Wego CEO Ross Veitch explains why he's bullish on the future of tourism in the Middle East and how generative AI-powered chat interfaces could become the new "gatekeepers" for e-commerce. Read More
You, Me & The Machine: The Phocuswright Conference 2023
News / Online
You, Me & The Machine: The Phocuswright Conference 2023
By PhocusWire | August 17, 2023
Make plans to attend The Phocuswright Conference in November for Center Stage sessions featuring industry leaders along with dedicated programs for innovation, diversity, Young Leaders and... Read More
Hopper adds Air Canada as first airline partner for Hopper Cloud
News / Technology
Hopper adds Air Canada as first airline partner for Hopper Cloud
By Derek Catron | August 16, 2023
For a fee, travelers can add Hopper-powered “Cancel for Any Reason” to eligible non-refundable fare types booked on the Air Canada website.   Read More
Power of data and analytics in tackling travel disruption
Opinion / Online
Power of data and analytics in tackling travel disruption
By Emily Weiss – Accenture | August 16, 2023
To prepare for disruption, airlines and airports can put innovative data and “applied intelligence” assets to use, unlocking significant value and driving the next level of performance. Read More
Travel tech platform Mondee acquires Skypass, reports Q2 net revenue of $57M
News / Distribution
Travel tech platform Mondee acquires Skypass, reports Q2 net revenue of $57M
By Mitra Sorrells | August 15, 2023
Skypass is the fourth acquisition for Texas-based Mondee this year, as the company looks to expand both geographically and into new content and distribution channels. Read More
The Phocuswright Conference 2026