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.

Spotnana direct NDC connection with United to realize retailing potential
News / Technology
Spotnana direct NDC connection with United to realize retailing potential
By Elizabeth West - BTN | June 29, 2023
The "deep integration" also enables self-service, end-to-end agent service and airline service, with all ticket touches applied across channels. Read More
How AI is enabling self-service round-the-world trip planning
News / Technology
How AI is enabling self-service round-the-world trip planning
By Derek Catron | June 29, 2023
A partnership between the Oneworld airline alliance and Elemental Cognition for around-the-world bookings relies on a generative AI chatbot.   Read More
How travel brands are finding a voice on TikTok
News / Online
How travel brands are finding a voice on TikTok
By Linda Fox | June 28, 2023
TikTok's Hannah Bennett shares some of the current trends for travel on the platform as well as how brands including BA and Hilton are finding their voice. Read More
Booking.com adds conversational trip planning with ChatGPT
News / Technology
Booking.com adds conversational trip planning with ChatGPT
By Mitra Sorrells | June 27, 2023
For now the chat platform is integrated only with Booking.com’s accommodation booking experience, but the company plans to add flights, ground transportation and other trip components in the future. Read More
Utu to accelerate growth through $33M funding and acquisition deal
News / Technology
Utu to accelerate growth through $33M funding and acquisition deal
By Linda Fox | June 27, 2023
Utu already counts Accor, Air France-KLM, Emirates and Etihad among its partners for its tax-free shopping solution. Read More
Chargebacks in travel increasing as consumers find them easier than refunds
News / Technology
Chargebacks in travel increasing as consumers find them easier than refunds
By Linda Fox | June 27, 2023
Outpayce, the payments business of Amadeus, surveyed travel executives to uncover that 71% of companies have seen an increase with disputes growing 30% year over year. Read More
Seizing the digital payment opportunity in travel
News / Technology
Seizing the digital payment opportunity in travel
By Linda Fox | June 26, 2023
Stripe's global travel lead James Lemon discusses payments evolution and trends in travel in the PhocusWire Studio at Phocuswright Europe 2023. Read More
STARTUP STAGE: Squake provides sustainability solutions for travel companies
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: Squake provides sustainability solutions for travel companies
By Mitra Sorrells | June 26, 2023
Squake’s API calculates carbon emissions related to any type of travel, such as an air or rail trip or a hotel stay, and then automates carbon reduction or compensation in the booking flow. Read More
Personalization + ChatGPT = Holy grail in customer intent
Opinion / Technology
Personalization + ChatGPT = Holy grail in customer intent
By Terry Jones | June 23, 2023
ChatGPT is going to change travel search for the better, and adding personalization will make it wonderful. Read More
Travel startups on choosing investors, funding experiences
News / Startups
Travel startups on choosing investors, funding experiences
By Linda Fox & Mitra Sorrells | June 22, 2023
Following our recent piece on top investors in travel tech, PhocusWire collected insights from startups on what they look for in investors. Read More
Squake raises €3.5M to meet rising demand for more sustainable choices
News / Startups
Squake raises €3.5M to meet rising demand for more sustainable choices
By Derek Catron | June 22, 2023
The Berlin-based climate tech startup intends to use the funding for technology research and development and new hires to meet customer demand.   Read More
Amadeus' Maroto on hospitality, aviation pressure, leadership challenges
News / Technology
Amadeus' Maroto on hospitality, aviation pressure, leadership challenges
By Linda Fox | June 20, 2023
Luis Maroto, president and CEO of Amadeus, joined Phocuswright Europe 2023 to talk about the economy, distribution developments and potential growth opportunities for the company. Read More
Latin America super app Rappi has big ambitions in travel
News / Online
Latin America super app Rappi has big ambitions in travel
By Mitra Sorrells | June 20, 2023
With partnerships with Marriott and Amadeus, Rappi is finding ways to make its app the go-to place for travel bookings as well as many other daily essentials. Read More
Air Canada and Sabre reach distribution and retailing agreement
News / Distribution
Air Canada and Sabre reach distribution and retailing agreement
By Linda Fox | June 14, 2023
The partnership means Sabre-connected travel agents will be able to access Air Canada's NDC content in the coming months. Read More
Save now, buy later gains traction as CheapOair partners with Accrue
News / Online
Save now, buy later gains traction as CheapOair partners with Accrue
By Linda Fox | June 13, 2023
While buy now, pay later has caught on in the past couple of years through companies including FlyNowPayLater and Uplift, save now, buy later is in its infancy. Read More