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.

Air France-KLM imposes surcharge on legacy GDS corporate bookings
News / Distribution
Air France-KLM imposes surcharge on legacy GDS corporate bookings
By Robert Silk - Travel Weekly | March 28, 2022
The airline group will do away with private-channel arrangements that allowed some corporate travel agencies to avoid the surcharge on legacy GDS bookings.  Read More
NFTs are falling into three categories in travel (so far)
News / Online
NFTs are falling into three categories in travel (so far)
By Linda Fox | March 28, 2022
Funding into startups focused on NFTs across all sectors multiplied almost 40 fold from 2020 to 2021. Read More
Alaska Airlines tests tech at San Jose Airport
News / Technology
Alaska Airlines tests tech at San Jose Airport
By Linda Fox | March 28, 2022
The carrier is looking at all areas of the airport experience to see where technologies such as biometrics can be implemented. Read More
Five trends driving spring travel
From Our Partners / Online
Five trends driving spring travel
By Google | March 28, 2022
The latest in a four-part series from Google focuses on changing traveler demand and how to be ready for what’s next. Read More
tripcom-group-2021-financials
News / Online
Trip.com Group's overseas brands rebound as China remains closed
By Linda Fox | March 24, 2022
Executive chairman James Liang says the company will emerge stronger from the pandemic. Read More
In The Big Chair - John Mangelaars of Skyscanner
Interview / Online
In The Big Chair - John Mangelaars of Skyscanner
By Linda Fox | March 22, 2022
John Mangelaars joined Skyscanner as CEO a year ago, after seven years at online travel agency group Travix International, also owned by Trip.com Group. Read More
VIDEO: Doing the right thing for sustainability in travel
From Our Partners / Technology
VIDEO: Doing the right thing for sustainability in travel
By PhocusWire | March 22, 2022
There are two emerging important themes that every travel brand should be considering as they try to operate to a more sustainable agenda. Read More
travelport-survey-march-2022
News / Online
Consumer interest in travel high, but booking frustrations linger
By Mitra Sorrells | March 22, 2022
A survey finds travel ranks as the most enjoyable activity, but it came in fourth based on how much respondents enjoy the process of researching and booking a trip. Read More
amex-trend-report-2022
News / Online
Family trips, purposeful travel top of mind for leisure travelers
By Mitra Sorrells | March 21, 2022
An American Express Travel survey finds consumers are planning multiple trips this year, with a focus on traveling with family members and a desire to immerse in local culture.   Read More
DRCT raises $500,000 pre-seed round, plans to scale up with additional funds
News / Distribution
DRCT raises $500,000 pre-seed round, plans to scale up with additional funds
By Kevin May | March 21, 2022
The Malta-based company raised the seed round from an unnamed angel investor in the aviation sector, giving it a claimed valuation of $5 million. Read More
A call to airlines: start executing, stop innovating
Opinion / Technology
A call to airlines: start executing, stop innovating
By Irra Ariella Khi - Zamna | March 21, 2022
The technology required to support this for the industry already exists and is being deployed by leading airlines. It just isn’t being fully utilized - yet. Read More
tiger-being-nft-club
News / Online
Private travel club membership NFT Tiger Being launches in Asia
By Linda Fox | March 18, 2022
Members get access to hotel, airline, private yacht and other offers via an “NFT pass.” Read More
Sounding Off: Go modular, or go home, when it comes to tech interfaces
Interview / Technology
Sounding Off: Go modular, or go home, when it comes to tech interfaces
By PhocusWire | March 18, 2022
The industry can continue to at least hope that systems are built in a modular way that allow for easy integration when a software provider is unable to carry out every task that is required. Read More
Rethinking traveler experience for the loyalty land grab
Opinion / Technology
Rethinking traveler experience for the loyalty land grab
By Tom Arundel - Quantum Metric | March 18, 2022
Optimizing the traveler experience isn’t just about getting travelers where they need to go but being empathetic to their unique situations and easing the stress and frustrations associated with travel. Read More
travelx-seed-funding
News / Startups
TravelX nabs $10M for blockchain driven distribution
By Linda Fox | March 16, 2022
The startup aims to create new ways of distribution using blockchain technology. Read More
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