Airport News and Aviation Updates

PhocusWire's in-depth coverage of airports, featuring news, analysis, interviews, research and more on airport facilities, their use of technology, passenger experience and relationships with airlines.

Airports are evolving into high-tech travel ecosystems, integrating smarter infrastructure, touchless technology, and advanced operations to enhance efficiency and the passenger experience. PhocusWire brings you the latest airport news and aviation updates, tracking how global hubs are responding to the demands of modern travel and future growth.

Airport operations, infrastructure developments, and global hubs

Our coverage highlights airport modernization efforts, sustainability strategies, and digital transformation initiatives taking place at key aviation hubs around the world. From biometric screening and baggage automation to terminal redesigns and mobility partnerships, we explore the innovations redefining airport functionality and service delivery.

Why innovation starts with the travel experience
News / Technology
Why innovation starts with the travel experience
By Jill Menze | May 25, 2018
As an industry representing 10% of jobs globally and on track to reach $1.5 trillion in gross bookings by 2020, the travel market is one that’s ripe for innovation and disruption. Read More
Security series part 3 biometrics
News / Technology
Unlocking travel security, part 3: Biometric ID
By Mitra Sorrells | May 21, 2018
For the first two installments of our series on privacy and security, we have looked at cybersecurity for travel brands and the upcoming GDPR deadline – two topics related to data. But privacy and... Read More
TripAdvisor airport store program grows
News / Online
TripAdvisor airport store program grows
By Kevin May | May 10, 2018
Rarely mentioned by TripAdvisor (it's not really been officially announced) but the company has a growing offline strategy, too. Read More
Digital luggage brand Bluesmart packs its bags
News / Technology
Digital luggage brand Bluesmart packs its bags
By Kevin May | May 2, 2018
Bluesmart has closed its doors after failing to find a route forward following a ban on lithium batteries by a number of airlines. Read More
LAX Tooshlights restroom management
News / Technology
LAX tests new LED-enabled “know where to go” system for restrooms
By Mitra Sorrells | April 3, 2018
New technology debuting at Los Angeles International Airport may signal the end of those awkward attempts to peer under bathroom stalls to determine if they are occupied.   Read More
Predicting the future: How airlines can be proactive around flight delays
Opinion / Technology
Predicting the future: How airlines can be proactive around flight delays
By Fraser McGibbon - SITA | March 28, 2018
Today we live in uncertain times with one out of every four flights not operating on time. Many would be shocked to learn that the airlines of the world are spending in excess of 25 billion USD per year... Read More
Finding a unique voice in travel technology
Opinion / Technology
Finding a unique voice in travel technology
By Chad Callaghan - Sabre | March 27, 2018
The increasing and widespread adoption of voice technology is already beginning to establish its place as a major factor in travel. Read More
ibm watson assistant
News / Technology
IBM enters voice assistant market with Watson Assistant for businesses
By Jill Menze | March 27, 2018
IBM is throwing its hat into the voice assistant ring, but with what could be a key differentiator over Amazon and Google. Read More
SITA report biometric boarding
News / Technology
Collaboration is key to widespread implementation of biometric boarding for air travel
By Mitra Sorrells | March 22, 2018
Facial recognition technology is gaining adoption by airlines and airports to expedite passenger identity verification. In the past year British Airways, Air Asia, JetBlue, Lufthansa and others have... Read More
Amadeus Lufthansa biometric boarding
News / Technology
Amadeus and Lufthansa launch biometric boarding at LAX, plan US expansion
By Mitra Sorrells | March 20, 2018
Amadeus has developed facial recognition technology in partnership with Lufthansa that is now being used by the airline for boarding at Los Angeles International Airport.   Read More
Research Spotlight: The reluctant rebound of US airlines
News / Distribution
Research Spotlight: The reluctant rebound of US airlines
By Jill Menze | March 16, 2018
After two subsequent years of revenue declines, airlines in the United States are once again gaining ground, with flown passenger revenue up 3%. Read More
SITA report AI baggage handling
News / Technology
How AI could revolutionize baggage handling
By Mitra Sorrells | March 6, 2018
Baggage management is an enormous and complicated undertaking for airlines and airports. According to SITA, more than 4.5 billion bags are handled by baggage systems every year.  Read More
The democratization of travel and the future of airline innovation
Opinion / Technology
The democratization of travel and the future of airline innovation
By Kevin Krone - Uplift | February 28, 2018
The airline business exists to bring people together. An important part of the industry’s mandate should be democratizing the process of air travel, making new experiences and destinations affordable... Read More
QOTW: Something about binding travel together
News / Technology
QOTW: Something about binding travel together
By PhocusWire | February 23, 2018
Quote from Niklas Andreen, senior vice president and managing director of hospitality and digital at Travelport. Read More
Decoding blockchain, part 3: Flight data management
News / Technology
Decoding blockchain, part 3: Flight data management
By Mitra Sorrells | February 19, 2018
Data sharing is a complicated - and sometimes disjointed - process in the air transport industry. The creation and storage of information for each flight is handled by multiple entities, at minimum the... Read More
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