Global air travel climbs 5%, Asia-Pacific leads the way
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released data for May 2025 global passenger demand with the following highlights:
Total demand, measured in revenue passenger kilometers (RPK), was up 5.0% compared to May 2024. Total capacity, measured in available seat kilometers (ASK), was [...]
flyadeal joins AlFursan. Agoda’s 20th sale success. Dynamic pricing is in. QiYouJi, TA Network go luxe B2B. More.
flyadeal takes off with AlFursan
Saudi Arabia’s low-cost carrier flyadeal has officially joined AlFursan, the loyalty programme of its sister airline Saudia, offering members more flexibility to earn and redeem miles across a growing network of domestic and international destinations. Announced a [...]
Not first but fast followers: Michael Cawley on Ryanair’s tech playbook, OTA rapprochement & regulatory realities
Michael Cawley may be best known for his long tenure as Deputy CEO and COO of Ryanair, but his thinking continues to influence not just aviation, but also how we see technology, regulation, and the distribution battleground in Europe.
In a wide-ranging interview at Phocuswright Europe, Cawley lai [...]
Experts weigh-in on Jetstar Asia’s closure: Strategic misstep or inevitable fallout?
On June 11, news broke that Jetstar Asia, the Singapore-based low-cost carrier under the Qantas Group, will cease operations on July 31, affecting more than 500 employees in Singapore. The closure is part of a broader “strategic restructure” by parent company Qantas, which aims to reallocate res [...]
Aviation’s dual reality: Dreaming of the future, grounded in the now
At WiT Phocuswright Middle East, aviation leaders debated the next 10 years of travel distribution, payments, and digital transformation, and the balance between ambition and realism.
At a time when every industry panel seems to default to AI, it was refreshing to hear leaders in aviation and tech [...]
Flying into the future: Willie Walsh calls for tech-first thinking at IATA AGM
In an address that oscillated between optimism and urgency, Willie Walsh, Director General of IATA, took the stage at the 81st Annual General Meeting in Delhi to rally the aviation industry behind a future that is digital, data-driven and sustainably delivered or risk falling dangerously behind.
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Airline profitability to strengthen in 2025 despite headwinds
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced updates to its 2025 airline industry financial outlook, showing improved profitability over 2024 and resilience in the face of global economic and political shifts.
Highlights from the expected 2025 financial performance include:
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Fly Fairly acquires Gen Z travel discovery platform LFG in move to drive global growth
Fly Fairly has announced its acquisition of LFG, the Gen Z-focused travel discovery engine known for its "Spotify meets Pinterest" approach to personalized trip inspiration. The deal brings LFG’s tech and core team under the Fly Fairly umbrella as part of its mission to build the most flexible OTA [...]
Bryan Batista appointed CEO at Skyscanner
Skyscanner, a global leader in travel, announces that Bryan Batista has been appointed CEO, taking over the role from John Mangelaars. Batista is currently the Chief Operating Officer and will become CEO on the 1st June 2025.
Skyscanner connects over 160m users in 180 countries and 37 languages [...]
Survival of the fittest: How OTAs are competing in the Middle East
In an increasingly competitive Middle East online travel landscape, staying ahead demands more than just speed – it requires sharp differentiation, relentless innovation, and smart use of AI. That was the dominant mood as top OTA leaders from Booking.com, Wego, Almosafer, and Travelwings gath [...]
