The United Nations set a goal to reduce aviation emissions by 5% globally by 2030, with a focus on sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). However, doubts have been raised by industry leaders about achieving this target. For instance, IATA director general Willie Walsh highlighted the fact that SAF production is lacking in certain parts of the
Airlines
The resumption of international travel post-Covid has not been without its challenges, particularly for Cathay Pacific, which has nearly doubled its U.S. service since April 2023. However, the airline has faced setbacks due to Boeing’s delivery delays, preventing it from fully reinstating its pre-pandemic U.S. network. Cathay’s head of sales operations, Sarah Kraemer, highlighted the
The mood at ASTA’s Travel Advisor Conference in Dallas reflected the collective relief felt by the agency community upon hearing that American Airlines would abandon its controversial distribution strategy. While the reversal was welcomed, the future remains uncertain, and questions abound regarding the carrier’s next steps. Dave Hershberger of Prestige Travel Leaders in Cincinnati highlighted
United Airlines recently introduced Kinective Media, an advertising platform that leverages the airline’s extensive customer data to deliver targeted ads to its passengers. This innovative approach allows companies to reach United’s customers through various channels, including the airline’s app, website, in-flight entertainment screens, lounges, and airports. Kinective Media provides anonymized demographic information about customers, such
When it comes to the Department of Transportation’s (DOT) new refund rule set to take effect on October 26, there are various implications for corporate travel, meetings, and incentives. One of the key questions that arises is how the rule applies to corporate and institutional clients who pay by check or wire transfer after tickets
When airline executives from around the world gathered at IATA’s Annual General Meeting in Istanbul last year, supply chain constraints were identified as a major concern. Fast forward to this year’s meeting, and industry leaders are still grappling with the same issues. IATA Director General Willie Walsh acknowledged that although the situation hasn’t worsened, there
Commercial aviation, like any other business sector, relies heavily on the ability to measure and manage various aspects of its operations. One key area that directly impacts passengers’ overall experience is luggage delivery. While the public reporting of metrics such as on-time departure and lost baggage rates are mandatory, there are other crucial factors regarding
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has released estimates predicting that airlines globally will reach a record revenue of $996 billion in 2024. On the flip side, expenses are expected to rise to $936 billion, resulting in a slim net profit margin of 3.1% for the industry. These projections highlight the ongoing challenges faced by
The world of aviation is making strides towards sustainability, with sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production expected to triple this year according to IATA’s latest estimate. However, despite this growth, SAF still only accounts for 0.5% of the aviation industry’s fuel needs. In order to reach the industry’s net-zero emissions goal by 2050, production must increase
United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby expressed his skepticism towards Frontier Airlines’ new merchandising model, stating that it is destined to fail. In a bold assertion, Kirby also predicted that Spirit Airlines would meet the same fate if it followed a similar path. Kirby emphasized during a Q&A session at the IATA Annual General Meeting that
Advocacy groups for the disabled community welcomed the recent passing of the FAA funding reauthorization bill, recognizing it as a significant step towards making air travel safer and more comfortable for travelers with disabilities. Angel Hardy Heinz, public policy manager for the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, expressed the excitement shared by many within the
American Airlines recently made headlines with its decision to scrap plans to limit how AAdvantage loyalty program members can earn miles or points based on booking channels. While this move was seen as a win for consumers, the carrier is still moving forward with its plans to reward agencies designated as “preferred.” In emails sent
As someone who owns not just one, but two airline credit cards, I can attest to the benefits that come with them. Personally, my Southwest Rapid Rewards card and my United MileagePlus card more than justify their annual fees through the rewards points I earn. Furthermore, the perks such as free checked bags make these
The Department of Transportation (DOT) has introduced a new rule that requires agencies to make ticket refunds out of their own pockets in certain cases. This rule is set to go into effect on October 26th, with the aim of ensuring proper communication between airlines and agencies to process refunds accurately and efficiently. However, the
American Airlines’ distribution strategy has faced significant backlash, leading to critical responses from members of the business travel community. The departure of chief commercial officer Vasu Raja and the acknowledgement of regrets by CEO Robert Isom indicate a shift in the airline’s approach. However, the industry’s reaction highlights the deep-rooted issues with American Airlines’ strategy.
The recent developments within American Airlines regarding their distribution strategy have sparked discussions within the travel industry. American CEO Robert Isom admitted to mistakes in the implementation of their New Distribution Capability (NDC) policies, including the removal of fares from legacy systems which put pressure on agencies to use the new NDC systems for bookings.
American Airlines CEO, Robert Isom, recently announced a shift in the company’s distribution strategy during the Bernstein Strategic Decisions Conference. Isom expressed the need for American Airlines to embrace and promote NDC modern retailing rather than restricting content from the GDSs that are relied upon by numerous travel agencies. This change in direction signifies a
The Dutch government has recently proposed new measures to reduce noise pollution and capacity at Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport. The proposal includes limiting night flights and certain aircraft by 2025 in an effort to address concerns raised by nearby residents. One of the key elements of the proposal is to limit the number of night flights