10 Aviation Trends We’re Tracking at Skift This Week

Every week we post hundreds of stories across various sectors in travel, connecting the dots across various global trends, and in these weekend posts we highlight the stories that tackle these trends. This one looks at top aviation trends. For all of our trends roundups, go here.

1. Gulf airlines expanding routes in the U.S.: Etihad Invades American Air’s Turf with Three Weekly Flights to Dallas
2. Consolidation increasing profits for global airlines: Global Airline Industry on Track to Earn Record Profits of $19.7 Billion in 2014
3. Airports open yoga rooms for health-conscious travelers: Chicago Is Latest U.S. City to Add a Yoga Room to An Airport
4. Airlines introducing new onboard tech capabilities: JetBlue’s New In-Flight Wi-Fi Will Be Free for Six Months
5. Airlines introducing new onboard tech capabilities: Southwest First U.S. Airline to Offer Gate To Get Messaging
6. Airlines introducing new onboard tech capabilities: European Commission Gives Airlines Approval to Relax Device Rules Throughout Flight
7. Airlines introducing new onboard tech capabilities: FCC Moves One Step Closer to Lifting Ban on In-Flight Phone Calls
8. Aviation is the most active travel industry for research investment: The World’s Top Travel Companies Ranked by R&D Investment
9. Airlines surprise flyers for the holidays with hopes for a viral hit: Best Travel Ads This Week: WestJet Viral Video and More Holiday Cheer
10. Airports are the most checked into places on Foursquare: Airports Are the Most Frequently Checked Into U.S. Places on Foursquare