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.

>> Slight increases lead to year-end records that spur tourism development: International Air Traffic Snapshot for November 2014

>> Among the 15 largest publicly traded travel companies around the world at the end of 2014, several U.S. airlines were the fastest-growing in terms of market-cap gains: 15 Largest Public Travel Companies of 2014: U.S. Airlines Spark Growth

>> Definitely no surprise here: 2014 Was the Deadliest Year for Air Travel in Almost a Decade

>> European airlines dominated, see which ones: The Best Airlines and Airports for On-Time Performance in 2014

>> The Skiplagged founder on why he thinks his startup will work: Interview With Hidden City Startup Founder: Is He Naive or an Innovator?

>> A flexible solution for booking an airport lounge is in site: Reimagining the Airport Lounge Booking Experience via a Smartphone App

>> It’s no coincidence that Etihad also had one of the worst on-time performance records for 2014: Epic Tarmac Delays Are Not a Thing of the Past Everywhere

>> Europe is fond of its national airlines, but carrying the ongoing burden of loss is out of the question: Why Europe’s Small Flagship Airlines Should Act More Like Hotel Brands

>> Not all European low cost carriers keep the traveler’s needs first: EasyJet and Ryanair Know Something That Europe’s Other Low-Cost Carriers Don’t

>> The 2009 Colgan crash is one of the biggest reasons behind this: New FAA Rules Will Force Airlines to Strengthen Internal Safety Programs