7 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.

>> Qatar Airways CEO thinks U.S. and European carriers are old shop keepers that needed to be caught up with rather than dismissed: Interview: Qatar Airways CEO on Reaching Half the World’s Population in Under 5 Hours

>> Other carriers are catching up:  The Southwest Advantage Has Been Diminished, CEO Admits

>> U.S. carriers are twiddling their thumbs waiting for when they can move on Cuba: JetBlue Applauds New York Governor’s Cuba Efforts As It Positions Itself for More Flights

>> The top airlines are in Asia: Luxury on a Budget: The Best Boutique Airlines for an Economy Long-Haul Flight

>> The flight tracking business has never been hotter: OAG Acquires FlightView to Grow its Flight Data Business

>> We wonder if we’ll see any fee slashes: Airline Stocks Soar as Low Fuel Costs Boost Profits

>> The new breed of lounges are about spending habits, not points and tricks: American Express Is Changing the Lounge Game With Centurion Lounges