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.

>>Skift’s CMO series–Having a bit of fun and not getting in the way of customers making their own fun is a very on-brand content recipe for Ryanair: Ryanair’s CMO on the Airline’s Ambitious Low-Brow Content Marketing Strategy

>>Low-cost carriers had a good year too: The U.S. Set a New Record for Airline Passengers in 2015

>>Airline consolidations takes another turn: Why Delta Is Virgin America’s Most Likely Suitor

>>We’re getting closer to the promise of a smart seat which will remember passenger preferences: The Business Class Seat That Remembers Passengers Is Here

>>Premium economy keeps looking better: This New Blended Cabin Could Introduce the World’s First Lay-Flat Premium Economy Seat

>>Domestic first class customers just lost a free checked bag on American Airlines: Airlines Align Around Fewer Free Checked Bags for Customers