CEOs Defend Tech Systems and 5 Other Aviation Trends 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.

The CEOs of Etihad, Expedia, RouteHappy, and More Are Speaking at Skift Global Forum 2016. Join Us.

>>Some lucky business class passengers are going to be given free upgrades to first class: British Airways Is Giving Away Free First Class Upgrades to Business Class Passengers

>>Airlines are concerned about fires from faulty phone batteries while in flight, but it’s still not clear whether passengers are taking the warning seriously: U.S. Airlines Tell Passengers to Turn Off Samsung Galaxy Note 7 Phones — Skift Business Traveler

>>Thales is a late-comer to the U.S. market, and it’s not clear that its technology is any better than what is already on the market or is planned by other companies: Yet Another Company Promises to Revolutionize U.S. Airline Wi-Fi

>>There’s a bit of blaming the victim (the consumer) in these words: 3 Airline CEOs Defend the Complexity of the Industry’s Technology Systems

>>Southwest just made traveling standby easier for elite members of its Rapid Rewards Program. Perhaps there is a good reason to fly that carrier for business travel: Southwest Airlines Adds Standby Perks for Elite Frequent Flyers

>>It looks like Latin America has finally hit rock-bottom for airlines: Finally, Some Airlines Are Optimistic About South America