The Threat of Low Cost Airlines and 8 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 important stuff is happening in Washington, D.C. where the Department of Justice is considering whether it will seek to block the Alaska Airlines/Virgin America merger: Proposed Alaska Air-Virgin America Merger Hits Minor Snag in San Francisco Federal Court

>>American, United, and Delta are all introducing no-frills fares to try to thwart Frontier, Allegiant, and Spirit. The Big 3 do not want any of the discount airlines to grow to be as large and powerful as Ryanair: Why United, American and Delta Fear Ultra Low Cost Competition, Explained

>>Iberia is just the latest in a host of carriers to launch a premium economy cabin, but the product looks like a big improvement over the main cabin: Iberia Debuts Its New Long-Haul Premium Economy Class

>>Basic economy fares are on hold with American and United while the carriers take time to integrate them into complex booking systems: Basic Economy Fares Are on Hold and Passengers Are Delighted — Skift Business Traveler

>>JetBlue’s investment in JetSuiteX is probably not a game-changer. But it is unusual: What’s Behind JetBlue’s Investment in a Small Jet Airline?

>>Under new CEO Bob Fornaro, Spirit Airlines is deviating slightly from the typical ultra low cost carrier playbook: Spirit Airlines Is Thinking Smaller Under New CEO

>>No clear reason was given for Hammad’s departure but a clue will likely be found in the company’s upcoming first-half results: Flybe CEO Makes Shock Departure

>>Southwest is almost a victim of its own success: This Is Why Southwest Airlines Is No Longer an Investor Favorite

>>Allegiant has been busy with other matters in recent years, but the airline should once again focus on selling vacation packages: Allegiant Air May Revert to Its Roots and Sell More Vacation Packages