American Launches Basic Economy and 7 Other Aviation Trends This Week

Throughout the week we post dozens of original stories, connecting the dots across the travel industry, and every weekend we sum it all up. This weekend roundup examines aviation.

For all of our weekend roundups, go here.

>>Now that all the legacy carriers have their Spirit Air-like fares, the big question is what comes next for passenger experience? American Launches Its Basic Economy Fares — Skift Business Traveler

>>With basic economy soon available on American, Delta, and United, it's worth comparing the pros and cons of each fare. American's may be good for elite travelers while Delta's is best for those with baggage: Comparing Basic Economy Fares Among American, Delta and United

>>It seems unfair that Emirates, based in Dubai, would have rights to fly from Athens to Newark. But that right is codified in the Open Skies agreement between the United States and the United Arab Emirates: 3 U.S. Legacy Airlines Hope Trump’s Administration Will Block Emirates Expansion

>>While the first quarter figures point to an airline ticking along nicely, the outlook remains fairly gloomy: EasyJet Profits Hurt by Weaker Pound After Brexit Vote

>>Maybe five years ago, it would have been bad news if an airline decided not to add in-seat screens. But times change, and many passengers prefer to watch content on their own screens: For American Airlines New Technology Means Fewer In-Seat Screens

>>The airline would have preferred to have some of its new A321neos in service by the fourth quarter, when demand for Hawaiian vacations picks up: Hawaiian Air Won’t Fly the Plane Expected to Revitalize Its Fleet Until 2018

>>JetBlue is a publicly traded corporation, and it has little choice but to reduce capacity when revenues fall because that's what investors expect: JetBlue May Trim Flights To Raise Margins After Rough January

>>Yet again, Southwest is choosing not to copy United, American and Delta. Its independent strategy has worked well for the last five decades, so why change what works? Southwest Won’t Copy Rivals With a Basic Economy Fare