Ryanair Cares Less About Fares and 5 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.

>>Fares look like they are coming down in Europe and Ryanair, thanks to its low-cost base and multiple revenue streams, is in a better position than most to weather the storm: Ryanair Cares Less About Fares Than You Might Think

>>JetBlue pulled back on its growth plans earlier this year, focusing instead on rolling out its improved Mint product. It seems to have paid off and the airline will be opportunistic about growing its fleet going forward: JetBlue Exceeds Second Quarter Expectations After Tweaking Growth Strategy

>>Alaska has been so well run that we expect its early transition hiccups to be ironed out before they cause United/Continental-level disasters: Alaska Airlines Plans to Launch in 30 More Markets by 2018

>>Spirit Airlines is hurting after a mixed quarter, and the outlook isn’t good for the rest of 2017. The company’s leadership, however, remains undeterred from its current strategy: Spirit Airlines Has Trouble Ahead as Airfares Decline and Competition Increases

>>Despite relinquishing his control, Richard Branson has been able to save face by negotiating the continuation of the Virgin Atlantic brand. At the same time a strengthened transatlantic joint venture means he’ll have a better chance at competing with British Airways and its partners: Air France-KLM Buying Stake in Virgin Atlantic in Major Airline Shake-up

>>Southwest Airlines CEO Gary Kelly doesn’t always make the decisions that Wall Street wants to see, so don’t expect him to deviate from his cautious stance: Southwest CEO Doesn’t Expect Business to Be This Good Forever