Spirit Airlines Names Next CEO 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.

>>At least somebody benefits from flight delays. While many retailers struggle in the Amazon era, Hudson Booksellers is seeing sales growth thanks to more passengers crowding airports: Airport Retailer Hudson Group Is Seeking an IPO in 2018

>>Are there enough airline pilots in Euripe to go around? There’s no agreement on whether there’s a crisis, but some airlines are at a greater disadvantage than others: Pilot Shortage Issue Splits European Airline Execs

>>Several SkyTeam airlines announced new baggage fees for some less expensive transatlantic economy fares. But is it competition or gouging? Luggage Fees Go Transatlantic — Business of Loyalty

>>Delta CEO Ed Bastian was pleasantly surprised by the resilience of travel in 2017 and he expects more of the same next year: Delta CEO Didn’t Expect 2017 to Be a Good Year for Travel

>>Airport lounges are rarely luxurious, but people love them. Perhaps they crave access to an “exclusive” airport club. Look for more to open soon at U.S. airports. As we learn in this interview, operating a lounge can be a profitable business: The Airport Lounge Business — An Insider’s View of How It All Works

>>The last time Spirit Airlines replaced its CEO, it bungled the public messaging. It’s not letting that happen this time. Investors are getting more than one year of advance warning: Spirit Airlines Names Next CEO as It Tries to Fix Old Problems

>>American Airlines wants to be known as a customer-friendly company. But the airline still doesn’t make it easy for customers to redeem vouchers for flights. That needs to change soon: American Still Uses Paper Vouchers for Free Flights — Airline Innovation Report

>>Other airlines say they’re adapting to what younger travelers want. But not all of them actually do it. Delta seems to be ahead of many of its competitors. That’s a good thing: Delta Air Lines Is Going After Future Business Travelers — While Still in College