Gulf Carrier Pact Tension and 8 Other Aviation Trends This Week

>>Remember when the Trump administration suggested in May it had solved the ongoing dispute between U.S. and Gulf carriers? Hah. American Airlines CEO Doug Parker is already complaining one competitor is ignoring the spirit of the agreement: American CEO on Gulf Carrier Pact: ‘Someone Is Cheating Already’

>>Ryanair has always taken a more negative view on the Brexit negotiations than other airlines, and with a deal still nowhere in sight, the potential for major disruption next April remains a possibility: EasyJet and Ryanair Split on Likelihood of Brexit Aviation Deal

>>Can a budget carrier like AirAsia also be an aspirational brand, and a hotel and activities booking site? The dual operations — running an airline and an online-travel-agency-like operation — seem like a big stretch. That’s especially so when the airline is facing intense pressure from rising fuel costs: Budget Carrier AirAsia Is Trying to Become a Lifestyle Booking Site

>>Australia’s airlines are urging the government to rein in the airports, claiming they are abusing their monopoly power to extract unreasonable charges. It’s a tough call for Canberra, which wants to see more investment in airport infrastructure, but doesn’t want to be seen allowing price gouging from some of the most profitable airport operators in the world: What’s Behind the Face-Off Between Airports and Airlines in Australia

>>International brands are clamoring to build loyalty with Chinese travelers. Just recently, American and Singapore airlines launched partnerships with Fliggy, a Chinese booking engine, to share loyalty perks across platforms: Airlines Extend Loyalty Incentives to Chinese Travelers as Asian Market Grows

>>No matter what Emirates President Tim Clark says, the airline probably wishes it had moved faster to add premium economy. Most airlines say it has been selling well, as customers are flush with more disposable income. Of course, if and when a recession hits, passengers will stop spending on these perks: Why Emirates Waited So Long to Add Premium Economy

>>Travel managers are avoiding basic economy fares, and rightfully so. The consensus is that travelers end up paying more over the course of a trip if they go basic economy and have a worse flight experience to boot: Travel Managers Aren’t Buying Basic Economy Fares: Here’s Why

>>If it wasn’t obvious that Collinson and Priority Pass were expanding into the dining scene before, it is now: Priority Pass Parent Invests in Mobile Airport Food Ordering Platform Grab

>>The chief digital officer of United Airlines drills down on the carrier’s tech plans, social media strategy, and customer service goals in this conversation from Skift Tech Forum: Video: United Airlines’ Quick-Hit Approach to Innovation