Skift Take
This week in aviation: Indigo Partners, the private equity firm that controls Frontier Airlines, agreed in principle to invest in Iceland's ailing Wow Air. Back stateside, United Airlines is feeling confident about strong demand and lower fuel prices.
Airline News Weekly Roundup
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.
>>Wow Air has delighted passengers with low fares since 2011. But its creditors have not been as happy. Will that change if this investment goes through? Frontier Owner Steps In to Rescue Wow Air
>>Two months ago, airlines were panicked about the price of fuel. But fuel is now cheaper than it was before the run-up, and business is booming. It seems like it’s a good time again to be an airline executive: United Airlines Capitalizes on Robust Demand Amid Falling Fuel Prices
>>Given Southwest’s track record and strong balance sheet, some analysts wonder why the airline keeps hedging fuel. But the airline is sticking with its strategy: Southwest CEO: We Won’t Change Game Plan for 2019 Despite Recent Drop in Fuel Prices
>>Alaska Airlines is evolving its business as it tries to think more globally. But unlike Canada’s WestJet, which went out and acquired Boeing 787s, Alaska is thinking much more prudently. That’s probably the right move: Alaska Airlines Hints It May Finally Join the Oneworld Alliance
>>U.S. airports can be slow to innovate. Most are run by local governments, and they’re risk-averse. It’s good to see some airports trying to take chances. Let’s see if more follow: How 2 U.S. Airports Are Unshackling Bureaucracy to Give New Businesses a Try
>>Most U.S. airports are clunky, publicly run enterprises, and they innovate slowly. Plus, their largest tenants — airlines — can be cheap, and unwilling to pay more than they need to. But a few airports are innovating, and that’s good news for passengers: When Will More Innovation Come to U.S. Airports?
>>Delta frequent flyers are about to lose a SkyTeam partner in China, which means fewer miles and codeshare benefits. Those who fly American Airlines and other Oneworld partners, however, may soon gain one: SkyTeam Loses an Alliance Partner in China
>>Can you really grow a unicorn in a lab? In other words, can companies like Air France-KLM read all of the innovation advice books in airport bookshops and methodically create the next Airbnb? We’re skeptical. But the travel industry could use much more innovation: Air France-KLM Launches a Unit to Churn Out Travel Startups
Get Skift Research
Skift Research products provide deep analysis, data, and expert research on the companies and trends that are shaping the future of travel.
Have a confidential tip for Skift? Get in touch
Tags: aviation, Travel Trends, trends roundups
Photo credit: After Icelandair abandoned plans to buy struggling domestic rival Wow Air, Indigo Partners, the private equity firm that controls Frontier Airlines and owns stakes in several other ultra-low-cost carriers in Europe and the Americas, agreed in principle to invest in the carrier. Pictured is a Wow Air flight attendant in India. 286705