Skift Take

This week in aviation news, global distribution systems battle for struggling Air India's business, plus Ethiopian Airlines plans to build a new $5 billion airport outside of Addis Ababa.

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.

How Struggling Air India Is Setting the Stage for a Major Battle Among Distribution Giants: Much is at stake for global distribution systems and travel agencies as struggling Air India uses airline distribution as a means to stay afloat. The real winners and losers in this battle are still up in the air, with Amadeus back in the game after pulling out over a year ago.

Travel Megatrends 2020: Subscription Travel Is the Next Frontier of Loyalty: Earning consumer loyalty means more than giving them rewards. Subscriptions and memberships represent a compelling way for travel companies to create lasting relationships with consumers.

Alaska Air Looks Beyond Discounting With New Creative Ways to Sell Fares: At the typical airline, revenue managers take themselves very seriously. They don’t like to do anything that could dilute their numbers. It’s nice to see Alaska taking a fresh approach.

Carbon Footprint Impact Extends Way Beyond Flights Across All of a Vacation: New Study: It’s a very small sample size at a very small travel company, but this study points to a possible way forward for the travel industry. If consumers can get a better idea of the environmental impact of their vacations, they can then make more informed decisions.

How Delta Plans to Best Its Record-Setting Year: Airlines have been boom-and-bust businesses for as long as almost anyone can remember. But has Delta Air Lines cracked the secret code? Or is it just better at managing expectations?

Politics Edge Out the Planet in Rescue of Struggling Airline Flybe: Flybe lives to fight another day, but at what cost? The UK government is effectively giving a helping hand to some very rich companies, without providing any of the details. This deal stinks.

A Wish List for Hospitality and Travel in 2020: In 2020, the stakes for innovation and being customer-centric are higher than ever. Here are some gaps, opportunities, and much-needed prescriptions to improve travel and hospitality.

Ethiopian Airlines to Spend $5 Billion to Build a Next-Generation Airport for Africa: In a region that has historically struggled in the aviation field, state-run Ethiopian Airlines is truly a success story, playing a key role in the country’s economic development and helping solidify its status as a tourist destination. A new airport takes it to the next level.

Two Emblems of India Tourism Cut Costs to Stay Afloat: Air India and Oyo couldn’t be more different, not just in their respective businesses, but both could be gone in a New York minute if they aren’t able get past the biggest test they face currently.

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Tags: aviation, Travel Trends, trends roundups

Photo credit: Pictured here is a plane from Air India's fleet. Travelport, Sabre, and Amadeus spar over India's lucrative travel market. Daniel Eledut / Unsplash

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