JetBlue’s Flight-Shame Warning and 12 Other Top Aviation Stories This Week

JetBlue CEO Warns Flight Shaming Is Coming to the U.S.: It may have started as a fringe movement in Sweden, but flight shaming is coming to the U.S. JetBlue plans to head it off at the pass by investing in offsetting programs and biofuels. But its real green deal may be in its new aircraft.

The 2020 Innovators in Travel and Hospitality: Winter Edition: Twice a year, this column looks at who is doing it right. Here are some of the most inspiring innovations in design, service, and guest experience in hospitality and travel. Let the debates begin.

EasyJet Finds More Ways to Capitalize on Collapse of Thomas Cook: Thomas Cook’s departure from a number of European markets will help propel EasyJet forward for most of 2020. At the moment, it remains cautious on capacity growth. But given the good start, might the airline be tempted to change tack?

Former Thomas Cook Unit Condor Sold to Polish Airline Group: The deal secures Condor’s immediate future. But can a small carrier group really hope to compete against the might of Lufthansa and low-cost carriers such as Ryanair?

Google Flights Ends Booking Charges for Airlines That Paid: With potential pressure from U.S. regulatory authorities and perhaps displeasure from airlines, Google is making the biggest change to the way it monetizes flight search since it launched Google Flights in 2011. Perhaps free search engine optimization for flights isn’t dead after all.

What the Coronavirus Means So Far for the Travel Industry: The travel industry is starting to feel the impact from this latest global health crisis. How it responds to help contain the spread of the virus will set a new precedent while weathering an extensive disruption to its business.

United Powers Through the 737 Max Waiting Game With Strong Earnings: As United waits for its Boeing 737 Max aircraft to eventually enter service, so, too, is its growth plan on hold following a solid fourth quarter. The good news is that its competitors are facing the same issue.

IAG CEO Willie Walsh Blasts Failure to Reform Europe’s Airspace: Reforming Europe’s fragmented air traffic management systems would help improve the environmental performance of aircraft. But it won’t change the fact that they spew out millions of tons of carbon dioxide every year.

Airline-Owned ARC Buys NuTravel to Connect Airlines With Travel Management Companies: Airlines are starting to realize that better communication with travel management companies can benefit both sides. ARC wants to play a major role in this period of transition.

American Suggests 737 Max Return Pushed Further to Second Half: American Airlines suggests that it’s not planning for the Boeing 737 Max to return to flying until the late summer or fall. But the airline is still positive this year will be better than last. That shouldn’t be too hard.

Southwest Learns to Adapt to 737 Max ‘Crisis’: Southwest is concerned it is losing market share because of the Max grounding. That is likely true. But the Max is also forcing the airline to be more efficient about where it flies and when. That’s probably helping boost unit revenue.

New Efforts to Bridge the Flight Booking Gap: The competitive balance has shifted in corporate travel as airlines have improved their booking tools. Some industry veterans are trying to better connect both sides of the equation.

A Look Ahead at Skift Forum Europe in Madrid: Skift Forum Europe will be our biggest event yet in the region. This year, we are thrilled to bring the event to Madrid, where a diverse set of speakers will share perspectives on why this next decade ahead is imperative for travel to safeguard its financial future, act more responsibly, and respond to shifts in the industry in a more nimble way.