Ryanair’s Pilot Drama and 5 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.

>>The European Union's decision to investigate Lufthansa's surcharge represents a potential blow to the airline industry, which is attempting to wrestle back control from intermediaries. Although the transport commission confirmed an investigation, it doesn't appear that any decision is imminent: European Regulators Are Investigating Lufthansa’s Controversial Travel Agent Surcharge

>>Unless you're obsessed with aviation, you probably don't know SpiceJet. But you might someday. India is a fast-growing aviation market, and SpiceJet has nearly 200 Boeing 737s on order. Someday, it might even fly long-haul jets to London or beyond: Interview: SpiceJet Founder Rescued an Airline and Has Big Ambitions for Indian Aviation

>>EasyJet just launched an airline alliance aimed at better-connecting travelers across low-cost networks. Beyond a booking engine, though, the partnership offers few benefits: Business of Loyalty: EasyJet’s Long-Haul Alliance Shirks Traditional Codeshare Benefits

>>We're not surprised SAS frequent flyers love to take trips with the airline's head chef, though we're impressed the airline found 20 takers willing to spend $5,000 a piece (plus 100,000 points) for a five-day trip to Japan: SAS Strives to Fulfill Passenger Dreams and Its Own With Experiences Program for Elite Flyers

>>These are fighting words from JetBlue CEO Robin Hayes, who does not like the tight control the largest U.S. airlines have over domestic and international markets: JetBlue CEO Blasts Big U.S. Airlines for Wielding ‘Anti-Consumer Power’

>>Just before this pilot issue broke, Skift went to Europe to speak with Ryanair's chief marketing officer about how he improved the airline's customer service. Recent events will almost certainly set Ryanair back, but we think it can recover — if only because people like cheap fares: Ryanair’s Pilot Drama Threatens to Undo Its Goodwill Push