Airline News

It was a good summer for airlines in many parts of the world, all things being relative. Leisure demand came back as people who had been locked down for months…

There were naysayers after 9/11 that said people would never fly again in droves out of security concerns, and now Covid and its variant joint-venture partners have rocked the travel industry. History has shown, however, that "travel" and the human spirit are indomitable.

Twenty years after that fated day, enhanced security measures are now just part of the routine of travel — and the cost of doing business across the globe.

Vaccine mandates are the next big thing for the travel industry with many companies requiring staff get their jabs. Now Qantas may be the first to take the logical next step with a mandate that passengers on international flights do the same.

The Delta variant has set the travel recovery back with most U.S. airlines eating humble pie after overly rosy outlooks in July. With the business travel recovery delayed at least three months, the industry hopes to counter the tide of bad news with some possible year-end, holiday cheer.

It's time to recognize long-haul travel for what it is: an endurance event. For those making the trip instead of the Zoom, there are new imperatives that premium brands need to serve up to cater to these travelers. Hint: it doesn't look like the luxury of the past.