Airline News

The airline is going to have to figure out its labor issues soon, because it's starting to affect nearly every aspect of its operations.

It looks like Ryanair is preparing itself for a major shakeup of the European airline industry. We've heard it talk about struggling competition before, but things are getting much tougher out there.

This week in aviation, one ultra low-cost carrier faces little competition in a turbulent Venezuela, EasyJet hopes its loyalty perks will help it navigate a difficult future, and IndiGo maps out a new strategy to expand its routes.

It's not a great time to be running a European short-haul airline, but EasyJet is trying to make the best of it. While growing its holiday and business travel offerings is probably a smart move, it's difficult to see them making much of a difference if the economic climate keeps getting worse.

If you want to make a fortune in business, you need to go where your competitors will not be. Venezuela certainly fits that. But that doesn't mean it's a good idea.

Alaska is launching a loyalty partnership with yet another outlying international air carrier. At this rate, it doesn't need to fully join an airline alliance.

Delta is the first major U.S. carrier to adopt a broader policy for extending elite status, including not just those who take parental leave but also flyers who experience other major life events. It's a good way to engender long-term loyalty among the airline's most valuable customers.

This week in aviation, airlines add new routes for younger travelers, American Express has partnered with 21 airlines to offer loyalty perks, and Delta allows elite passengers extra leeway in case of life changes.

Despite playing a key role in European airline consolidation over the last few years, it seems IAG's arch dealmaker Willie Walsh is now happy to sit back and let others fight it out.

Millennials don't always want to go on vacation to places their parents like to visit. Airlines are starting to take notice.