Latest News

Jet Airways Staggers Payments to Pilots as Tax Watchdogs Check Its Books

Anurag Kotoky, Bloomberg

The Etihad-backed Jet Airways is struggling to pare losses and debt. The examination of its accounts by authorities is the latest trouble, including an air safety incident this summer. Can this airline be saved? We hope so, but aren't sure.

Loyalty Beyond Points and Miles: Creating Rewarding Experiences for the Experiential and Millennial Traveler

Switchfly + Skift

Today’s consumer no longer thinks about loyalty solely in terms of points and miles. That’s created a growing opportunity for travel brands to rethink the strategies they use to build loyalty with travelers.

JetBlue Founder Sees His Startup as Tech Company That Happens to Fly Planes

Julie Johnsson and Mary Schlangenstein, Bloomberg

Plenty of airlines have touted their technological superiority over the opposition. We'll have to wait and see whether Neeleman's new carrier — code-named Moxy — really is any different.

Flight Centre Buys Umapped to Boost Tech Capability

Allan Leibowitz, Skift

Most of Flight Centre’s acquisitions to date have been about adding market share and a broader international footprint, but the Australian company is now looking for tech advantages. It's hoping Canadian itinerary management platform Umapped will raise its game.

Skift Global Forum Preview: Princess Cruises Is Evolving With History in Mind

Hannah Sampson , Skift

Princess Cruises has a long history and widespread awareness, but the cruise line knows it can't rest on the past. President Jan Swartz talks about innovation, authenticity, and why diversity in leadership is good for business.

Setoo Raises $9.3 Million for Insurance Innovation: Travel Startup Funding This Week

Sean O'Neill, Skift

Setoo is helping to pioneer a wave of customized protection products, such as letting travelers buy coverage to get money back if there's not enough snow during a ski trip. The new products could provide more upselling opportunities for travel suppliers and online agencies.

Booking Holdings’ Agoda Takes a Distinctive Approach on Short-Term Rentals

Dan Peltier, Skift

Turkish Airlines’ Biz Travel Ambitions

Andrew Sheivachman, Skift

Turkish Airlines has ambitions to become the go-to airline for travelers flying to and from secondary cities across the world. Its model has worked so far, and it will be interesting to see how it can improve its product while managing to expand its network further.

Frontier Lowers Its Change Fees as Competition Heats Up

Brian Sumers, Skift

This is how competition should work. American, Delta, and United have been poaching customers from discount airlines with their no-frills basic economy fares. Frontier doesn't like that, so it has come up with a new passenger-friendly policy to try to sway potential passengers.

How Meeting Planners Can Leverage Albuquerque’s Legacy as a Cultural Crossroads

Visit Albuquerque + Skift

The cultural and creative diversity in Albuquerque — and the collaboration between all of its many communities — is one of the defining characteristics that differentiates the city from others in the American Southwest.

South Africa to Ease Visa Rules to Boost Tourism

Sam Mkokeli, Bloomberg

These measures sound like an effective solution to dipping visitation. Hopefully Cape Town will be able to accommodate these potential tourists with the ongoing ramifications of its water crisis.

Choice Hotels Debuts New Midscale Brand Clarion Pointe

Deanna Ting, Skift

Does the world really need yet another midscale select-service brand? According to Choice Hotels, yes, yes it does.