airline industry

The Federal Aviation Administration is set to delay certification of Boeing's 737 MAX 10 after a newly discovered software glitch, the Wall Street Journal reports. The setback pushes back approval of the largest variant of the MAX family, adding to Boeing's long-running certification troubles and raising fresh questions about the plane's entry into airline service.

A strike in France disrupted air travel on Tuesday, with flights affected across the country. Le Monde reports that the industrial action caused cancellations and delays for passengers. Travellers are advised to check with airlines for updates as the labour dispute continues.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, joined by airline industry leaders, is calling on the US Congress to quickly approve $30 billion in funding for aviation reforms. The money would go toward modernising air traffic control systems and other infrastructure upgrades. Airlines are backing the push, warning that delays risk worsening congestion and reliability problems across the US air travel system.

Lufthansa, SWISS, Wizz Air and Singapore Airlines are all planning to resume or expand service to Dubai ahead of 2027, according to a report shared by Gulf News. The moves would restore competition on key routes to the Gulf hub, and travellers are watching how the carriers will position themselves against Dubai-based Emirates in these markets.

Alaska Airlines is leaning on premium travel demand to boost earnings while higher fuel costs squeeze its bottom line. The carrier's strategy of prioritising premium seating and offerings comes as airlines across the industry look for higher-margin revenue to offset volatile fuel prices, a topic drawing attention in business and travel coverage.

Alaska Airlines is shifting its strategy toward premium travel offerings in an effort to raise profits as rising fuel costs squeeze its margins. The carrier expects higher-fare cabins and added amenities to offset fuel expenses, a bet that mirrors a broader industry move as airlines chase wealthier travelers while economy demand and costs fluctuate.

Alaska Airlines is expanding its premium travel offering with new long-haul cabin designs, part of a broader push upmarket as carriers compete for high-spending flyers. The cabins feature upgraded seating and amenities aimed at business and premium leisure travellers. The move follows industry-wide investment in premium products as airlines chase stronger margins on international routes.

Skift has announced that its Global Forum 2026 will centre on adaptability as the travel industry's key strategy for navigating an uncertain future. The conference is expected to bring together airline, hotel and tourism leaders to discuss how the sector can stay resilient amid economic, technological and geopolitical shifts. Details on speakers and programming remain limited so far.

Travel industry publication Skift reports that Europe has become the key testing ground for artificial intelligence in travel, because the continent's many languages, national rail and airline systems, and differing regulations make cross-border journeys the hardest case for AI trip planning and booking tools. If AI assistants can handle a multi-country European trip, the argument goes, they can work anywhere.

Alaska Airlines is adding a premium economy cabin and expanding business class seating as it works to narrow the gap with American, Delta and United. The move, reported by Skift, signals the carrier's ambition to compete more directly with the largest US airlines for higher-paying travelers. Industry observers are weighing whether the premium push can help Alaska close the experience and revenue gap with the Big 3.

BermudAir is launching a seasonal route connecting Newark with South Caicos in the Turks and Caicos Islands. The new service gives travellers from the New York area a direct option to the smaller, quieter Caicos island, which is less developed than Providenciales. Details on start dates and flight frequency have not been widely reported, but the announcement is drawing attention in the travel trade as Caribbean seasonal capacity expands for the coming season.

Emirates has announced its new season of inflight entertainment, revealing the films, television shows and other content that will be available to passengers on its ice system. The airline regularly refreshes its lineup with new releases, and aviation industry publications have picked up the announcement. Details on specific titles and expanded features are being circulated among travellers and industry watchers.