Priya Nair.
Writes on the business of travel for GlobalTravelPost: hotel and airline earnings, distribution, deals and travel tech, seen from Asia.
Small Luxury Hotels of the World Prioritises Quality and Niche Expansion in Asia-Pacific
Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH) is expanding its global portfolio with a focus on stringent quality control and directing tourism to less-explored destinations, according to Mark Wong, Senior Vice President, Asia-Pacific. The group, which marked its 35th anniversary last year, has also solidified key distribution partnerships and is championing inclusivity in luxury travel, particularly across Asian markets. This strategy aims to ensure sustainable growth and maintain high standards within its collection.
KAYAK Reveals US Flight Deals, Details Data Methodology for Travel Planning
Kayak News recently detailed its monthly flight deal tracker, showcasing specific low-cost air routes from US airports and outlining the rigorous data analysis behind these insights. The platform’s methodology, involving 90-day search windows and monthly data comparisons, aims to provide travellers with transparent pricing trends and inform booking decisions.
Boeing Seeks to Block $179 Million Claim Over 1995 Cameroon Airlines Crash
Boeing has initiated legal action to prevent a $179 million claim from Camair, the successor to the defunct Cameroon Airlines. The dispute centres on the December 1995 crash of Cameroon Airlines Flight 3701, a Boeing 737-200, which resulted in 71 fatalities. Camair alleges Boeing's responsibility, while the aircraft manufacturer cites contractual waivers from 1984.
Marriott Convention Hotel Begins Cincinnati Build; First Investors Acquires Milwaukee Cambria; Peachtree Refinances Disney World Portfolio
Major activity shapes the United States hotel sector. Construction starts on a significant Marriott convention hotel in Cincinnati. Separately, First Investors acquires a Cambria property in Milwaukee. Peachtree Group also completes a substantial refinancing deal for four hotels near Florida's Walt Disney World Resort.
Global Hotels Grapple with Soaring Wildfire Insurance as Insurers Prioritise Resilience
Global hotels are confronting escalating wildfire risks and corresponding insurance premiums. Insurers are now assessing property resilience rather than solely location, compelling operators to reinforce their buildings against fire threats, according to a Skift report dated July 24, 2026.
European Commission Fines Google for Search Bias; OTAs Face Scrutiny on Self-Preferencing
The European Commission has levied a significant fine against Alphabet for favouring its own services in Google search results for hotels and transport. While major online travel agencies welcomed the ruling, the decision highlights a prevalent issue within the travel industry: companies often demand fairness from dominant platforms while allowing paid visibility on their own marketplaces.
Marriott Bonvoy Members Face Up to $200 Resort Fees on 'Free' Nights
Marriott Bonvoy members redeeming points for free nights are increasingly encountering significant resort fees, with some charges approaching $200 per night, according to a report published by View from the Wing on July 26, 2026. This practice, which contrasts with policies at competitors like Hyatt and Hilton, shows a fundamental conflict within hotel loyalty programmes between delivering guest value and managing owner costs.
United Airlines' 35-Year-Old 767-300ER Still Flies Long-Haul International Routes
United Airlines continues to deploy its oldest active aircraft, a 35-year-old Boeing 767-300ER (N641UA), on various long-haul international services. This jet, delivered in 1991, highlights the carrier's varied fleet composition ahead of planned 767 retirements.
United CEO Scott Kirby Pitched Delta Merger, Antitrust Concerns Halted Talks
United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby reportedly proposed a merger with Delta Air Lines, a move that would have created an airline controlling nearly 35% of the US domestic market. The discussions did not progress, primarily due to insurmountable antitrust obstacles.
Southwest Airlines Explores Lounge Development, CEO Confirms Work Underway
Southwest Airlines is actively developing plans for airline lounges, according to CEO Bob Jordan. This move aims to strengthen its co-branded credit card offerings and cater to customer demand.
Southwest Airlines Shipped Jet Fuel by Boat Amid Supply Concerns, Impacting Q3 Outlook
Southwest Airlines transported 12.6 million gallons of jet fuel via ship from Texas to Los Angeles earlier this year, a first for the carrier, due to acute supply worries and high prices in California. This logistical move, reported by Simple Flying citing CNBC, underscores the ongoing volatility in global fuel markets and its financial repercussions for airlines.
United Airlines Terminates Flight Attendants Over Alleged Trip Sales
United Airlines is dismissing flight attendants for allegedly selling desirable international flight assignments to less senior crew members, a practice the airline considers unethical. The Association of Flight Attendants is challenging these terminations.
Airbus Postpones Next All-New Aircraft Development Until At Least 2031
Airbus has deferred the launch of its next clean-sheet aircraft design until at least 2031, opting to prioritise existing production commitments. The decision comes as the manufacturer contends with persistent supply chain disruptions, engine production setbacks, and substantial order backlogs for its current models.
Park Hotels & Resorts Reopens Royal Palm South Beach Miami After US$100 Million Renovation
Park Hotels & Resorts has reopened the Royal Palm South Beach Miami, a Tribute Portfolio Resort, following a US$100 million renovation. The property now features updated rooms, new dining options, and expanded meeting facilities, reflecting the company's asset enhancement strategy.
Emirates' A380 Short-Route Strategy Reveals Unique Profitability Model
Emirates continues to deploy Airbus A380 aircraft on short regional flights, a practice that contrasts with the industry trend of using smaller, more fuel-efficient planes. This strategy, detailed by Simple Flying on July 24, 2026, forms a core element of the airline's extensively optimised network, enabling the superjumbo to operate profitably where other carriers use narrowbodies.
Detroit Metro Airport Bids $18 Million for Former Spirit Hangar; Court Ruling Due
Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport has made the highest offer of $18 million to acquire a significant former Spirit Airlines maintenance hangar, with a court ruling on the sale expected after 4 August 2026.
American Express Platinum Card: $895 Fee Offset by Lounge Access, Travel Credits
The American Express Platinum Card carries an annual fee of $895, but its extensive airport lounge access, various statement credits, and complimentary elite status can provide substantial value for frequent travellers, according to The Points Guy.
American Airlines Offsets Half of Q2 Fuel Costs with Higher Fares, Reduces Full-Year Profit Forecast
American Airlines reported offsetting 50% of its second-quarter fuel expenses through increased ticket prices, achieving record revenue. However, the carrier adjusted its full-year profit outlook downwards, as reported by Skift on July 23rd, 2026.
JetBlue Secures Spirit Airlines' LaGuardia Slots for $58.5 Million
JetBlue has acquired 22 daily flight slots at New York's LaGuardia Airport from the defunct Spirit Airlines for $58.5 million, outbidding Frontier Airlines. This move follows Spirit's cessation of flights in May 2026.
American Airlines Lowers Full-Year Outlook Amid Fuel Cost Surge
American Airlines has revised its 2026 financial guidance downwards, attributing the change to a substantial increase in jet fuel expenses during the second quarter. The carrier reported a more than $2.2 billion rise in fuel costs for Q2.
Travel + Leisure Co. Expands Timeshare Portfolio with $343 Million Acquisition
Travel + Leisure Co. has committed $343 million to acquire Yes& Vacations and Spinnaker Resorts, significantly expanding its timeshare property network and customer base, Skift reports.
United Airlines Sues Homesite Over $5 Million Cyber Insurance Payout Refusal After 2024 CrowdStrike Outage
United Airlines has initiated legal action against its cyber insurer, Homesite, following the insurer's refusal to pay a $5 million claim related to the widespread July 2024 CrowdStrike outage that disrupted airline operations.
American Airlines Boosts Capacity Amidst Rivals' Cuts, Skift Reports
American Airlines is expanding its flight capacity for the second and third quarters of 2026, a strategy that diverges significantly from its primary competitors, Delta Air Lines and United Airlines, who are reducing theirs, according to Skift.
SBE Adds V Capri Palm Springs to HQ Hotels Portfolio, Plans Multimillion-Dollar Upgrade
SBE Entertainment Group has incorporated V Capri Palm Springs, a Dolce by Wyndham hotel, into its HQ Hotels & Residences collection. The 143-room property in California will undergo a substantial renovation to align with the HQ Hotels brand, which targets 50 locations globally by 2031.
BermudAir Places First Airbus Order for 10 A220-300 Jets to Expand North American and Caribbean Routes
BermudAir has placed its inaugural order with Airbus, acquiring ten A220-300 jets to significantly expand its network across North America and the Caribbean, moving beyond its current Embraer fleet.
World of Hyatt Credit Card Comparison: Chase Personal and Business Cards Drive Elite Status
A recent analysis from The Points Guy details how Chase's World of Hyatt personal and business credit cards can accelerate elite status attainment for travellers, outlining their distinct benefits and earning structures.
Saadia Zahidi Appointed IATA Director General, First Woman in Role
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has named Saadia Zahidi as its new Director General, marking the first time a woman has held the position. Her appointment represents a departure from the organisation's four-decade tradition of selecting leaders with direct airline operational backgrounds.
Western Australia, Singapore Deepen Trade and Tourism Ties, Investment Prospects
Western Australia is reinforcing its long-standing economic partnership with Singapore, citing robust trade figures, record visitor arrivals, and increasing investment prospects across energy transition, hospitality, and infrastructure. This development was highlighted at a recent industry event in Singapore, underscoring the regions' historical and commercial connections.
American Airlines' Q2 Revenue Growth Fails to Sway Sceptical Wall Street
American Airlines reported stronger second-quarter revenue, yet financial analysts remain unconvinced by its long-term strategy and thin profit margins, according to a July 23, 2026 report from View from the Wing. The carrier's management faces pressure to demonstrate tangible financial improvements.
American Airlines Reports 88% Q2 Profit Drop, Projected to Lose Money in 2026
American Airlines recorded an 88% decline in profits for the second quarter of 2026 and is projected to incur financial losses throughout the 2026 fiscal year, according to a report by One Mile at a Time.