Air France CEO's Millennial Confession + Expedia Talks Blockchain + Starwood and Uber Split

The Travel Industry's Daily Agenda-Setting Newsletter

October 30, 2017 View in browser

Note From the Editor News Flash: Air France-KLM CEO Jean-Marc Janaillac is not a millennial; he's 64. But he's launching a low-cost carrier, Joon, that his marketing people want you to believe is focused on millennials. Airline business editor Brian Sumers sat down with Janaillac, and the CEO conceded that Joon will have to appeal to people like him if it really is going to get off the ground. That's good because the truth is that millennials have influenced all of us. It's not just millennials who crave faster Wi-Fi and onboard "snacks that don't suck," as someone quoted in the story put it. Janaillac and many Baby Boomers may be long-retired by the time blockchain becomes a factor in travel distribution — if it ever does. But, in a video from our Skift Global Forum last month that we present today, Expedia Inc. newbie CEO Mark Okerstrom gave his perspective on where blockchain stands these days as a potential disruptive force. Spoiler alert: Distribution king-makers Sabre, Amadeus, and Travelport will be around for a long time. — Dennis Schaal, Executive Editor How Airbnb's User Experience Can Reshape Corporate Travel Management [SPONSORED] Sponsored by Airbnb Airbnb is gaining traction among business travelers, and corporate travel managers are increasingly integrating the platform into their travel programs to help streamline their employees' trips. Read More Top Stories Air France-KLM CEO Touts His Millennial-Focused Airline That's Really for Everyone You may have seen Air France's new airline designed for millennials. But that's mostly a creation of marketers. Let's be honest. This is a lower-cost airline that needs to attract passengers of all ages if it's going to be successful. Video: Expedia CEO on Blockchain and Competitive Threats Expedia Inc. seems ready to further develop existing brands like HomeAway in 2018. An opportunistic acquisition or two might also take place, but CEO Okerstrom says he's focusing on organic growth from companies already in Expedia's portfolio. Catalonia's Bid for Independence Is Complicating Tourism in Spain A prolonged period of uncertainty over Catalonia's future does nobody any favors. The region and the city of Barcelona have endured a difficult 2017 and it will be interesting to see if this has any impact on tourism in 2018. The Hassle of Flying in an Age of Permanxiety You can argue it's never been a better time to fly. Fares are cheap, and amenities like W-Fi and free snacks keep improving. Even better, airlines are updating their mobile apps, making it easier for passengers to rebook from delayed or canceled flights. But some people — at times, frequent flyers but mostly the infrequent ones — still view flying as a pain. Wall Street Journal Launches Online Travel Site Powered by Upside Upside is trying to reach a more high-yielding audience of business travelers through its partnership with The Wall Street Journal. Whether the Upside experience ends up resonating with its users over the long term is another story. Subscribe to the Skift Airline Innovation Report This week we are launching the Skift Airline Innovation Report, our latest weekly newsletter. In the inaugural Skift Airline Innovation Report on Wednesday, subscribers will get a first look at our one-on-one interview with the CEO of one of the world's largest airlines. Click here to subscribe now Uber and Starwood to End Partnership in Possible Signal of Wider Loyalty Changes Ahead Business travelers will lament the end of the Uber-Starwood partnership, but much more may be on the horizon for Uber's loyalty plans. Six Flags Is Making a Bigger Entry Into China With Three More Parks There's not much theme park development in the United States, so growth has to come from somewhere. Six Flags sees a lot of potential in China and other destinations around the world. Qatar Under Blockade Is a Mix of Time-Sucking Layovers and a Fascinating Crossroads While much of the news media focuses on bigger-picture geopolitical issues emanating from the Saudi-led blockade, it is actually the small constrictions that can be the most painful in Qatar. But, despite increased travel friction, Doha remains one of the most intriguing places in the world at the moment. Still Popular New York Times Is Hiring a Reporter to Visit Its 52 Places to Go Many avid travelers and destination marketers look forward to these where-to-go lists and the Times wants to make its list more engaging and relevant to its readers. Sending a reporter to 52 places in 52 weeks sounds like a stretch, but there's no doubt many travelers will enjoy following the person who will have one of the world's best jobs. United Airlines Struggles to Keep Its Polaris Promises Did United Airlines promote its new Polaris cabin faster than was prudent? The answer is probably yes. But remember, in 2016, United was losing high-value customers to competitors. It likely wanted to make a splash by highlighting its future plans. IHG Is Planning to Create a New Luxury Brand IHG has fewer brands in its portfolio compared to most of its competitors, so adding a couple more makes sense. For Gmail users: If you are using the tabbed inbox, Skift emails may be pushed to the 'Promotions' tab. To get updates from Skift direct to your primary inbox, drag and drop this email to that tab. You received this email because you are subscribed to Skift Daily Newsletter from Skift.

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