Skift
• Brian Quinn
Virgin Atlantic CEO Corneel Koster discusses the airline’s approach to artificial intelligence, loyalty and personalization, while arguing that people and customer experience remain central to its competitive differentiation. The interview highlights how carriers are balancing technology-led efficiency with the human element of premium travel.
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Virgin Atlantic CEO Corneel Koster discusses the airline’s approach to artificial intelligence, loyalty and personalization, while arguing that people and customer experience remain central to its competitive differentiation. The interview highlights how carriers are balancing technology-led efficiency with the human element of premium travel.
International Airlines Group, the owner of British Airways, Aer Lingus and Iberia, purchased more sustainable aviation fuel last year than all U.S. airlines combined. The comparison highlights a widening gap between Europe and the U.S. and Asia in the airline industry’s adoption of lower-carbon jet fuel.
The Department of Homeland Security used a no-bid contract to acquire 10 used aircraft, citing an urgent need for deportation flights. The fleet has reportedly remained largely parked for months, raising questions about procurement urgency, utilization and stewardship of public funds.
Turkey’s Baykar Technology is considering establishing its own cargo carrier, according to Commercial Aviation News. The move would extend the company’s aviation footprint beyond its established defense and unmanned-aircraft activities, although the report provides no details on timing, fleet, routes or operating structure.
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Philippine Airlines swung from a $136.7 million first-half 2025 profit to a $25.1 million loss in 2026 as fuel costs rose amid the Middle East conflict. Pegasus also reported a loss amid weaker international traffic, while winning Turkish approval to acquire Smartwings.
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Air India will begin mandatory screening of all pilots for prohibited substances and medications after a captain involved in the Aug. 4 Phuket–Delhi mid-air incident reportedly tested positive for marijuana. The move exceeds India’s existing requirement for airlines to randomly test at least 10% of flight crew annually, as government scrutiny intensifies.
SunExpress is considering speeding up the retirement of its Boeing 737-800s as persistently high fuel prices increase the operating-cost disadvantage of older, less fuel-efficient aircraft. The potential shift underscores continued pressure on airlines to renew fleets and manage exposure to fuel costs.
Japan’s Skymark Airlines has refinanced loans totaling $160 million, marking a significant balance-sheet financing transaction for the carrier. The deal highlights the importance of continued access to financing for airline operators managing fleet, liquidity and broader business requirements.
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