Traveling Blog: JetBlue Talks Europe + Facebook's Missed Travel Opportunity + Carnival's Seabourn Adds Expedition Ships

July 3, 2018

Editor's Note

Every time JetBlue's management hints at launching routes to Europe, as CEO Robin Hayes does in an interview below with Aviation Business Editor Brian Sumers, it always comes back to what iteration of an Airbus jet can get the job done. This time around the speculation is on a possible Airbus A321XLR, which Hayes said the airline would look at if Airbus decides to build it.

But don't hold your breath for more chicken-and-egg scenarios between the manufacturer and the airline. In all likelihood, JetBlue will launch Boston and JFK routes to Paris and London using Airbus jets already being manufactured, even though they have less range than what JetBlue prefers. Those Western European cities would still make economic sense without the next-generation jet, but anywhere else on the continent could prove tricky, especially in winter with the headwinds and if fuel prices continue to creep up.

— Tom Lowry, Managing Editor

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Video: Airline Industry Leaders Talk Digital Fatigue and What it Means for the Passenger Experience

U.S. airlines can reach some Western European airports profitably with narrow-body jets. But even the best narrow-body aircraft have some range issues. If it wants to fly to Europe, JetBlue will need to decide whether it can do so with the A321LR, or whether it should wait for a longer-range aircraft.

Video: Selling Travel on Facebook Remains a Work in Progress

Travel hasn't invested in marketing and sales solutions like bots on Facebook in the same way that other global industries have. A spirit of experimentation is necessary, particularly since online advertising is usually a costly endeavor for travel companies.

Chinese Tourism Slump in U.S. Reaches Tipping Point With Safety and Healthcare Concerns

Chinese tourists who are considering a U.S. trip are facing a double whammy this year. Not only are a looming trade war and poor exchange rates causing some distaste, China is also particularly sensitive to security and safety. In 2018, one might say the U.S. doesn't feel as safe as it once did.

Seabourn Is Building Expedition Ships as Demand for Luxury Adventure Grows

Now that Royal Caribbean Cruises and Carnival Corp. have made serious moves in the expedition space, is it still a "niche" sector of the cruise industry? We expect to see more activity in the coming years from players big and small.

Skift Table: Traffic Growth at Fast Casual Chain Restaurants Is Slowing

As traffic slows down, fast casual chains have to step it up in other areas — menu innovation, easy ordering options — in order to keep bringing diners back.

AccorHotels Using Biometrics as Marketing Ploy for Loyalty Members

It'd be so much more interesting to see if and how this kind of biometrics data can truly inform our travel experiences.

Serviced Apartment Demand Rises Despite Headwinds

The serviced apartment sector appears to be thriving, although it faces a challenge from reduced growth among corporations. The bigger threat could be the mainstreaming of homesharing services like Airbnb at a time when serviced apartment providers are in the midst of a building boom.

Why Priority Pass Is Expanding Into Restaurants and Mini-Suites

Perhaps there is such thing as a free lunch. It just requires a Priority Pass membership.

JetBlue's president and its CEO say they're not worried about competing with JetBlue's founder, David Neeleman, who may be starting a new U.S. airline as soon as 2020. Behind the scenes, we bet it's not their favorite idea. But we do believe they're not surprised Neeleman wants back in. Even since Neeleman was pushed out of JetBlue, insiders expected he would return someday.

AccorHotels Is Buying Half of SBE Entertainment Group for $319 Million

This AccorHotels investment in SBE aligns with its strategy for growth in North America as it adds more properties in key cities such as New York, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, and Miami. It does, though, contradict, in some respects, the chain's push to go asset-light.

Amazon, Group Travel, and Loyalty: 3 Charts From Our Skift Research Reports

Amazon is posing a threat. Chinese tourists are spotted everywhere and the loyalty war is getting ever more intense. Common threads? It's a disruptive phase for travel that requires nimble strategies.

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