Week in Review

According to Business Insider, Qatar Airways wants to buy a 10 percent stake in American Airlines. On Thursday, the airline received an unsolicited notice from Qatar of its intentions to invest.

CNBC notes that American Airlines Chairman and CEO Doug Parker said Qatar Airways’ proposal makes no sense.

Buying Business Travel reports a coalition of travel groups have called on the European Commission to act against consolidation and distribution changes.

According to Buying Business Travel, American Airlines has abandoned plans for a 29-inch seat pitch, opting for a 30-inch seat pitch instead.

Registered exhibitors for GBTA Convention 2017 have the chance to win VIP seats to Convention Arena Luncheon featuring speaker Michael Phelps.

According to The New York Times, Uber Founder Travis Kalanick has resigned as CEO.

Skift reports that mobile travel bookings will reach 40 percent of online sales in 2017.

Business Traveller reports InterContinental Hotels Group has revealed plans to launch a new midscale hotel brand.

Tnooz notes hospitality management software provider Cloudbeds has raised $9 million to accelerate hospitality tech platforms.

According to Hospitality Technology, hotels are largely unprepared when it comes to payment security.

Buying Business Travel notes Marriott has changed its cancellation policy from 24-hours to 48-hours.

According to USA TODAY , Qatar Airways was chosen as the world’s best airline in 2017 by Skytrax’s annual World Airline Awards.

Bloomberg reports that Etihad Airways now lets passengers bid online on empty adjacent seats for “neighbor-free” flights.

Skift claims that Malaysia Air is mulling new aircraft orders to refresh their brand.

According to TravelDailyNews International, Vienna, Seoul and Barcelona top the charts when it comes to the number of meetings held in 2016.

TravelDailyNews International notes that GBTA commends Chairman Shuster for progress on FAA authorization and ATC reform. The Chairman has introduced legislation that would reauthorize the FAA and move air traffic control operations into an independent, not-for-profit organization.

Skift reports that Beijing’s new $12.9 billion airport will be a battleground for global airlines. The airport will be able to host 45 million passengers annually when it first opens in 2019 and has the capacity to handle 72 million a year.