Week in Review

In a blow to most air passengers, NPR reports the Federal Aviation Administration has declined to regulate seat size and pitch on airlines. Since 1978, seats have moved 3 inches closer together and average seat width on many airlines has shrunk by 1.5 inches.

According to CNBC, rising jet fuel costs are expected to impact airline profits, making it tough for airlines to win over investors. Jet fuel is nearly 60 percent more expensive than last year, and some airlines may cut their schedules in the fall.

Business Traveller notes Sydney Airport and Qantas have begun trialling new facial recognition technology that enables fliers to check in to flights, drop bags off, and more.

Singapore Airlines will launch the world’s longest flight in October, USA TODAY notes. The Singapore to Newark flight will total 18 hours and 45 minutes.

According to Gulf News, Emirates has become the first airline to introduce VR technology that lets fliers preview seats and the interiors of the plane.

InterContinental Hotel Groups (IHG) completed its acquisition of a 51% stake in Regent Hotels & Resorts in a $39 million USD deal, Conference & Incentive Travel reports.

The Economic Outlook Group’s chief global economist warns that hoteliers should plan for a recession, HotelMarketing’com notes.

According to 4Hoteliers, Chinese conglomerate HNA may sell Radisson Hotel Group. The company acquired the hotel group in 2016.

The construction of Mexico City’s new $13 billion airport is underway, Skift reports. Mexico’s next president is no longer looing to suspend the project.

According to Skift, new research suggests few corporate travel policies specifically address female safety.

This week’s Throwback Thursday post takes a look at major political and travel events in 2011, the year when we officially changed our name from the National Business Travel Association (NBTA) to GBTA.