Week in Review

United is testing a new software that is saving thousands of connecting passengers from missing their flights, Skift writes. The technology uses passenger data to assist gate agents in delaying departures for individuals late to a connecting flight.

In its largest acquisition to date, Pitchbook reports Airbnb is acquiring HotelTonight. Although the pricing details have not been disclosed, it’s estimated that Airbnb purchased the company for approximately $463 million.

According to Airline Ratings, Qantas is bringing back the 10-kilogram cabin bag. The airline recently dropped the maximum cabin bag weight to 7 kg, but they reversed the decision after receiving negative feedback from passengers.

Japan Airlines is launching a low-cost, long-haul carrier called Zipair Tokyo, Business Traveller notes. The budget airline will initially operate from Tokyo Narita (NRT) to Bangkok Suvarnabhumi (BKK) and Seoul-Incheon International (ICN).

According to USA TODAY, 448 passengers on a Virgin Atlantic flight from Barbados to London were screened for illness after approximately 50 passengers reported feeling sick. It’s probable that the affected passengers caught the illness from a cruise ship.

Transport Secretary Chris Grayling says UK flights will continue as usual in the event of a no-deal Brexit, Buying Business Travel notes. Despite this proclamation, there are still some gray areas that need to be addressed.

The European Union wants to end mandatory Daylight Saving Time by 2021, Mental Floss writes. Under a new rule, states in the EU would be able to independently decide whether or not to recognize DST.

Certify and Chrome River are merging in a $1 billion deal, PYMNTS reports. The two companies will continue to operate independently and will have a combined 11,000 customers throughout 100 countries.

Five years after the disappearance of MH370, Forbes notes the aviation industry is rolling out new technology to ensure no plane ever disappears again. Over the next few years, airlines will begin “plugging into a satellite-based system that will track their planes at all times, anywhere on Earth.”