Thursday, October 02, 2025

The Professor’s Minute Minute — October 2, 2025

 



Six observations to sharpen your view before anyone else does.

Old folks flying? — Senior travel bookings are rising and tech is adapting to their needs.

https://www.phocuswire.com/senior-travel-booking-technology-trends

Is this new? I think so. — A fresh framework in that doc is quietly redefining how we think about travel demand.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1t5kSXAR3hQaa0XsaaesFRgcrzMemkJs7X63usZTCm2g/edit

Top teams. — The 2025 Corporate Travel 100 list highlights which firms are setting the standard.

https://www.businesstravelnews.com/Corporate-Travel-100/2025

Did we forget the consumer? — A new “Offer → Order” blueprint dives into consumer buying in flight booking.

https://revman.substack.com/p/offer-order-blueprint-is-buying-plane

Agentic AI from McKinsey — McKinsey’s new report explores how “agentic AI” could reshape travel.

https://substack.com/redirect/ac9b1e12-3cdd-4e9a-b968-0190745b2107

Quirky: The true cost of ChatGPT? — Bloomberg graphs reveal how data centers’ electricity use is ballooning.

https://www.bloomberg.com/graphics/2025-ai-data-centers-electricity-prices/

Sources:

Hashtags: #PMM #Travel #Aviation #SeniorTravel #TechTrends #Consumer #AI #DataCenters #Electricity #Innovation #Quirky

Image description: A cubist, Picasso-style canvas: an elderly traveler climbing stairs, fractured circuitry running skyward, angular corporate figures in motion, abstract AI robot heads floating above, two silhouetted consumers exchanging a ticket, and jagged electric currents feeding glowing data-center blocks. Bold, whimsical, surreal. No text anywhere.

📣 Don’t forget: Follow the full archive at

https://t2ni.blogspot.com

And check out the Best of the Week on LinkedIn & Instagram.

Professor’s musings: https://t2impact.blogspot.com

Old archive: https://www.tumblr.com/professorsabena

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Wednesday, October 01, 2025

The Professor’s Minute Minute — October 1, 2025



Six quick hits to make you smarter before the kettle boils.


This was bound to happen — Office visits are rising as hybrid work becomes the norm.

https://killercharts.substack.com/p/the-death-of-working-from-home


Does crime pay? — US crime rates are nearly half of what they were in 2001.

https://usafacts.org/answers/what-is-the-crime-rate-in-the-us/country/united-states/


Sad story — A stowaway was found dead in an aircraft’s landing gear.

https://www.travelmole.com/news/stowaway-found-dead-in-planes-landing-gear/


A word to the wise when travelling — Insurance may not cover complications tied to Ozempic use.

https://travelweekly.com.au/agents-alert-the-ozempic-insurance-gap-your-clients-cant-afford-to-miss/


The Brazilian love match has been called off — Azul–GOL merger talks have ended.

https://aviationweek.com/air-transport/airlines-lessors/daily-memo-azul-gol-merger-talks-end-now


Quirky — A Ryanair passenger ate their passport mid-flight, forcing a diversion.

https://aviationa2z.com/index.php/2025/09/30/ryanair-flight-diverted-after-passenger-eats-passport/

Sources:


Hashtags: #PMM #Travel #Aviation #WFH #HybridWork #CrimeStats #TravelInsurance #Ozempic #Brazil #Azul #GOL #Ryanair #Quirky


Image description: A surreal artist collage: a glowing office turnstile, a crime-rate graph falling over a skyline, landing gear silhouette with ghostly figure, floating pill blister pack with a travel tag, Azul and GOL tails splitting apart, and a bitten passport drifting in the sky. Whimsical and slightly dark, no text included.

📣 Don’t forget: Follow the full archive at https://t2ni.blogspot.com and look out for the Best of the Week recap every Sunday on LinkedIn and Instagram.

You can also read the Professor’s musings here: https://t2impact.blogspot.com

And explore the old archive: https://www.tumblr.com/professorsabena

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Tuesday, September 30, 2025

The Professor’s Minute Minute — September 30, 2025

 

The Professor’s Minute Minute — September 30, 2025

Five big stories (and one quirky) shaping travel, aviation, and humanity today:

  • Virtual Interlining Goes Next-Gen

    Eurowings is pushing the boundaries by embedding codeshare integrations directly into its website and app — creating a more seamless experience. We’re finally moving beyond clunky links and PDFs into real dynamic connectivity.

  • A Quarter Century of Travel’s Greatest Hits

    Travel Weekly celebrates 25 years with a retrospective of the industry’s highs, lows, and weird pivots. Sometimes we forget how far we’ve come — and how often we circle back to the same debates.

  • PLAY Airlines Collapses

    Iceland’s disruptor airline has officially gone bust. Another cautionary tale about over-ambitious expansion and fragile transatlantic models. Expect a fight over refunds and stranded pax.

  • Africa’s Liberalization Stalls (Again)

    After years of promises, African airline liberalization faces another slowdown. Aviation remains key to economic development — and this is a missed opportunity for connectivity and growth.

  • Blue Origin Expands New Shepard Fleet

    Jeff Bezos is still reaching for the stars — literally. More vehicles, more launches, and maybe one day a profitable space tourism business.

  • Quirky: The Original Airline Computer System

    Sabre transformed aviation decades ago. Airways Magazine has a fascinating piece on how this system laid the groundwork for everything we do in travel tech today.

Image Vibe:

A vibrant, angular Picasso-style Cubist composition using bold reds and cool blues, representing movement and interconnectedness — evoking the sense of network maps and travel routes crisscrossing the globe.

Sources:

Hashtags:


#Travel #Aviation #Airlines #Tourism #TravelTech #AI #Innovation #Picasso #Connectivity

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Sunday, September 28, 2025

The Professor’s Minute Minute – September 29, 2025

 




AI reality checks, angry customers, Canada in the spotlight, SAF tunnel vision, and Emirates pushing 777X further right—plus a drone verdict that stings.

  1. Airline AI reality check

    PROS’ Chief AI Strategist Michael Wu lays out where airlines actually are on AI—great slideware, thin plumbing. Read and calibrate.

    (PhocusWire)

  2. Air Canada’s 54,000-claim backlog

    Post-strike turbulence moves from the tarmac to the inbox. That many claims is a reputational debt with interest.

    (CTV News)

  3. All eyes on Canada (and Montréal)

    ICAO opens its Assembly in Québec with major investment pledges; policy gravity is shifting north.

    (ICAO)

  4. IATA doubles down on SAF

    Still selling sustainable aviation fuel as the path to net zero. Chemistry, cost curves, and feedstock realities say: “not alone.”

    (IATA)

  5. Emirates 777X now 2027

    Cabin plans scrapped, deliveries slide—again. The flagship that keeps moving right on the Gantt chart.

    (AviationA2Z)

  6. Quirky: Drone pilot jailed & fined $156k after Mini-3 collides with LA firefighting aircraft. Deterrence or overreach? You decide.

    (AirGuide)


📣 Don’t forget:

The Professor’s Minute Minute → https://tinyurl.com/ynvpddfw

The OFFICIAL Professor Sabena Blog → https://tinyurl.com/j9x8cmhm

Explore the old archive → https://tinyurl.com/njj9z6p4


#Tags

#Aviation #Airlines #TravelTech #AI #CustomerExperience #ICAO #IATA #SAF #Emirates #777X #AirCanada #DroneSafety #AviationNews #Picasso


Sources

  • PROS / Michael Wu on airline AI: https://www.phocuswire.com/pros-chief-ai-strategist-michael-wu-airlines

  • Air Canada claims backlog: https://www.ctvnews.ca/canada/article/air-canada-says-54000-claims-still-in-backlog-after-summer-strike/

  • ICAO Assembly investments: https://www.icao.int/news/icao-assembly-opens-quebec-announcing-major-investment

  • IATA on SAF & net zero: https://www.iata.org/en/pressroom/2025-releases/2025-09-23-01/

  • Emirates 777X deliveries pushed to 2027: https://aviationa2z.com/index.php/2025/09/25/emirates-cancels-777x-business-class-plan/

  • Drone pilot sentence & fine: https://airguide.info/drone-pilot-sentenced-to-jail-and-156k-fine-after-dji-mini-3-collision-with-la-firefighting-plane/


Style verification (and image vibe): Monday → Blue Period. Cool, muted blues; calm, reflective mood; angular planes suggesting a wing/fin and terminal canopy; no text.

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The Professor’s Minute Minute — September 28, 2025

 


Ryanair boarding pass debate continues.

Letters are pouring in — and this one is particularly sharp — calling out Ryanair’s “digital only” policy.


French pensioners win the life lottery.

Apparently, they earn more than working-age citizens. I suddenly have a retirement plan.


Delta swaps out toxic A320 engines.

Passengers may soon enjoy fresh air again after Delta moves to replace engines linked to cabin fume issues.


Air Canada pays the price.

The flight attendant strike reportedly cost CA$270 million. Labor disputes: expensive lessons in “human capital.”


Lufthansa’s long road back.

The flag carrier faces an uphill battle to recover competitiveness. Big isn’t always beautiful — sometimes it’s just slow.


Quirky of the Day:

Futurist Parag Khanna paints a fascinating picture of where humans will live next. Space colonies? AI-designed cities? Read and decide: Where Humans Live in the Future

📣 Don’t forget: Follow the full archive at t2ni.blogspot.com and look out for the Best of the Week recap every Sunday on LinkedIn and Instagram.

You can also read the Professor’s musings here: https://t2impact.blogspot.com

And explore the old archive: https://www.tumblr.com/professorsabena

#Tags:

#Travel #Aviation #Airlines #Tourism #TravelTech #Lufthansa #Delta #AirCanada #Ryanair #Pension #Labor #Picasso



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Thursday, September 25, 2025

The Professor’s Minute Minute – September 27, 2025

 


Digital-only boarding, awards night, AA’s premium problem, C919 slips, Microsoft’s rethink—and a quirky history of Sabre.

  1. Ryanair goes fully digital

    Mandatory digital boarding passes from next month. Fewer queues, more phones, inevitable edge cases.

    (Irish Times)

  2. UK travel glitterati

    TTG’s Travel Industry Awards 2025: a who’s-who snapshot of the sector’s movers and shakers.

    (TTG Media)

  3. American’s premium rhetoric vs reality

    A sharp take: AA still has a revenue problem—premium talk isn’t matching outcomes (and that debt load looms).

    (The Airline Observer)

  4. COMAC’s C919 falls behind

    Filings show delivery targets slipping—the long road from certification to dependable production.

    (Reuters)

  5. Microsoft trims defense work

    WSJ: Microsoft pulls back engagement with Israel’s defense ministry—watch for enterprise and geopolitics to intersect in cloud deals.

    (Wall Street Journal)

  6. Quirky: How Sabre transformed aviation and IT — from punch cards to PNRs to the modern GDS stack, a brisk history lesson.

    (Airways)

📣 Don’t forget:

The Professor’s Minute Minute → https://tinyurl.com/ynvpddfw

The OFFICIAL Professor Sabena Blog → https://tinyurl.com/j9x8cmhm

Explore the old archive → https://tinyurl.com/njj9z6p4


#Tags:

#Travel #Aviation #Ryanair #DigitalBoardingPass #Awards #AmericanAirlines #COMAC #Microsoft #GDS #Sabre #Picasso


Style verification: Saturday → Neoclassical Picasso (clean lines, sculptural forms, warm ochre/cream with muted blues; no text on the image)


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The Professor’s Minute Minute – September 26, 2025



Data partnerships, dominance disputes, IPO hopes, agency consolidation—and one lucky stowaway ducking death.

  1. Amadeus + ForwardKeys = Data squared

    Amadeus is betting big on traveller intelligence by partnering with ForwardKeys. Expect better forecasting tools — and a few privacy debates.

    (Moodie Davitt Report)

  2. Ryanair faces abuse-of-dominance probe in Italy

    Italy’s antitrust authority files a chargesheet alleging Ryanair abused its dominant position. This could reshape distribution battles.

    (Global Competition Review)

  3. Who saw this coming? Bing surges

    Microsoft’s search engine sees a surprising growth wave, suggesting Google’s grip on search might actually be loosening.

    (Growth Memo)

  4. Beta Technologies preps for IPO

    The eVTOL startup is ready to test public-market appetite. Will investors bite, or is the sector still too frothy?

    (The Air Current)

  5. Direct Travel + ATPI merge to form $6B powerhouse

    Massive agency consolidation is here: Direct Travel acquires ATPI to create one of the largest players in the Power List ecosystem.

    (Travel Weekly)

  6. Quirky: Afghan teen survives flight from Kabul to Delhi—hidden in the landing gear. A terrifying reminder of what desperation drives people to do.

    (Aviation24)

📣 Don’t forget:

The Professor’s Minute Minute → https://tinyurl.com/ynvpddfw

The OFFICIAL Professor Sabena Blog → https://tinyurl.com/j9x8cmhm

Explore the old archive → https://tinyurl.com/njj9z6p4


#Tags:

#Travel #Aviation #Amadeus #Ryanair #Data #Bing #SearchEngines #eVTOL #TravelTech #Consolidation #Picasso


Style Verification: Friday → Classic Cubism (strong geometric shapes, limited palette, bold but slightly playful — perfect for end-of-week wrap-up energy)

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Tuesday, September 23, 2025

The Professor’s Minute Minute – September 25, 2025

 



Nvidia buys its way to the future (as if it hand't already done so, the FAA actually hires (perhaps) enough controllers, Sabre bets on Agentic APIs, and Boeing closes the book on a widebody era.

  1. After all we are family now

    Nvidia and OpenAI deepen their relationship with a $100B+ deal aimed at securing AI compute capacity. Data center spending just went into overdrive.

    (WSJ)

  2. FAA finally meets controller hiring goal

    The agency hits its 2025 air traffic controller hiring target. It’s still not enough to fix ATC capacity woes — but it’s a rare win.

    (AviationWeek)

  3. Affordable Skies pushing for change

    Grassroots advocacy continues for making air travel cheaper and more accessible. A rare dose of optimism.

    (Affordable Skies)

  4. Sabre seizes Agentic API first-mover advantage

    PRNewswire reports Sabre launches a full suite of Agentic APIs — a significant move in travel tech and possibly the first at-scale play in this emerging area.

    (PRNewswire)

  5. The last 777-300ER rolls out

    Boeing ends production of its iconic 777-300ER, marking the end of an era for long-haul twins that reshaped airline networks.

    (AviationA2Z)

  6. Quirky: The Fall of Kodak — KillerCharts does a forensic dive on how a market titan missed its moment, a cautionary tale for today’s disruptors.

    (KillerCharts)

📣 Don’t forget:

The Professor’s Minute Minute → https://tinyurl.com/ynvpddfw

The OFFICIAL Professor Sabena Blog → https://tinyurl.com/j9x8cmhm

Explore the old archive → https://tinyurl.com/njj9z6p4


#Tags:

#Travel #Aviation #AirTrafficControl #AgenticAI #TravelTech #Boeing #777300ER #AirlineEconomics #Picasso


Style Verification: Thursday → Synthetic Cubism (bold colors, layered textures, collaged feel — reflecting big structural shifts in tech and aviation)

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The Professor’s Minute Minute – September 24, 2025




France’s money mess, shared AI clones, Brussels airport mayhem, Canada’s data retreat, and tariff truths—plus a quirky twist on lost luggage theatre.

  1. Why France can’t fix its finances

    Government spending, falling revenue, and structural rigidity keep France stuck in fiscal fog. KillerCharts breaks it down.

  2. Google’s ‘Gems’: shareable AI assistants

    TechCrunch introduces “Gems”—your custom Gemini AI clones you can share. Great until your clone does something embarrassing.

  3. Cyberattack disrupts Brussels flights

    Reuters reports a cyberattack at Brussels-Airport causing widespread delays and cancellations. Vulnerability of modern infrastructure on full display.

  4. Canada backs off U.S. data sharing

    CBC notes a policy reversal: Canada eases up on data flow agreements with the U.S., citing privacy concerns and domestic backlash.

  5. Tariffs are just stupid

    Another quiet truth from KillerCharts: tariffs distort supply chains, erode competitiveness, and seldom protect what they intend to.

  6. Quirky: Cork Airport just unveiled a massive mural “The Wonder of Travel” — 180 square meters, painted on the southern facade of its short-term car park. It chronicles aviation’s early days and its modern era in vivid colour.(Cork Airport, “The Wonder of Travel” mural) 

📣 Don’t forget:

The Professor’s Minute Minute → https://tinyurl.com/ynvpddfw

The OFFICIAL Professor Sabena Blog → https://tinyurl.com/j9x8cmhm

Explore the old archive → https://tinyurl.com/njj9z6p4


#Tags:

#Travel #Aviation #Finance #AI #CyberSecurity #DataPrivacy #Tariffs #Innovation #Picasso


Sources:

Posted by at No comments:

Monday, September 22, 2025

The Professor’s Minute Minute – September 23, 2025


Runway wins, Aegean shifts, baggage horror, ID wars, big M&A—and a mural that celebrates travel’s magic.

  1. Gatwick gets its 2nd Runway approved

    A massive milestone for UK aviation — capacity relief, slot battles, and a fresh round of NIMBY complaints ahead.

    (The Times)

  2. Aegean is moving

    Fleet, network, and strategy shifts at Greece’s flag carrier suggest a big pivot coming.

    (AirFinance Global)

  3. Gruesome find at Tampa Airport

    Customs officers uncover human bones in a traveler’s luggage. A chilling reminder that airport security isn’t just theatre.

    (SimpleFlying)

  4. UK Digital ID push

    Calls for a UK-wide Digital ID are intensifying; columnists say opposition is flimsy.

    (The Times)

  5. Pro’s Holdings acquired by Thoma Bravo

    Major consolidation in travel tech — could reshape pricing and revenue management tools.

    (Morningstar)

  6. Quirky: Cork Airport unveils a giant 180-square-meter mural titled “The Wonder of Travel,” a colorful ode to aviation’s past and present on the car park facade.

    (Cork Airport)

📣 Don’t forget:

The Professor’s Minute Minute → https://tinyurl.com/ynvpddfw

The OFFICIAL Professor Sabena Blog → https://tinyurl.com/j9x8cmhm

Explore the old archive → https://tinyurl.com/njj9z6p4

#Tags:

#Travel #Aviation #Gatwick #Airports #AegeanAirlines #DigitalID #TravelTech #MergersAndAcquisitions #AirportArt #Picasso

Style Verification: Wednesday → Analytical Cubism (fragmented, geometric, layered energy — a midweek “intellectual” feel) 

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Sunday, September 21, 2025

The Professor’s Minute Minute – September 22, 2025



Budget truth, patent shadows, Amex goes tech, regional come-back, fleet fine-tuning—and trivia for your airport IQ.

  1. This is what the US budget actually looks like. FACTS!

    A rare, clear budget breakdown with allocations, trade-offs, and no political fluff.

    (Manage KMail Lists)

  2. Patent risk in luggage tech

    PhocusWire reports a seed-funded luggage platform may be treading into IP grey zones.

  3. Finally!!! Amex Travel app launches

    Amex rolls out a travel app combining booking, rewards, and servicing—one of the biggest upgrades since AXI.

  4. Filling the regional void

    East Air, led by Alan Milne, takes on underserved markets. Will it succeed where others have failed?

  5. Ryanair adjusts fleet across network

    MOL gets granular about fleet reshuffles to stay lean through 2025 and beyond.

  6. Quirky: Trivia time: “What’s your airport code?” TTG’s travel trivia night will test even the most jaded road warriors.

    (TTG Media)

📣 Don’t forget:

The Professor’s Minute Minute → https://tinyurl.com/ynvpddfw

The OFFICIAL Professor Sabena Blog → https://tinyurl.com/j9x8cmhm

Explore the old archive → https://tinyurl.com/njj9z6p4


#Tags:

#Travel #Aviation #BudgetTruth #PatentLaw #Amex #RegionalAir #FleetManagement #AirportTrivia #Picasso


Sources:


Style Verification: Sunday → Abstract Cubism (bold colors, layered energy)

Image tagline: A patchwork of overlapping travel shapes and blocks of color to mirror a week full of complexity and a touch of fun.


Posted by at No comments:

Saturday, September 20, 2025

The Professor’s Minute Minute – September 21, 2025

 


I shall be at T2RL all this week. So normal service may be compromised.

Tariffs vanish (wishful thinking), startups face reality, Larry’s wallet expands, AI investments need boldness, Alaska’s staying power—and a little pain in the name of beauty.

  1. Tariff-free aviation is better aviation

    Global aerospace leaders call for zero barriers at the summit. Tariffs do nothing but slow innovation and drive up costs.

    (Leeham News)

  2. The startup “anti-pitch” you need to hear

    Andrew Chen’s brutally honest guide to what VCs are actually thinking when they pass. Founders, read it twice.

    (Andrew Chen)

  3. Larry Ellison’s bank account expands again

    Oracle’s rise fuels Larry’s latest wealth surge—just in case he needs another island or another America’s Cup yacht.

    (KillerCharts)

  4. Timid AI is wasted AI

    The Economist’s AI Innovation Asia warns: invest boldly or not at all. Small bets don’t move the needle in APAC.

    (The Economist)

  5. Alaska stays on course

    Strong revenue performance and cost control keep Alaska a standout. Reliable doesn’t have to mean boring.

    (Aviation Week)

  6. Quirky: Plucking, waxing, shaving—why does it hurt so much? The Washington Post explains the science of nerve endings and pain pathways.

    (Washington Post)

📣 Don’t forget:

The Professor’s Minute Minute → https://tinyurl.com/ynvpddfw

The OFFICIAL Professor Sabena Blog → https://tinyurl.com/j9x8cmhm

Explore the old archive → https://tinyurl.com/njj9z6p4


#Tags:

#Travel #Aviation #Trade #Startups #VC #LarryEllison #AI #AlaskaAirlines #Wellness #Picasso


Sources:

  • Zero-tariff call: Leeham News

  • Anti-pitch guide: Andrew Chen

  • Ellison wealth surge: KillerCharts

  • AI Innovation Asia: The Economist

  • Alaska performance: Aviation Week

  • Quirky: Washington Post

  • Style Verification: Sunday → Abstract Cubism (bold color, layered energy) Image tagline: Abstract layers and bright hues capture the week’s mash-up of economics, innovation, and a bit of personal discomfort. 

Posted by at No comments:

Friday, September 19, 2025

The Professor’s Minute Minute – September 20, 2025

 


Tariffs out, startup wisdom in, Larry’s wallet fatter, timid AI gets roasted, Alaska’s momentum—and hair-raising science.

  1. Aviation needs fewer barriers

    Global aerospace leaders reiterate the call: drop tariffs, boost trade, unlock innovation. When borders close, supply chains seize.

    (Leeham News)

  2. Startup reality check

    Andrew Chen’s “Anti-Pitch” gives you the one-liners that VCs really think when they pass. If you’re raising money, read this first.

    (Andrew Chen Substack)

  3. Larry Ellison’s wealth boom

    KillerCharts dissects the latest Oracle surge. Maybe time to upgrade the yacht—or the island.

    (KillerCharts)

  4. Timid AI = wasted AI

    The Economist’s AI Innovation Asia argues: if your investment in AI is too small to be bold, you’re just lighting cash on fire.

    (The Economist)

  5. Alaska Air stays strong

    Revenue momentum is solid despite cost pressure. Alaska continues to show the majors that disciplined ops matter.

    (Aviation Week)

  6. Quirky: Shaving, plucking, waxing—why does it hurt more than a haircut? Washington Post explains it’s about nerve activation, not sadism.

    (Washington Post)

📣 Don’t forget:

The Professor’s Minute Minute → https://tinyurl.com/ynvpddfw

The OFFICIAL Professor Sabena Blog → https://tinyurl.com/j9x8cmhm

Explore the old archive → https://tinyurl.com/njj9z6p4


#Tags:

#Travel #Aviation #Trade #Startups #VC #LarryEllison #AI #AlaskaAirlines #Wellness #Picasso


Sources:


Style Verification: Saturday → Synthetic Cubism

Image: Layered geometric collage: planes, dollar signs, Oracle logo fragment, startup pitch decks, AI circuit motifs, with a playful hint of hair strands.

Posted by at No comments:

Thursday, September 18, 2025

The Professor’s Minute Minute – September 19, 2025

 




Hybrid jets, big dogs, faulty masks, thirsty crews, questionable projects — and snakes on planes.

  1. “Satan’s Chariot” gets a hybrid upgrade

    SkyWest secures launch rights for Maeve’s hybrid-electric regional jet — and suddenly the future of small-city connectivity looks cleaner (and quieter).

    (Aviation Week)

  2. Dogs in first class — literally

    An AA passenger found herself trapped by a 100-pound canine companion in the seat next to her. DOT might not cover “emotional support collisions.”

    (AviationA2Z)

  3. FAA orders Boeing 787 inspections

    Faulty oxygen masks trigger a sweeping inspection directive. Boeing’s 787 headaches continue.

    (AviationA2Z)

  4. Drinking on duty: not on this flight

    American Airlines flight attendants face discipline after passengers saw them sipping water during boarding. (Hydration ≠ dereliction.)

    (View From The Wing)

  5. Another $250M boondoggle?

    The FAA and DOT’s proposed move may cost $250 million. The Air Current asks if it’s worth it.

    (The Air Current)

  6. Quirky: Snakes on a plane — really. Virgin Australia expands its “Pets on a Plane” program. You can now bring reptiles onboard (cargo hold, please).

    (Travel Weekly)

📣 Don’t forget:

The Professor’s Minute Minute → https://tinyurl.com/ynvpddfw

The OFFICIAL Professor Sabena Blog → https://tinyurl.com/j9x8cmhm

Explore the old archive → https://tinyurl.com/njj9z6p4


#Tags:

#Travel #Aviation #HybridJets #SkyWest #Boeing787 #FAA #CabinCrew #PassengerExperience #VirginAustralia #Picasso


Sources:


Style Verification: Friday → Synthetic Cubism

Image: Overlapping layers — a dog silhouette and a plane, coiled snake shapes, a 787 nose outline, cabin silhouettes, with fragmented textural overlays.

Posted by at No comments:

Wednesday, September 17, 2025

The Professor’s Minute Minute – September 18, 2025

 


Tariffs, truth in budgeting, luggage tech, regional hybrids, Alaska’s momentum—and a hair-raising health twist.

  1. Aviation better with zero tariffs

    At the aerospace summit, leaders call for tariff reductions to enable free trade in turbines, engines, and innovation. No surprises: barriers hurt more than protect.

    (Leeham News)

  2. USA budget: facts vs spin

    A behind-the-scenes look at the American budget reveals allocations that the rhetoric downplays. Reality check in black and white.

    (Manage KMail Lists)

  3. Patent concerns for luggage-operating startup

    PhocusWire spots possible patent infringement in a seed-funded luggage system. Great ideas need clean legal foundations.

    (PhocusWire)

  4. “Satan’s Chariot” gets an upgrade

    SkyWest secures the launch rights to Maeve’s hybrid-electric regional jets. Fringe nickname meets frontier tech.

    (Aviation Week)

  5. Alaska fires on all cylinders

    Strong revenue trends at Alaska Group—despite cost pressures. Part solid operation, part favorable skies.

    (Aviation Week)

  6. Quirky: Ever wondered why waxing hurts more than shaving? A Washington Post wellness piece suggests it’s about nerve activation—not just skin being torn. Reminder: travel prep includes surviving the mirror.

    (Washington Post)

📣 Don’t forget:

The Professor’s Minute Minute → https://tinyurl.com/ynvpddfw

The OFFICIAL Professor Sabena Blog → https://tinyurl.com/j9x8cmhm

Explore the old archive → https://tinyurl.com/njj9z6p4


#Tags:

#Travel #Aviation #Trade #Tariffs #BudgetTruth #PatentRisk #HybridJets #AlaskaAirlines #Wellness #Picasso


Sources:


Style Verification: Thursday → Synthetic Cubism (collage, layered visuals)

Image: Layered textures: fractured power lines, tariff tags, hybrid wing shapes and contract curves, contrasted by smooth wellness motifs — a visual of trade meets ache.


Posted by at No comments:

Tuesday, September 16, 2025

The Professor’s Minute Minute – September 17, 2025

 

Green aviation, clarity vs obfuscation, unexpected fleet additions, buyback signals, lonely industry numbers—and a quirky dive into airline legacy.

  1. EU allocates €945M to clean aviation

    The European Commission backs 12 projects under its Clean Aviation programme—boosting green R&D in propulsion, materials, and flight systems.

    (AINonline)

  2. Regulators try “plain English” controls

    FAA’s new flight control rules (“Mosaic Simplified”) aim to make airspace regulation more intelligible. Will it reduce confusion or create loopholes?

    (The Air Current)

  3. Air Cambodia orders more planes

    A “glorified DC-9” perhaps, but the numbers make sense: capacity, route expansion, and value. Sometimes scale over style wins.

    (LinkedIn)

  4. Buyback boom — good or bad omen?

    KillerCharts digs into America’s streak of stock buybacks. Is this fiscal strength—or a harbinger of devaluation ahead?

    (KillerCharts)

  5. One is the loneliest number — logos & fleet sizes

    An ATR special report shows how single-fleet operators are increasingly rare, highlighting risk exposure vs nimble strategy.

    (The Air Current via Mailchimp)

  6. Quirky: Braniff airline’s attempted comeback is archived in “Enterprise: Tailspin,” a video on PBS — they tried to save the legacy with style, but history writes sharper plot twists.

    (PBS)

📣 Don’t forget:

The Professor’s Minute Minute → https://tinyurl.com/ynvpddfw

The OFFICIAL Professor Sabena Blog → https://tinyurl.com/j9x8cmhm

Explore the old archive → https://tinyurl.com/njj9z6p4


#Tags:

#Travel #Aviation #GreenAviation #Regulation #FleetExpansion #Buybacks #RiskSignal #LegacyAirlines #Innovation #Picasso


Sources:


Style Verification: Wednesday → Analytical Cubism

Image: Sharp, fragmented geometry — sharp edges of data charts, glints of green aviation tech, layered logos in silhouette.

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Monday, September 15, 2025

The Professor’s Minute Minute – September 16, 2025



Teams unbundled, Italian strikes, broken aerospace models, AI tools under review, Alaska’s rebrand — plus a kinetic masterpiece at Changi.

  1. Teams and Travel unbundled

    The EU’s antitrust pressure has rippled across the Atlantic: Microsoft will now decouple Teams from Office in the U.S. too. Good news for Slack—and maybe for anyone tired of “yet another Teams link.”

    (Law360)

  2. Italy braces for strike disruption

    TravelMole reports that air transport strikes will make flying in/out of Italy miserable. If you’re traveling this week, prepare for delays and pack patience.

    (TravelMole)

  3. Is commercial aerospace’s business model broken?

    Aviation Week asks if the current mix of supply-chain strain, pricing pressure, and margin squeeze is sustainable — or whether the model needs a rethink.

    (Aviation Week)

  4. AI travel tools — any good yet?

    Seattle Times tests the latest wave of AI-powered travel planners. Verdict: better than early attempts, but still inconsistent and sometimes baffling.

    (Seattle Times)

  5. Alaska Airlines relabels EasyBiz

    Alaska rebrands its SME travel platform as “Atmos for Business,” with hints of feature upgrades on the way.

    (Alaska Airlines)

  6. Quirky: Changi Airport’s Kinetic Rain — 1,216 copper-plated aluminum droplets forming hypnotic airplane shapes overhead — remains one of the world’s most mesmerizing airport artworks.

    (Changi Airport)

📣 Don’t forget:

The Professor’s Minute Minute → https://tinyurl.com/ynvpddfw

The OFFICIAL Professor Sabena Blog → https://tinyurl.com/j9x8cmhm

Explore the old archive → https://tinyurl.com/njj9z6p4


#Tags:

#Travel #Aviation #AI #Teams #Italy #Strikes #BusinessTravel #AtmosForBusiness #Changi #KineticRain #Picasso


Sources:


Style Verification: Tuesday → Analytical Cubism

Image: Angular planes and network fragments, with floating droplets suggesting kinetic movement overhead.

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Sunday, September 14, 2025

The Professor’s Minute Minute – September 15, 2025



Loyalty metrics, safety trade-offs, missing links in Offer-Order, charter oddities, AI hints—and tech infrastructure chewiness.

  1. Loyalty comparison: IAG vs Air France/KLM

    A full report by Symbia Advisors digs into loyalty program value: redemptions, perks, and which airline treats its frequent flyers better.

  2. Did Uber trade safety for money?

    Law360 questions recent cost-cutting measures. If safety is subtleized, what happens when things go wrong mid-trip?

  3. Offer-Order’s missing pieces

    Revman returns with part two of the blueprint: API standardization and orchestration are still loose ends in the Offer-Order world.

  4. USA charter market — curveballs abroad

    Aviation Week’s podcast shows how the U.S. charter segment scrapes along with rules, taxes, and demand that don’t translate outside its borders.

  5. AI study with surprises

    PhocusWire’s behavioral findings from an “AI-search focused world” suggest users want transparency and simplicity, not bells and whistles.

  6. Quirky: America is pouring nearly as much money into building data centres as it is into airports. The future might be run more on cloud than runways.

📣 Don’t forget:

The Professor’s Minute Minute → https://tinyurl.com/ynvpddfw

The OFFICIAL Professor Sabena Blog → https://tinyurl.com/j9x8cmhm

Explore the old archive → https://tinyurl.com/njj9z6p4


#Tags:

#Travel #Aviation #Loyalty #Safety #OfferOrder #Charter #AI #DataInfrastructure #Innovation #Picasso


Sources:


Style Verification: Monday → Blue Period

Image: Blue-toned calm meets industrial edges—airport runways, server farms, loyalty ladders, and AI signposts.

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Saturday, September 13, 2025

The Professor’s Minute Minute – September 14, 2025

 



Europe routes, transatlantic woes, retailing experiments, market forecasts—and algorithmic oversight’s new angle.

  1. Which airlines fly to Europe’s most

    That aviation map made for data lovers—seeing who serves Europe’s busiest cities tells you everything about strategy by geography.

    (Revman)

  2. Delta’s transatlantic summer underwhelms

    Aviation Week flags Delta’s summer main cabin on its long-haul routes: a step down from premium promises. Is BA-ness creeping in?

    (Aviation Week)

  3. Airline retailing at Hawaiian — real in-flight commerce ideas

    A video deep dive: how Hawaiian is testing retailing in the cabin and online—part travel experience, part revenue stream.

    (YouTube)

  4. IBAS market update webinar

    Global intelligence on aircraft trends, supply/demand tightness, and upcoming fleet changes: insights to watch.

    (IBAS via ON24)

  5. Catch the Professor live

    T2RL events list the upcoming conference where I’ll be speaking on travel technology & strategy. Yes, you can attend in person.

    (Swapcard / T2RL)

  6. Quirky: California is advancing a bill to stop “algorithmic coercion.” Meaning: the algorithm should no longer be able to squeeze you into purchases you didn’t want—whether in shopping, travel upsells, or loyalty offers.

    (Global Competition Review)

📣 Don’t forget:

The Professor’s Minute Minute → https://tinyurl.com/ynvpddfw

The OFFICIAL Professor Sabena Blog → https://tinyurl.com/j9x8cmhm

Explore the old archive → https://tinyurl.com/njj9z6p4


#Tags:

#Travel #Aviation #Airlines #Europe #Transatlantic #Retail #MarketIntelligence #AlgorithmicFairness #Innovation #Picasso


Sources:


Style Verification: Sunday → Blue/Rose Hybrid

Image: Reflective blend — optimism and critique, where policy, commerce, and fairness intersect in travel tech.

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Friday, September 12, 2025

The Professor’s Minute Minute – September 13, 2025

 



AI’s $3T gamble, cooling U.S. travel, Boeing’s redemption arc, OTA scale, and ICE on overdrive — plus a quirky airport cameo.

  1. What if the $3T AI boom goes wrong?

    The Economist asks the question everyone avoids: what happens if all that AI capital burns out instead of paying off? Big bets, big risks.

    (Economist)

  2. US Travel Outlook 2025+

    Oxford Economics warns the U.S. travel market is slowing down, with business travel still fragile and consumer spending tightening.

    (Oxford Economics)

  3. Boeing’s way back

    Leeham News explores Boeing’s long climb from its recent stumbles, with governance reforms and product bets being key to survival.

    (Leeham News)

  4. The size of the OTA market

    PhocusWire breaks down OTA marketing spend in Q2 2025. Spoiler: the budgets are massive and keep growing.

    (PhocusWire)

  5. ICE at industrial scale

    KillerCharts visualizes deportation data—showing just how massive and mechanized the system has become.

    (KillerCharts)

  6. Quirky: In Stockholm, Arlanda Airport recently hosted an art installation where baggage carousels displayed “lost dreams” instead of lost luggage. Travelers were both amused and unsettled.

📣 Don’t forget:

The Professor’s Minute Minute → https://tinyurl.com/ynvpddfw

The OFFICIAL Professor Sabena Blog → https://tinyurl.com/j9x8cmhm

Explore the old archive → https://tinyurl.com/njj9z6p4


#Tags:

#Travel #Aviation #AI #Boeing #USTravel #OTA #ICE #Policy #AirportArt #Picasso


Sources:


Style Verification: Saturday → Neoclassical Picasso

Image: Neoclassical clarity — sculptural and calm, setting today’s economic and policy-heavy themes in clear relief.

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Thursday, September 11, 2025

EDITION -100! The Professor’s Minute Minute – September 12, 2025


Today is our 100th edition of the Professors Minute Minute. 

Thanks to everyone who contributes (knowingly and unknowingly). 

And thanks to you for reading. 

AI innovation, central bankers under pressure, lounge disappointment, tech infrastructure, airline strategy—and crypto dreams.

  1. AI Skyways takes flight

    Qatar Airways and Accenture unveil “AI Skyways” — a new AI-powered framework to revamp customer experience, operations, and predictive maintenance under one ethical model.

  2. Central bankers trapped

    A declassified memo warns that central banks are struggling under the Fed’s political shadow — jeopardizing global inflation control.

  3. Delta 360 isn’t worth the hype

    Fodor’s review slams Delta’s invite-only loyalty tier: too exclusive, not enough benefit. Elitism has a cost—and travelers probably paid enough.

  4. Who powers travel sites?

    Daniel Pino pulls back the curtain on the tech teams behind the websites and booking platforms — unsung heroes of the travel economy.

  5. Understanding indirect distribution

    Koen Karsbergen offers clarity on indirect airline distribution — a subtle but crucial channel that most travelers never see.

  6. Quirky: Stelios Haji-Ioannou floated “EASYBitcoin” as an idea for your next getaway currency. Crypto meets vacation budget—because nothing says ‘easy travel’ like a volatile token.

📣 Don’t forget:

The Professor’s Minute Minute → https://tinyurl.com/ynvpddfw

The OFFICIAL Professor Sabena Blog → https://tinyurl.com/j9x8cmhm

Explore the old archive → https://tinyurl.com/njj9z6p4

#Tags:

#Travel #Aviation #AI #AirportInnovation #CentralBanking #Loyalty #EASYBitcoin #Distribution #Picasso


Sources:

  • Qatar Airways & Accenture AI Skyways collaboration 

  • Central banks under Fed pressure 

  • Travel site tech infrastructure 


Style Verification: Friday → Surrealist Picasso (absurd, playful migrations)

Image: Surrealist twist — playful juxtaposition of AI, finance, crypto, and travel, wrapped in dreamlike tones.

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Wednesday, September 10, 2025

The Professor’s Minute Minute – September 11, 2025



Today is September 11th. It has been 24 years since that horrible day. Thank you flor remembering. 

Innovation, hidden pressures, guest lounges, alliances, and crypto dreams—accompanied by a surprising twist in easy travel.

  1. Boeing’s speech-to-text for cabins

    Boeing demos a speech-to-text (STT) system designed to instantly caption cabin announcements—offline and noise-resistant—making inflight communication more accessible, especially for Deaf and hard-of-hearing travelers.

  2. Central bankers caught in the Fed’s crosswinds

    Central bank chiefs worldwide fear that political interference with the U.S. Federal Reserve could undermine their policy independence—and potentially destabilize global inflation control.

  3. Delta’s 360 loyalty program under fire

    Fodor’s reviews suggest Delta’s exclusive “360” tier isn’t worth the hype. High expectations, low returns—big memberships can fall short in the real world.

  4. Tech powering travel’s front lines

    Daniel Pino explores which teams and technologies are running operator platforms behind the scenes—most travelers don’t see who keeps the websites and apps ticking.

  5. Airline indirect distribution masterclass

    Koen Karsbergen’s latest explainer sheds light on how airlines use indirect distribution channels to broaden their reach—crucial infrastructure still underappreciated.

  6. Quirky: Stelios Haji-Ioannou dropped a bomb: “EASYBitcoin.” Yes, EasyJet’s founder wants to make Bitcoin easy. Cryptocurrency meets flight convenience—what could go wrong?

📣 Don’t forget:

The Professor’s Minute Minute → https://tinyurl.com/ynvpddfw

The OFFICIAL Professor Sabena Blog → https://tinyurl.com/j9x8cmhm

Explore the old archive → https://tinyurl.com/njj9z6p4


#Tags:

#Travel #Aviation #Clarity #Accessibility #CentralBanks #AirlineLoyalty #TechOps #Distribution #EasyBitcoin #Innovation #Picasso


Style Verification: Thursday → Synthetic Cubism (collage, layered)

Image: Synthetic collage — fractured forms suggests innovation layered over industry shifts.

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