The Professor’s Minute Minute – July 13, 2025

If the week had a theme, it might be: “Everything old is litigated again.” From ongoing Delta/Alaska turf battles to AI pricing concerns, the travel industry continues its fine tradition of testing boundaries—regulatory, reputational, and occasionally, common sense. Riyadh Air, meanwhile, is mapping the skies like it’s 1970. And for those of you who thought payment security wasn’t sexy… well, you’re probably right. But Paul van Alfen might just change your mind.

Riyadh Air’s Growth Plan: Not Just Another Startup

The new Saudi-backed airline isn’t playing coy: over 100 destinations in 10 years, and it’s skipping most U.S. partnerships. This is a power play for international prestige—and perhaps a bid to become the Emirates of the next generation.

#SaudiArabia #RiyadhAir

Delta’s AI Fare Pricing: Surge Pricing at 35,000 Feet?

Delta is deploying generative AI to shape fare offers dynamically. While this may make Wall Street happy, passengers might soon miss the old days of predictable pricing.

#USA #DeltaAirLines #ArtificialIntelligence

Alaska Airlines vs. Delta: Trademark, Again

The UK courtroom is the latest arena for the Delta vs. Alaska Airlines brand confusion saga. While consumers may not care, both airlines clearly do.

#USA #UK #AlaskaAirlines #DeltaAirLines

JetBlue and United: Grounded by the Regulators

Their partnership plans continue to meet stiff resistance from U.S. antitrust watchdogs. This adds yet another twist to the never-ending reshuffling of airline alliances.

#USA #JetBlue #UnitedAirlines

Secure Payments in Travel: The Hidden Competitive Advantage

Paul van Alfen argues that secure and seamless payments are the next frontier of differentiation in travel. Not glamorous—but undeniably crucial.

#Global #TravelTech #Payments

Quirky Pick: Vintage Air India Cabin Crew Manual Resurfaces

A 1970s-era Air India manual recently surfaced, revealing that female cabin crew were instructed to “hide marriage from passengers” and “wear a constant smile.” It’s a cringey reminder of how far the industry’s come—and how far it still has to go.

#India #AviationHistory #AirIndia

(Source: IndiaTimes.com)

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