Seamless Journeys | 📊 Qatar Airways Soars, Ryanair Stalls—A Tale of Two Carriers

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📣 Editor’s Pick

✈️ Is Your AP Process Holding Back Travel Finance Efficiency?

At Accountex 2025, Modulr’s Joe Lines spotlighted the hidden inefficiencies in accounts payable workflows — especially relevant for finance teams juggling supplier payments, reconciliation, and approvals across global travel operations.

With only 1 in 3 firms having automated AP, the time lost to manual processing is significant — often over 40 days a year. For travel businesses managing multiple currencies and fragmented supplier systems, the case for automation is stronger than ever.

📖 Explore how automation is transforming AP into a seamless, secure, and scalable process.

🌟Sector Spotlight

TRAVEL SPENDING TRENDS

Travel Expenditure Rises to Three-Month Peak in April

April saw a noticeable upswing in travel spending, marking the strongest growth in the past three months—a welcome change after a period of stagnation in consumer activity. This suggests renewed confidence in travel, possibly fuelled by pent-up demand or a late seasonal surge. For those invested in the eCommerce sector or related financial services, this rebound could signal promising trends for both direct travel sales and ancillary spending.

What’s particularly striking is how the sector seems to buck broader economic uncertainty, highlighting travel’s status as a discretionary yet resilient expense for consumers. If sustained, this momentum bodes well for operators and lenders, as rising spend often translates into increased demand for bookings, credit products, and payment solutions. However, it will be crucial to monitor whether this pattern persists or if it’s merely a post-pandemic blip, shaped by short-term sentiment rather than lasting change.

PAYMENTS SECURITY

Instant Payments Strengthen Fraud Prevention Through Data, AI, And Industry Collaboration

Instant payments, with their promise of speed and convenience, are reshaping how we move money, but they introduce new fraud challenges that demand smarter solutions. Industry leaders are embracing a combination of robust data standards (like ISO 20022), real-time third-party payments intelligence, and sophisticated AI-powered fraud detection. This three-pronged strategy allows financial institutions to spot and halt fraud in seconds, rather than reacting after losses have occurred.

A key takeaway is that security doesn’t have to come at the cost of efficiency. When banks fully utilise comprehensive data analysis and collaborative insights, instant payments can become not just fast but secure. However, hesitation around data sharing and outdated processes still pose obstacles for the industry. By refining these areas, instant payments could indeed become the safest way to move money—even in an ever-evolving, digital landscape.

AIRLINE FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE

Ryanair Experiences 16% Profit Decline Despite Increased Revenue

Ryanair has faced a 16% dip in profits, an intriguing outcome given the carrier managed to increase its overall revenue. This apparent contradiction often points to rising operational costs outpacing revenue growth—a common scenario in competitive industries contending with inflation, fuel price volatility, or investment in expansion. It’s a real-world reminder that top-line gains don’t always filter down to the bottom line, especially in the dynamic world of aviation.

AVIATION PROFITABILITY

Qatar Airways Reports 28% Rise In Net Profit Driven By Strong Demand

Qatar Airways has reported a robust 28% rise in net profit, a clear reflection of continued industry demand despite broader economic headwinds. This growth signals not only effective operational management but also a sustained appetite for air travel—a trend that’s bucking the challenges some other carriers are experiencing.

What stands out is how Qatar Airways continues to strengthen its market position while others, such as Ryanair, are navigating tougher profitability metrics. For businesses in the lending and finance industries, this performance illustrates the critical value of adaptive strategies and resilience. The message here is unmistakable: even in volatile markets, companies that innovate and anticipate demand can thrive.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

Jet2holidays Expands High Street Support With £120,000 Funding For Agents

Jet2holidays has upped the ante in supporting independent travel agents, boosting its Scale Up Your High Street funding pot to £120,000 and expanding its shortlist to 12 candidates. This move directly reflects the impressive quality and volume of submissions, signalling robust grassroots innovation in the high street travel sector—a rare bright spot amid digital dominance. Each finalist will now pitch to a panel of industry experts, vying for their own share of Jet2holidays’ investment.

But it’s not just about the money. Jet2holidays is offering training, marketing support, and ongoing mentorship—exactly the sort of holistic backing that can help bricks-and-mortar agencies thrive, not just survive, in a competitive market. Their approach could well set the template for how traditional high street players future-proof their relevance, combining funding, expertise, and practical toolkits for sustainable growth.