The emergence of a new Covid variant of concern and of its spread beyond southern Africa where it was first identified is the news airlines have feared since vaccination programmes began emboldening governments to reopen their borders for travel.
UK engine manufacturer Rolls-Royce has three strands that guide its current development activities: the evolution of the gas turbine; research of “radical alternatives” such as electrification; and improving integration between the engine, airframe and its systems. On top of this, the company continues to support the development of alternative fuels.
Embattled Hong Kong Airlines may have been spared sanction, but the airline is still a far cry from the confident carrier of years’ past. What went wrong along the way, and what lessons hold for the Hong Kong airline market?