LATAM secures key funding as Brazilian unit joins Chapter 11 filing
LATAM Airlines Brazil has joined other parts of the airline group in entering Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection as it took a further step to securing required financing to complete its restructuring.
Saab starts Gripen E production in Brazil
The aerostructures plant, called Saab Aeronautica Montagens, is the first outside of Sweden to produce large components of the combat aircraft.
Aeromexico looks to quit 19 aircraft leases
Grupo Aeromexico, the parent company of Mexico’s flag carrier, has petitioned to be released from aircraft and engine leases as it seeks to shrink its fleet to reduce costs.
Volaris chief lauds flexible cost base but fleet will be flat to 2023
Mexican ultra-low-cost carrier Volaris is weathering the coronavirus storm thanks to its variable cost base, but still expects its fleet size to be flat through to 2023 as demand inches back.
Aeromexico files for bankruptcy
Grupo Aeromexico, the parent company of Mexican flag carrier Aeromexico, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in the US after the coronavirus pandemic decimated its business.
American pilots review Boeing’s latest Max training draft
American Airlines’ pilot union is now reviewing Boeing’s latest 737 Max pilot training draft – a document the union describes as vastly more thorough than previous drafts.
American seeks Boeing’s help to avoid 737 Max cancellations: report
American Airlines is reportedly seeking Boeing’s help to arrange financing for the purchase of at least one dozen 737 Max jets scheduled to be delivered this year, with the fate of those orders hanging in the balance.
Breeze applies for certificate transfer, presents business plans
Breeze Airways, the start-up passenger carrier headed by serial aviation entrepreneur David Neeleman, has applied to acquire the certificate of now-defunct Compass Airlines, and published plans for its first year of operation.
FAA says 88 air traffic control facilities affected by coronavirus
Since the coronavirus pandemic reached the United States earlier this year, air traffic control (ATC) staff at almost 90 facilities across the country have tested positive for the virus, causing regular disruptions to this crucial network.
Canadian aerospace groups appeal for federal aid
The Canadian aerospace industry is appealing for federal aid after the Canadian government released an economic stabilisation plan that makes no mention of the aerospace sector.
El Al to slash workforce as part of rescue package agreements
Israeli flag-carrier El Al is set to shed 1,700 positions across three divisions as part of a restructuring programme.
US government clears sale of VIP Black Hawk to Jordan
The US government has approved the possible sale of a single Sikorsky UH-60M Black Hawk to Jordan for use as a transport for the country’s royalty.
El Al could be renationalised as it opts for share issue
Israeli flag-carrier El Al has given up pursuing a $400 million state-backed loan and opted for an alternative fundraising package which could result in the airline being renationalised.
Air Arabia Abu Dhabi to open flights with Egyptian routes
Middle Eastern budget carrier Air Arabia’s new Abu Dhabi-based spin-off is to open services in mid-July with initial operations to two Egyptian cities.
Pilot stand-off piles more pressure on El Al
Israeli carrier El Al is putting another 400 personnel on furlough after the carrier’s pilots chose not to operate a number of the airline’s services.
How Ryanair is increasingly locking horns with Wizz
While most of Ryanair’s fire is aimed in the direction of highlighting potential competition concerns resulting from the state bailouts, it has increasingly been squaring up with central European budget carrier Wizz Air.
Laminar-flow nacelle being explored for PD-35 engine
Russian researchers are exploring the use of laminar flow to improve the aerodynamic efficiency of nacelles for the planned Aviadvigatel PD-35 engine.
Level France becomes latest coronavirus crisis airline casualty
IAG’s Paris Orly-based long-haul budget unit, Level France, is to cease operations after seeing demand for its transatlantic services plummet.
Sky Gates 747 inaugurates new Moscow Zhukovsky freight complex
Russian freight operator Sky Gates is to be the base carrier for a newly-commissioned cargo complex at Moscow Zhukovsky airport.
UK government clears Manston to re-open as air freight hub
UK transport secretary Grant Shapps’s office has given crucial government approval for re-opening and developing Manston airport – located some 100km east of London – as an air freight facility.
Boeing finishes deliveries of AH-64E and CH-47F to Indian air force
The US manufacturer delivered the final five of 22 Apaches ordered by New Delhi in June, it says. The remaining five of 15 Chinooks ordered by the air force were delivered in March. Boeing now eyes requirements for nearly 200 fighters from the Indian air force and navy.
Air China completes its maiden ARJ21 service
Air China has completed its maiden flight of a Comac ARJ21 regional jet on the domestic routing from Beijing Capital airport to Xilinhot.
Japan Airlines and Malaysia Airlines to launch joint business
Japan Airlines and Malaysia Airlines expect to launch a joint business partnership on 25 July, through which the two national carriers will co-operate commercially on flights between Malaysia and Japan.
Japan cleared to buy 105 Lockheed Martin F-35 stealth fighters for $23bn
The potential F-35 deal is the second largest foreign military sale approved by Washington in history, behind a $29.4 billion sale of Boeing F-15SA fighters and associated weapons to Saudi Arabia in 2010.
Coronavirus outbreak scuppers proposal to develop Manila airport
A group of local conglomerates have withdrawn their proposal to develop Manila Ninoy Aquino International airport, citing the impact of the coronavirus outbreak on the aviation industry
SAA pilots seeking ‘unaffordable’ staff retention: government
South African Airways pilots have sought to more than halve the proposed number of employee retrenchments, and instead retain almost 3,100 personnel for the carrier’s relaunch, according to the country’s government.
Struggling Air Namibia cleared to resume flights
Under pressure Air Namibia has been cleared by the Namibian High Court to resume services after its operating licence was suspended amid continued financial concerns.
SAA pilots isolated as other unions gradually back severance scheme
South African Airways unions have largely indicated acceptance of voluntary severance packages as part of the airline’s rescue, after the government warned that workers’ representatives that it cannot improve on the severance offers.
Initial expressions of interest sought for SA Express jets
Assets of South African regional carrier SA Express, including Bombardier CRJ200 jets, are being advertised online as part of an initial process to obtain expressions of interest, as the airline edges towards liquidation.
SAA rescue remains uncertain as treasury highlights funding pressures
South Africa’s government is urging creditors and unions to support South African Airways’ proposed rescue, warning that the airline’s liquidation is the worse of the options available.