Aeromexico reports dismal Q3 results, but sees improvement
Grupo Aeromexico, the parent company of Mexico’s legacy carrier, Aeromexico, reported a sharp decline in year-on-year revenue and a net loss for the third quarter as the coronavirus clipped the airline’s operations and bankruptcy proceedings continue in a US court.
Embraer accelerates deliveries to 28 jets in third quarter but still lags last year
Brazilian airframer Embraer delivered 28 business and commercial jets in the third quarter of 2020, bringing its year-to-date total to 59 aircraft.
EmbraerX launches first urban air mobility project, Eve
EmbraerX, the Brazilian airframer’s innovation subsidiary, has spun off its first electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) project, called Eve.
Airline coronavirus recovery tracker: October 2020 update
Our regular examination of the latest global data for several key airline market indicators, including traffic and capacity in passenger and cargo markets, airport passenger throughput, in-service and stored fleets, jet fuel costs, and share price trends for the world’s largest groups.
Person ‘more likely to be hit by lightning’ than catch Covid-19 in aircraft
Data suggests that an individual has a much greater chance of being hit by lightning over a 12-month period than they would of catching Covid-19 during a commercial flight, according to IATA.
US DOT approves WestJet-Delta transborder joint venture
The US Department of Transportation (DOT) has tentatively approved a joint venture application from Delta Air Lines and Canada’s WestJet for transborder travel, under certain conditions.
United extends point-to-point flights to Florida
In an effort to capture more of the leisure travel market while keeping its fleet active, United Airlines will extend its offering of point-to-point connections between the Northeast and Midwest USA to Florida beyond the winter holiday season.
Airbus Mobile plant delivers first US-built A220, to Delta
Airbus has delivered the first US-built A220, handing over an A220-300 to Atlanta-based Delta Air Lines.
Southwest reports record loss, addresses fleet changes and travel rebound
Southwest Airlines, the last of the four major US airlines to report third-quarter results, posted a record loss for the period but remains optimistic that the worst of the downturn has passed and that demand is rebounding.
Alberta to ease quarantine requirements to passengers arriving in Calgary
Canada has taken the first tentative steps of easing its coronavirus quarantine rules, rolling out a programme aimed at allowing air passengers arriving in Calgary to sidestep quarantine requirements.
Israeli-Gulf flights to expand with Bahrain air services pact
Israel’s government has sealed an air services agreement with the kingdom of Bahrain, complementing its recent similar pact with the United Arab Emirates.
Emirates to serve Jordanian capital with A380
Emirates will next month deploy an Airbus A380 for some of its flights between Dubai and Amman as it boosts frequencies and capacity on the Middle Eastern route.
IATA downgrades Africa and Middle East traffic forecasts
IATA has sharply lowered its 2020 guidance for air traffic in the Middle East and Africa, citing “weaker-than-expected recovery” in each region.
Israel’s Arkia to open Dubai services in early 2021
Israeli carrier Arkia has disclosed that intends to open services to Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates, from the beginning of next year.
El Al pilots lose legal bid to overturn cockpit efficiency agreement
Israeli flag-carrier El Al’s pilots have lost a legal bid to invalidate an efficiency agreement for cockpit crews, which was reached in mid-July in the absence of pilots’ representatives.
Denmark and Sweden up SAS stakes to 22% in recapitalisation
The Danish and Swedish governments have each agreed to increase their stakes in SAS to 21.8% under the Scandinavian carrier’s SKr14.25 billion ($1.62 billion) recapitalisation plan, which has now been finalised.
Ministry proposes diverting Il-96-400M subsidy to fund other programmes
Russia’s ministry of transport is tabling a legislative proposal to withdraw subsidies intended for the Ilyushin Il-96-400M programme and redirect them to support other areas of the domestic aircraft industry.
Travel-warning removals prompt airline returns to Canary Islands
European airlines are increasing capacity to the Canary islands after the UK and German governments lifted travel warnings for the Spanish archipelago
State to recapitalise Finnish airports operator as traffic slumps
Finland is to provide a €350 million ($414 million) recapitalisation of state-owned airports operator Finavia amid the continued slump in air traffic demand.
Red Wings introduces Superjet fleet to establish Ekaterinburg hub
Russian carrier Red Wings is aiming to build a regional hub at Ekaterinburg’s Koltsovo airport using a fleet of Sukhoi Superjet 100s.
Domestic travel green shoots in New Zealand, Australia
Air New Zealand is relaunching its mystery holiday packages, showing how domestic travel remains a key focus in the region while Covid-19 continues to decimate international travel.
Malaysia Airports sues AirAsia X for MYR78.2 million in unpaid charges
Malaysia Airports Holdings (MAHB) is claiming against AirAsia X MYR78.2 million ($19 million) in unpaid aeronautical charges.
Qantas eyes pivot to Asia destinations in Covid-19 recovery
Qantas is eyeing new international destinations and a larger share of Australia’s domestic market as it emerges from the Covid-19 crisis, company executives said today.
MHI denies reports of SpaceJet development freeze
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) has denied reports that it will freeze development of the Mitsubishi Aircraft SpaceJet, but is looking at “possibilities” for the regional jet programme.
Virgin Australia board resigns en masse
Nine members of Virgin Australia’s board, including chairperson Elizabeth Bryan, have tendered or indicated their resignations, while the airline finalises a sale to Bain Capital.
IATA downgrades Africa and Middle East traffic forecasts
IATA has sharply lowered its 2020 guidance for air traffic in the Middle East and Africa, citing “weaker-than-expected recovery” in each region.
Uganda Airlines’ first A330-800 emerges in full colours
Airbus has rolled out the first A330-800 for Uganda Airlines, following completion of the twinjet’s livery painting.
Airline coronavirus recovery tracker: October 2020 update
Our regular examination of the latest global data for several key airline market indicators, including traffic and capacity in passenger and cargo markets, airport passenger throughput, in-service and stored fleets, jet fuel costs, and share price trends for the world’s largest groups.
Person ‘more likely to be hit by lightning’ than catch Covid-19 in aircraft
Data suggests that an individual has a much greater chance of being hit by lightning over a 12-month period than they would of catching Covid-19 during a commercial flight, according to IATA.
SAA maintenance arm lifts service suspension against house carriers
South African Airways’ maintenance arm, SAA Technical, has started reinstating its services after suspending them to four customers over outstanding payments.