In an effort to avoid “costly [public relations] and litigation,” United Airlines will open a Digital Operations Center at its Chicago headquarters to more effectively monitor social media, message boards and other online channels, the carrier told employees in a recent note.

The Thai government will introduce two new safety authorities following the announcement of a blanket flight ban on new Thai schedules by Japanese and South Korean aviation authorities.

The Russian government will give RUB100 billion ($1.9 billion) to United Aircraft Corp. (UAC) this year for the Sukhoi Superjet 100 (SSJ100) program.

The European Commission has approved three state aid schemes for the French aviation sector on the basis of new Guidelines on state aid to airports and airlines adopted in February 2014.

Safi Airways has confirmed its confidence in AFI KLM E&M by signing a component support contract covering their three A320-family aircraft. The agreement includes repairs and access to a spares pool.

Chile-based LAN Express workers have voted to strike Thursday at midnight.

While not criticizing French authorities for their handling of the Germanwings flight 4U9525 investigation, IATA DG and CEO Tony Tyler said it has been “highly unusual” and “shouldn’t set a precedent for the future.”

About 2,000 flights are set to be canceled on Thursday as the strike by French air traffic controllers (ATC) goes into a second day.