Aviation Daily Roundup: Apr. 16, 2021

FAA Broadens Boeing 787 Cargo Compartment Check Applicability

WASHINGTON—The FAA is expanding a cargo-compartment inspection mandate to all Boeing 787s after determining the affected parts—decompression panels—may be found throughout the widebody twin fleet and not just on a limited number of aircraft.  

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Daily Memo: Avelo Joins LCC Fray As Leisure Market Heats Up

Credit: Joe Scarnici/Getty Images

There is never an easy time to start an airline. But Andrew Levy, CEO of the new Avelo Airlines startup, believes there is opportunity for new entrants amid the carnage wrought on incumbent carriers by the COVID-19 pandemic.

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South African Airways Names Interim CEO

Credit: Rob Finlayson

Embattled Star Alliance carrier South African Airways (SAA) has named finance specialist Thomas Kgokolo as interim CEO, after he took up his new role on April 13.

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China Express Turns Profit In 2020 Amid Pandemic

Credit: China Express airlines

China Express was profitable in 2020, thanks to low costs, sales, and leasebacks. Regional carrier China Express Airlines posted an unexpected net profit in 2020, a 21.7% year-on-year (YOY) improvement.

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Wizz Air Full-Year Net Loss Could Hit $682M

Credit: Rob Finlayson

Central and Eastern European ULCC Wizz Air is anticipating a €570-590 million ($682-706 million) full-year net loss, following 12 months of coronavirus disruption and a €95 million fuel-hedge hit.

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European Commission Approves Belgian Airport Support Measures

Credit: Thierry Roge/AFP/Getty Images

The European Commission (EC) has approved a Belgian scheme to help support airports in Wallonia, the southern French-speaking region of the country. 

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Brussels Airlines Prepares Gradual Relaunch Before Summer Peak

Credit: Benoit Doppagne / Belga Mag / AFP / Getty Images

With vaccination programs underway and demand for summer travel slowly picking up, Belgium’s flag-carrier is preparing for a gradual increase in flight operations.

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Cabo Verde To Sell Off State-Owned Shares In National Airline

Credit: Horacio Villalobos-Corbis/Corbis/Getty Images

The government of Cabo Verde plans to fully privatize the country’s national carrier, selling off its 39% stake in Cabo Verde Airlines (CVA).

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Green Airlines Wet Leases E190s From German Airways

Credit: German Airways

Start-up virtual carrier Green Airlines has signed a long-term wet-lease contract with German Airways to provide two Embraer E190-100LRs to support its network expansion. 

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Iberia Targets Multiple Destinations For Summer Season Rebound

Credit: Joe Pries

Spanish flag-carrier Iberia has announced an ambitious summer program, resuming scheduled flights to many past destinations and adding capacity on its busiest routes as more travel restrictions lift. 

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Inmarsat Wins Inflight Connectivity Case In European Court

Credit: Inmarsat

The European Court of Justice (ECJ) has cleared the way for Inmarsat to continue operating its European Aviation Network (EAN) inflight connectivity system.

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