Aviation Daily Roundup: Apr. 6, 2021
April 07, 2021![](/sites/default/files/styles/crop_freeform/public/2021-04/airbus_a350-1000_covid-19_relief_flight_-_a350-1000_cargo_loading_in_tianjin_photo_source_airbus.jpeg?itok=akRzgP40)
Airbus Briefs Suppliers On A350-950 Freighter Study
Credit: Airbus
New details are emerging of a potential freighter derivative of the A350 which Airbus is discussing with industry suppliers and operators.
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Nordica Could Be Shouldered With Estonian Air’s Historic Debt
Credit: Joe Pries
An Estonian court has determined that Tallinn-based Nordic Aviation Group (Nordica) is the legal successor to Estonian Air, opening up the airline to potential liabilities for unpaid wages and the repayment of historic state aid.
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Daily Memo: Recovery Trajectories Differ For AirAsia Group Airlines
Credit: Airbus
The AirAsia group is something of a bellwether for the Southeast Asian airline industry considering its footprint in multiple countries.
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SA Express Faces Liquidation Threat, Unclear Future
Credit: Rob Finlayson
South African regional carrier SA Express’ future remains uncertain, as would-be buyer Fly SAX awaits a decision from the company’s provisional liquidators.
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Vietnam Regulators Allows 737 MAX Transit
Credit: Boeing
The Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV) has partially lifted the ban on Boeing 737 MAX operations, allowing the type to fly over the country’s airspace after a two-year ban.
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Atlas Air, LATAM Cargo, Cainaio Agree To Logistical Collaboration
Credit: Atlas Air
Air freight operators Atlas Air, LATAM Cargo and Chinese logistics operator Cainiao plan to launch a seamless flight operation program aimed at halving transport time from China to Latin America.
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Airline Sector Dismayed By UK Government Lack Of Action
Credit: Stefan Rousseau/pool/AFP/Getty Images
LONDON—The UK travel sector has reacted with general disappointment and dismay at the government’s latest pronouncement on foreign air travel.
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JAL Accelerates Phaseout Of Boeing 777-200s And -300s
Credit: Rob Finlayson
Japan Airlines (JAL) has advanced the retirement of its Boeing 777s in domestic configuration, phasing the aircraft out of its fleet a year earlier than expected.
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New Zealand, Australia Confirm Two-Way Travel Bubble
Credit: Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images
AUCKLAND—New Zealand and Australia will launch a quarantine-free travel bubble starting April 19, prompting airlines in both countries to dramatically ramp up flight schedules in this market.
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Flybondi Switches Operations To Buenos Aires’ Aeroparque
Credit: Eitan Abramovich / AFP / Getty Images
Flybondi has started operating from Aeroparque Jorge Newbery (AEP) serving Argentina’s capital Buenos Aires after transferring operations from the city’s Ministro Pistarini International (EZE).
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Spirit Opposes Changes On JetBlue Routes To Ecuador
Credit: Joe Pries
Spirit Airlines has filed a complaint with the U.S. Transportation Department (DOT) which questions whether JetBlue Airways and American Airlines are coordinating flights and routes “outside of the scope” of their new Northeast alliance.
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Menzies Widens Scope Of Emirates Contract
Credit: Menzies Aviation
Aviation logistics specialist Menzies Aviation has renewed and expanded its ground handling contract in Northern Europe with Emirates Airline.
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Qatar Airways Describes Fully Vaccinated Flight As ‘Next Step’
Credit: Qatar Airways
Qatar Airways is preparing the next stage of its development for post-COVID flying by operating a special flight carrying only vaccinated crew and passengers on board.
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Air France Gets Green Light From Brussels For $4.7B Bailout
Credit: AaronP / Bauer-Griffin / GC Images
The European Commission (EC) has approved a €4 billion ($4.7 billion) French government-backed recapitalization plan for Air France, but in return the flag-carrier must relinquish 18 daily slots at Paris Orly airport to alleviate Brussels’ competition concerns.
Airbus briefs suppliers on A350-950 freighter study, recovery trajectories differ for AirAsia group airlines, Vietnam regulators allow 737 MAX transit and more. Take a look at the daily roundup of air transport news.
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