Aviation Daily Roundup: August 24, 2023

The financial cost to airlines worldwide of the coronavirus pandemic has been well documented, with estimates in the $280 billion range for the two worst years of 2020 and 2021. 

Researchers at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) have developed a humanoid robot capable of understanding flight manuals and flying an aircraft without requiring modifications to the cockpit.

TAROM Romanian Airlines has delivered a restructuring plan to the European Union (EU) for approval and expects a decision from the body soon on whether it can proceed.

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines is set to receive five more Boeing 787-10 aircraft over the coming two years as part of deliveries from an existing order, with the aircraft’s increased takeoff weight set to improve efficiency starting in summer 2024.  

Supply chain issues have pushed back the delivery of custom seats for startup BermudAir, but the airline has officially launched sales for its initial flights to Boston, Fort Lauderdale, and Westchester County, New York. 

Norwegian Air Shuttle is considering ordering the Boeing 737-10 for its fleet, CEO Geir Karlsen told analysts as the airline released quarterly results that showed strong summer demand but a negative impact from rising costs.

Qantas has ordered more Boeing 787s and Airbus A350s to replace its A330 fleet, and also confirmed that it intends to eventually use A350-1000s in place of its A380s when that type is retired in the 2030s.

A newly discovered production quality issue will delay at least some 737 MAX-family deliveries as Boeing works to correct affected airframes and ensure no more nonconforming parts are installed.