COVID-19 Contributes To Heavy Losses For PAL

Credit: Nigel Howarth / Aviation WeekPhilippine Airlines (PAL) has slumped to a deep net loss in the first quarter ending March 31 thanks to the COVID-19 crisis, but some positive signs are emerging with the planned resumption of many domestic and international flights this month.

Malaysia Airlines Chairman Appointed To Turn Around Flag-Carrier

Credit: Nigel Howarth / Aviation WeekMalaysian Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin has appointed the former CEO of the country’s petroleum company, Petronas, as chairman of Malaysia Airlines Berhad (MAB).

Regional Aircraft Lessor NAC Seeks Debt Deferral

Credit: AirbusRegional aircraft lessor Nordic Aviation Capital (NAC) has applied to the Dublin High Court for debt relief and secured agreement from its shareholders for a $60 million equity injection as it tries to weather the COVID-19 crisis.

Swissport Belgium Files For Bankruptcy After “Chronic Challenges”

Credit: SwissportGround handler Swissport Belgium is filing for bankruptcy after parent Swissport International refused to inject further funds into the struggling unit.

CARES Act Flexibility Leads Delta To Suspend Service To 11 U.S. Cities

Credit: Rob FinlaysonDelta Air Lines will suspend service to 11 domestic non-hub cities, following a decision by the U.S. Transportation Department (DOT) to provide greater flexibility from CARES Act minimum service requirements.

Ryanair, BA, EasyJet Send Legal Letter To UK Government Over Quarantine

Credit: Heathrow AirportRyanair, British Airways and easyJet have written to the UK government to condemn its decision to introduce a 14-day quarantine period for arrivals to the UK as part of its response to the COVID-19 crisis.

Turnaround Plan Schedules Slip For SAA, Comair And Fastjet

Credit: South African AirwaysThree embattled African carriers—South African Airways (SAA), South Africa’s Comair and pan-African LCC fastjet—have said they need more time to finalize recovery plans.

London City Airport Readies For Reopening

Credit: London City AirportLondon City Airport will reopen for passenger services toward the end of June. Like most airports, it will initially face a reduced level of service, but this will be compounded without the presence of two airlines that played a significant role prior to the coronavirus pandemic.

Passenger Flights Resume At France’s Secondary Airports

Credit: Lyon Aeroport / TwitterAfter more than two months without a commercial flight, Lyon Saint Exupery airport has reopened to passenger traffic, accompanying the gradual resumption of air travel activity in France.

Union Accuses British Airways Of Plan To Fire All Pilots

Credit: Jeff Garrish/British AirwaysThe British Airline Pilots Association (BALPA) has accused British Airways (BA) of planning to fire all of its flightdeck crews and rehire a smaller number at lower salaries.

Eurocontrol Says European Flights Showing Signs Of Recovery

Credit: Zurich AirportThe number of daily flights in Europe rose above 6,000 on June 2 and stayed at that level for four days, showing a post-lockdown recovery in air traffic getting underway, Eurocontrol said.

Honeywell Launches ‘Safety Packs’ For Aviation To Protect Against COVID-19

Credit: HoneywellHoneywell is launching safety packs designed for airline passengers and crew, tapping into the company’s manufacturing capabilities in the safety and personal protection equipment segment amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Daily Memo: Consumers, Southwest To Figure Prominently In Recovery

Credit: Rob FinlaysonIt’s still too early to project with any certainty how the global airline recovery will play out. But as airlines continue to refine their 2020 schedules, hints are starting to emerge.

Singapore Airlines Back On ‘Steady Footing’ After Raising $7.2B

Credit: Joe PriesSingapore Airlines (SIA) has successfully raised S$10 billion ($7.2 billion) in funding from the issuance of rights as well as securing new long-term and short-term loans from various sources.