Aviation Daily Roundup: Mar. 29, 2021

Credit: United Airlines

United Airlines’ decision to increase its active fleet of widebody aircraft amid the pandemic reflects its management’s different view of the recovery.   

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Credit: Rolls-Royce

Build-up of the first module for the initial UltraFan engine demonstrator, UF001, has begun at Rolls-Royce’s Derby, England facility in preparation for tests starting in early 2022.

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Credit: Boeing

Startup Norse Atlantic Airways (NAA) plans to lease nine Boeing 787s as it seeks to step into the long-haul slots recently vacated by Norwegian Air Shuttle.

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Credit: Rob Finlayson

The government of Montenegro has taken a step forward to launching a new flag-carrier with the appointment of Lufthansa Systems as consultant, according to media reports from the Balkan nation.

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Credit: Airbus

LYON, France—Airbus has launched an ambitious demonstration program for the use of superconducting technology aboard aircraft, aiming at a major improvement in the efficiency of electric propulsion.

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Credit: Heathrow Airport

Environmental campaign groups Transport & Environment (T&E) and Carbon Market Watch (CMW) claim to have compiled European airlines’ emissions fully for the first time after obtaining government data for pollution on flights entering and exiting the region. 

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Credit: Rob Finlayson

The European Commission (EC) has approved €24.7 million ($29 million) of Italian support for Alitalia, aimed at compensating the airline for COVID-19 losses on certain routes in November and December 2020. 

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Credit: Rob Finlayson

PARIS—France is close to a deal with Brussels for the planned recapitalization of Air France-KLM, with an announcement expected in a matter of days, according to economy minister Bruno Le Maire. 

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Credit: Rob Finlayson

Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) has finalized the financing for all its Airbus deliveries through the 2022 second quarter.

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Credit: Boeing

Southwest Airlines committed to purchase at least 100 additional Boeing 737-7s over the next decade, the largest firm order for the 737 MAX family since it was recertified by the FAA late in 2020 following a 20-month global grounding.

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Credit: Rob Finlayson

The new U.S.-UK bilateral open skies agreement has been officially ratified, forming the basis for all air transport services between the two sides following the UK’s exit and transition from the EU (Brexit).

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Credit: Airbus

AirAsia reports promising signs in some of its key domestic markets despite posting massive losses for 2020, attributable to the coronavirus pandemic.

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Credit: Joe Pries

WestJet is launching 11 new routes across Western Canada and is encouraging Canadians to support the domestic tourism industry this summer.

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Credit: Joe Pries

Ryanair is planning further base openings this summer as the Irish carrier eyes a rapid resurgence of short-haul leisure traffic in Europe. 

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Credit: Isavia

Delta Air Lines is to offer flights from three U.S. destinations to Iceland this summer after the country became the first in Europe to allow entry for fully vaccinated Americans. 

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Credit: Rob Finlayson

U.S. investment firm Carlyle Group plans to indirectly acquire BBAM-affiliated company Fly Leasing under a $2.36 billion deal that will add 84 aircraft to the company’s portfolio.

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Credit: Hong Kong Air Cargo

Cargo carrier Hong Kong Air Cargo has announced a partnership with Cainiao Network, the logistics venture of e-commerce giant Alibaba, which aims to improve airfreight efficiency between China and Southeast Asia. 

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Credit: James D. Morgan / Getty Images

Sydney Airport has introduced new SITA platforms for passenger and baggage interactions that will pave the way for advanced technology aimed at streamlining processes at Australia’s major gateway.

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