Aviation Daily Roundup: Mar. 29, 2021
March 30, 2021
Daily Memo: United Airlines Charts An Alternate Course In Its Pandemic Recovery Plans
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.
Rolls-Royce Starts Assembly Of UltraFan Demonstrator
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.
New Nordic Low-Cost Long-Haul Carrier Acquires Equipment
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.
Montenegro Moves Toward New National Airline
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.
Airbus Launches Superconductivity Demonstration Program
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.
Environmental Groups Name Europe’s Most Polluting Airlines
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.
European Commission Approves $29M Alitalia State Aid
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.
Air France-KLM Recapitalization Plan Nears EU Approval, Minister Says
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.
SAS Seals Financing On New Airbus Deliveries
Credit: Rob Finlayson
Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) has finalized the financing for all its Airbus deliveries through the 2022 second quarter.
Southwest Airlines Sticks By Boeing, Orders 100 737 MAX Aircraft
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.
U.S.-UK Open Skies Agreement Enters Force
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).
AirAsia Sees Stronger Domestic Outlook, International Return
Credit: Airbus
AirAsia reports promising signs in some of its key domestic markets despite posting massive losses for 2020, attributable to the coronavirus pandemic.
WestJet Eyes Summer Domestic Tourism Rebound
Credit: Joe Pries
WestJet is launching 11 new routes across Western Canada and is encouraging Canadians to support the domestic tourism industry this summer.
Ryanair Plans New Greek Bases As Vaccine Rollouts Progress
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.
Iceland’s Border Reopening Attracts Delta Growth
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.
Carlyle Aviation To Acquire Fly Leasing
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.
Hong Kong Air Cargo, Cainiao Partner On Southeast Asia Air Freight
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.
Sydney Airport Upgrades Systems For Passenger, Baggage Processes
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.
As United Airlines charts an alternate course in its pandemic recovery plans, Rolls-Royce starts assembly of the UltraFan demonstrator and Airbus launches its superconductivity demonstration program. Take a look at the daily roundup of air transport news.
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