Aviation Daily Roundup: March 5

The Chinese government said it will pay subsidies to support international air connections, as local airlines planned further restoration in domestic capacity.

IATA is hoping for a global standardization in processes by stakeholders on how confirmed or suspected COVID-19 cases are handled at airports, which in turn will increase the industry’s effectiveness in dealing with the outbreak.

Southwest Airlines is projecting a $200-300 million first-quarter operating-revenue shortfall due to a sudden dip in bookings that the airline is linking to COVID-19, the strongest indication yet that U.S. domestic demand is suffering along with other major world regions as the virus alters travel plans.

Hong Kong-based China Aircraft Leasing Group announced Mar. 5 that it will indirectly acquire a 35.68% equity interest in Indonesian regional airline TransNusa.

A senior U.S. Transportation Department (DOT) official overseeing international aviation agreements said the department will only approve applications for immunized airline alliances “when the competitive benefits are clear and demonstrable.”

Airlines have begun stepping into the routes left vacant following the collapse of UK regional carrier Flybe.