Aviation Daily Roundup: Nov. 16

Korean Air Plans To Acquire Asiana In $1.6B Deal

Credit: Joe Pries

The COVID-19 crisis is set to spark major consolidation in the South Korean airline industry, with Korean Air planning to purchase struggling rival Asiana Airlines.

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Taiwan Discussing New Air Travel Bubbles, Report Says

Credit: Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport

Taiwan is reportedly in discussions with Japan, Singapore and Vietnam to create bilateral air travel bubbles, just as plans to establish such an arrangement with Palau were shelved. 

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European Airlines Could Face Dual Tax Blow In 2021

Credit: Joe Pries

The Netherlands has increased a new national flight tax that takes effect Jan. 1, 2021, while the European Commission has been scrutinizing aviation’s fuel-duty exemption and is expected to release its findings in the new year.

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IATA Sets Out Vaccine Distribution Guidance

Credit: BioNTech

IATA has set out guidance for air cargo operators as the industry gets ready to play an important role in the distribution of a COVID-19 vaccine. 

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AAPA Urges Governments To Adopt ICAO Recovery Recommendations

Credit: Cathay Pacific

The Association of Asia Pacific Airlines has again reiterated its position that governments should relax strict border and quarantine restrictions and use mutually recognized testing to restart the air transport sector. 

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Emirates Secures South African Interline Agreement

Credit: FlySafair

Emirates has signed an interline agreement with FlySafair for connections into the South African LCC’s three domestic hubs.

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United Airlines Asserts Quarantines Are An Obstacle To Growing Demand

Credit: United Airlines

United Airlines is continuing its push for COVID-19 testing to replace mandatory quarantines as the company concludes the flying experience itself is no longer viewed by passengers as an obstacle to travel. 

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Air Mauritius Rescue Plan Focuses On A350s, A330neos

Credit: Rob Finlayson

Air Mauritius is planning to phase out its older aircraft and focus on Airbus A350 and A330neo operations, as the airline works to exit voluntary administration.

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Daily Memo: Vaccine Trial Successes Shift Recovery Timeline Forward

Credit: ACI World

The airline industry is bracing for a long winter, but there is light at the end of the tunnel. 

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Azul Highlights A330 Cargo Benefits On Domestic Routes

Credit: Rob Finlayson

As international demand remains under extreme pressure, Brazil’s Azul is utilizing Airbus A330s on domestic routes to bolster cargo operations and support a recovery in passenger demand. 

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