Aviation Daily Roundup: August 24

Kuwait-based lessor ALAFCO has reached an agreement with Airbus to defer the delivery of its on-order aircraft, as the world’s commercial aviation industry continues to shift into low gear amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

San Francisco International (SFO) announced the start of a program to rapidly test airport workers for COVID-19 on Aug. 24, joining other major airports that have introduced on-site employee testing facilities for the disease.

Nigerian aviation minister Hadi Sirika has announced that international flights will resume on Aug. 29, following a lengthy suspension because of the COVID-19 crisis.

The Mitsubishi Aircraft SpaceJet regional jet program is focusing on reviewing flight-test data to prepare for an eventual return to flight.

ULCC Ryanair has found agreement with its Spanish pilots over pay cuts and improved productivity, but has so far failed to reach similar deals with its Spanish cabin crew.

Airline industry watchers were broadly supportive of the Payroll Support Program (PSP) when it was passed by the U.S. Congress as part of the CARES Act, hailing it as a vital lifeline to help U.S. carriers survive what was expected to be a temporary demand shock.

Singapore LCC Scoot has converted its first Airbus A320ceo specifically for cargo charter flights as it seeks alternate revenue streams during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Private equity investor Bain Capital has a seemingly clear run to complete its acquisition of Virgin Australia after the withdrawal of a rival takeover proposal.

Nordic Aviation Capital (NAC) has reported a $639 million loss for the fiscal year ended June 30, which included both the best and most difficult trading periods in the company’s 30-year history.