Aviation Daily Roundup: August 5

Garuda Juggles Payments, In Talks With Lessors After Legal Action
Credit: Nigel Howarth / Aviation WeekGaruda Indonesia’s financial situation worsened as lessors took legal action for unpaid leases and government aid to help the flag-carrier weather the COVID-19 crisis has yet to arrive.

Airbus Starts Building A321XLR Fuel Tanks
Credit: AirbusProduction of the first Rear Center Tank (RCT) for the new, long-range Airbus A321XLR is now underway, the European airframer said Aug. 4.

Daily Memo: Why MRO Job Cuts Could Leave The Biggest Scars
Credit: AAR Corp / TwitterAirline maintenance is a lagging indicator of global passenger and cargo demand.

Virgin Australia To Drop Widebody Fleet, Cut Workforce
Credit: Joe PriesVirgin Australia has revealed plans for its scaled down post-coronavirus pandemic operation, which involve major changes to its workforce, network and fleet.

Embraer Delays E175-E2 Until 2023 As Commercial Revenue Plunges
Credit: EmbraerEmbraer will push back the planned entry-into-service date for its 76-seat E175-E2 until 2023, as the Brazilian manufacturer contends with weak airliner demand in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Taiwanese Carriers Launch Flights-To-Nowhere
Credit: Nigel Howarth / Aviation WeekUpping the ante from the successful “airport boarding” experience in July, Taiwan’s four carriers all launched flights-to-nowhere in line with Father’s Day celebrations on Aug. 8.

Air Serbia Records Rising Traffic, Falling Profits
Credit: Rob FinlaysonA burst of growth in Air Serbia’s passenger numbers, route network and capacity in 2019 was accompanied by a drop in profits for the year.

MTU, DLR To Flight Test Hydrogen Fuel-Cell Propulsion
Credit: DLRGerman aerospace center DLR and MTU Aero Engines plan to cooperate on development of a zero-emissions hydrogen fuel-cell power train for flight testing in a 19-passenger Dornier Do 228 regional aircraft, from 2026.
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