Aviation Daily Roundup: October 30

Air France-KLM Group said Air France expected to operate around 35% of its 2019 network passenger capacity and KLM about 45% in the fourth quarter, as the group reported a 2020 third-quarter (Q3) loss of €1.67 billion ($1.95 billion).

The Indian government has made a major revision to its proposed terms for the sale of Air India in an effort to attract more buyer interest.

Air cargo operators and shippers are facing a severe squeeze on capacity as the sector’s traditional year-end peak season, driven by holidays and retail demand, gets underway, with still-weak long-haul passenger demand making for an ongoing lack of belly-hold capacity.

The International Airlines Group (IAG) continues to pursue the acquisition of Spanish carrier Air Europa despite the massive financial pressures caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Greater Bay Airlines, a new Hong Kong-based venture by Chinese billionaire Wong Cho-bau, is reportedly willing to take in former Cathay Pacific Group staff members as it waits for its air operator certificate (AOC).

Delta Air Lines has reached a tentative deal with the union representing its pilots to avoid more than 1,900 previously planned furloughs through at least January 2022.

Japan Airlines (JAL) plans to cut its widebody fleet by retiring many of its Boeing 777s, following a similar move announced recently by All Nippon Airways (ANA).

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) has suspended development of the SpaceJet for more than three years, allocating only enough resources to proceed with type-certificate documentation.

Safran’s research and technology engineers are studying ways to improve fuel efficiency by 20% for an engine that would enter into service in 2035, Safran CEO Philippe Petitcolin said.

SkyWest Airlines will add 20 more Bombardier CRJ-700s to its contract with American Airlines, boosted by strong demand for dual-class regional jets during the COVID-19 pandemic.