United Airlines said Sept. 24 that it will start a pilot testing program for exposure to the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus at San Francisco International Airport (SFO) for passengers traveling to Hawaii, declaring itself the first U.S. carrier to make testing available.

With so much going on within the aviation sector we want to know your views on the key topics and stories.

Eurocontrol and chief executives of European air navigation service providers (ANSPs) met virtually to discuss options for the deepening financial crisis caused by a “huge and ongoing decrease” in flight activity because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the participants announced Sept. 24.

No one will be more disappointed by the decision announced today that IATA’s 2020 AGM event is going virtual than the association’s leader, Alexandre de Juniac.

Ukraine International Airlines (UIA) normally operates Boeing widebodies on its transatlantic services.

After a Colombian court blocked a $370 million government loan for Avianca, the airline has lined up $2 billion in financing in its bankruptcy reorganization.

Airlines will most likely have to ask governments for more financial support as the COVID-19 pandemic deepens, IATA director general and CEO Alexandre de Juniac said. 

Despite numerous studies and reports on the cleanliness of passenger aircraft and the low risk of infection while aboard, the implementation of tangible and visible measures is key to building passenger confidence.