The EU’s suggestion to remove the U.S. from its safe list, as COVID-19 infections among Americans rise, is yet another blow to airlines that have been hoping for a long-haul recovery to match their summer short-haul boost.  

Air Canada is joining fellow Canadian carrier Porter Airlines in mandating COVID-19 vaccines for its employees. 

Virgin Australia intends to join the list of airlines requiring workers to be vaccinated against COVID-19, although it will conduct employee consultations first.

South African carrier Comair has confirmed it will resume flights Sept. 1, after South Africa’s third COVID-19 wave triggered it to voluntarily ground itself July 5.

American Airlines is the first U.S. global network carrier to warn that rising COVID-19 case numbers are contributing to a softening of demand, but the company has not refined its capacity or financial guidance for the current quarter. 

The action has been taken in response to national entry restrictions worldwide as destination countries are increasingly insisting on proof of vaccination for air crews as well as passengers. 

Kazakhstan’s Air Astana is evaluating the addition of freighters to its fleet as its makeshift Boeing 767-300ER freighter returns to passenger operations.

Delta Air Lines’ decision to up its Airbus A321neo order book by 30 aircraft reflects a larger trend among U.S. carriers that are working to ensure they have optimal fleet flexibility to drive cost and efficiency advantages as the recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic could turn more uncertain.