Coronavirus

The number of flights operated by U.S. carriers declined to the lowest level on record in 2020, new data from the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) shows, reflecting the devastating impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on demand for air travel.

For those in the air transport industry hoping that 2021would see the turning point from devastating cash burn to the beginnings of recovery—and that’s just about everyone in the industry—the first quarter has quickly dashed those hopes.

The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association has announced the passing of its technical editor and director of business operations, Mike Collins, who died Feb. 25 at age 59 after battling COVID-19.

SWISS plans to launch five new short-haul European routes over the coming months, although the Star Alliance member does not expect to see “any tangible resumption of air travel activity until mid-summer at the earliest.”

German leisure carrier Condor has signed an agreement with DHL Express to operate four Boeing 767-300ER for the logistics giant, which is looking to meet higher customer demand for international express shipping.

FLY LEASING lost $67.4m on $334m revenues in 2020 vs $225.9m profit on $575m in 2019; it has 84 aircraft vs 89 a year ago.

TRIMAS AEROSPACE lost $133m on $168m sales in 2020 vs $29m profit on $194m in 2019; 4Q20 sales dipped 23% vs 4Q19.

CARGO AIRCRAFT MANAGEMENT earned $77.4m on $327m revenues vs $68.6m on $302m, and ended year with 100 aircraft; it expects to lease 11 767s to AMAZON

ATSG posted $32.1m net profit in 2020 (vs $61.2m in 2019) on 8% higher revenues, and expects its aircraft leasing demand will remain exceptionally

NORWEGIAN lost NOK23b in 2020 (vs NOK1.6b loss in 2019) on 79% lower revenues, and says it operated 23 of 131 aircraft in fleet in 4Q20, but at 7.2

Austrian Airlines has sold its three oldest Boeing 767-300ER to U.S. investor MonoCoque Diversified Interests LLC as the flag-carrier continues to restructure and reduce its fleet.

International Airlines Group (IAG) has seen growing revenue contributions from its long-haul business since July 2020 with the segment now contributing the majority of passenger revenues.

Delta Air Lines will recall up to 400 pilots this summer to help position itself for a rebound in travel demand.

COVID-19 has devastated the industry, but aviation recruitment specialists believe the market uncertainty can be mitigated.

Simulators and tech-based training will be essential to affordable pilot development

Airlines have launched a number of pilot retention and development programs.

International Airlines Group (IAG) has appointed the chief executive and chairman of IAG Cargo, Lynne Embleton, as CEO of Aer Lingus.

Senior transportation officials from the U.S. and Canada vowed to “reinvigorate” collaboration on decarbonizing aviation, part of a shared commitment to build back from the COVID-19 pandemic in an environmentally sustainable manner.

The airline industry in 2021 industry will, at best, be half the size it was in 2019. Yet the industry is betting the house on a substantial recovery in the 2021 second and third quarters. What's Plan B?

Parked aircraft; the role of masks; onboard safety; clairvoyance; industry resilience

QANTAS GROUP had A$1.03b pretax loss for six months ended December 31 (vs A$771m profit a year ago) on 75% lower revenues. It (and JETSTAR) is now

AIR NEW ZEALAND had NZ$104m pretax loss for six months ended December 31 vs NZ$139 profit a year ago; it has NZ$700m liquidity. It says with scenarios

AEROCIRCULAR received first (110) of seven A320-200s from Lufthansa Group for part out at Ostend Airport in 1H21.

SAS GROUP lost SEK2.1b for first quarter ended January 31 (vs SEK861m net loss a year ago) on 76% lower revenues.

Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) is hopeful the COVID-19 vaccine rollout will lead to an ease in travel restrictions and an increase in travel demand as summer approaches.