Air Transport

LATAM Airlines Group has firmed up its fleet commitments with Boeing and Airbus for a total of 72 aircraft through 2028.

The 2021 second quarter marked a turning point in the North American air travel recovery, as major airlines reported their first quarterly net profits since the COVID-19 pandemic devastated travel demand in March 2020.

Etihad Airways said a tidal wave of demand for air travel was waiting to be unleashed, with big jumps in bookings as soon as restrictions ease for new destinations.

The backers of a proposed new Indian LCC are expected to achieve the first step in the approval process soon and they are also believed to be in talks with manufacturers regarding narrowbody orders.

To convince Chinese regulators of the airworthiness of the Boeing 737 MAX so they may recertify the type in the world’s second largest aviation market, Boeing deployed a 737 MAX 7 to China Aug. 4.

The test brings ZeroAvia a step closer to first flight of a Dornier 228 testbed powered by the system before the end of the year.

Senior VP of network planning Mark Galardo expects a big boost next month when Canada’s borders reopen for vaccinated travelers.

The SkyTeam alliance member will connect Spain’s capital with Guadalajara in western Mexico.

TAG Airlines is beginning services to Mexico with the launch of two new routes from Guatemala City (GUA).

Nigerian startup Green Africa has obtained its Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC) and will start its first commercial flights Aug. 12.

Wizz Air has launched a recruitment drive across its network, announcing plans to hire 4,600 new pilots by 2030 to operate its growing fleet.

Indonesian start-up carrier Super Air Jet began commercial operations on Aug. 6 despite COVID-19 measures.

The move follows the unlawful diversion of a Ryanair flight on May 23 to the Belarusian capital Minsk.