Air Transport

As vaccinations pick up across the U.S., airlines are taking steps to prepare for a snapback in demand—whenever that may happen.

Alitalia unions called for pay guarantees after a March 10 meeting with new commissioners appointed by Italy’s government to help map out the airline’s next steps.

United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby believes the European market should be one of the strongest performers once the coronavirus pandemic is over.

U.S. airlines are set to receive another $14 billion in payroll support after House lawmakers approved the $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief package on March 10.

The Norwegian government has stepped in to impose a pause in Rolls-Royce’s plans to sell its Bergen Engines division.

FLYDUBAI plans March 28 to begin twice-weekly Dubai-Tirana, Albania (737).

HORIZON AIR plans June 17 to begin Boise-Chicago/-Austin (E175) and Seattle-Idaho Falls/-Redding, CA (Q400).

JET AIRWAYS was told by India Govt that it cannot automatically reclaim slots forfeited when it ceased service in 2019.

Southwest Airlines CEO Gary Kelly believes the airline is moving beyond the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic as widespread vaccinations could help move the needle on demand later in 2021.

WESTJET reportedly cancelled 15 737 MAXs and now has 27 on order to join 14 in fleet (three currently in service).

DHL INTERNATIONAL, Bahrain acquired 767-300BDSF (33087; ex-American); MEXICANA MRO SERVICES converted aircraft.

UNITED purchased another ex-Southwest 737-700 (32665) from GECAS as part of overall deal for 19 (SPNWS; July 19, 2019).

EASA has published guidance for aviation operators and national authorities to manage UAV incidents near airports.

The Royal Schiphol Group, whose major asset is Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, does not anticipate passenger volumes returning to 2019 levels before the middle of this decade, the airport said in its annual report.

As Boeing 737 MAX fleet activity grows, airframe-level utilization shows that while usage is ramping up, pandemic-related travel restrictions and reduced demand are lowering average flight-segment times as well as total activity levels.

ENVOY AIR is expected to acquire BA CityFlyer's last six E170s (294/296/298/300/302/305) from May 2021.

LATAM had US$4.5b net loss in 2020 (vs US$190m profit in 2019) on 58% lower revenues. It has $1.7b cash and $7.6b debt.

CATHAY PACIFIC GROUP says it has transferred 82 pax aircraft (46% of fleet) to locations outside of Hong Kong, including Alice Springs, Australia and

CATHAY PACIFIC had HK$21.6b net loss for 2020 (vs HK$1.7b profit in 2019) on 56% lower revenues; it has HK$28.6b liquidity.

AERO CAPITAL SOLUTIONS (ACS), TX reports it completed SLB deals for 36 aircraft in 2020; it also purchased 60 aircraft for its portfolio, and sold 14

AMERICAN AIRLINES reached agreement with Kuehne+Nagel to allocate portion of its carbon reduction benefit generated through its use of sustainable

Governments have had many plans to reopen borders, but they have been forced to revise them many times since the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic.

AERCAP agreed to acquire GECAS in transaction valued at >$30b to create single leasing company with >2,000 owned and managed aircraft, >900 owned and

Icelandair is discontinuing the domestic Air Iceland Connect brand and integrating the two carriers’ networks.

Spirit Airlines is adding three new destinations from LaGuardia (LGA) this summer, one of which will become the New York airport’s farthest route at some 2,470 mi. (3,975 km).