Aviation News Daily (25.03.2020)
Hello, guys! Today I am releasing the article a little later, sorry.
No Government Bailout Planned On The Cards For British Airlines
The UK chancellor Rishi Sunak has revealed that there will be no blanket bailout for the UK’s airlines. Late yesterday, he said that any rescue deal would be formed on an individual basis, and only once all other avenues have been thoroughly explored. The industry has been ‘surprised’ by his stance, although it does seem that the government hasn’t completely ruled out taking equity staked in viable airline business.
Qatar Airways Is Rewarding Passengers Who Don’t Take A Refund
In a move to preserve capital and reward passengers, Qatar is amending its refund policy to incentivize travelers. Passengers who opt for a travel voucher instead of a refund will receive a 10% bonus on top of their fare cost. This news comes as Qatar continues to operate over 150 daily flights to 70 destinations, making it the largest carrier by destinations as of currently.
Qatar Airways Ups Airbus A380 Flights Worldwide
As people all over the world try to get home, Qatar Airways is increasing its service to many destinations. Doha airport remains open for transit, and the airline plans to operate additional flight, with several destinations set to get an increased A380 service. They claim that they’re adding extra 10 000 seats to the network from the 24th of March.
Oman Air Will Suspend Flights Until Further Notice
Oman Air has suspended all flights until further notice, joining the lengthy list of other airlines desperately avoiding the fallout of the Coronavirus. The airline has announced that their last flight will be Sunday, 29th of March.
Virgin Australia Cuts 90% Of Domestic Capacity
Virgin Australia has shut down 90% of all its domestic flights and is standing down over 8000 workers as the airline enters hibernation to get over the Coronavirus pandemic. This will be a significant increase from the previous 50%. This also cuts the services of the carrier’s low-cost arm Tigerair, which will be grounded effective immediately. This could see the complete bankruptcy of Virgin Australia, as it is in $5 billion AUD, one fifth of which they have in cash.
Alitalia To Be Downsized Following Nationalization
Struggling carrier Alitalia is in the process of being taken over by the government. However, while the government intervention may well have been a lifeline for the struggling airline, the Alitalia that merges from the other side may look very different. Sky News Italy have reported that the Italian Government is working with an extraordinary commissioner Guiseppe Leogrande in order to create a new national carrier, a shadow of Alitalia’s former self.
Southwest Scraps Inflight Refreshments Due to Virus Concerns
Southwest Airlines is taking measures to continue to limit interactions and potential for virus transmission onboard its flights. For now, starting March 25th, Southwest is suspending all inflight service. As well as potential transmission of the virus via the packaging of the inflight meals and other items, this will limit the interaction with flight attendants.
Thai Airways Prepares To Suspend Most Flights By April 1st
Thai Airways is preparing to suspend and shut down most of its capacity on April 1st, (not an April Fools joke :D), as the world is undergoing a massive lockdown to combat the deadly disease spreading rapidly. The airline itself has been resistant to most changes, but due to many neighbouring countries now closing their borders, the airline has decided to reduce capacity.
Hi Fly Is Now Offering Ready To Go Repatriation Planes
Portuguese airline Hi Fly is introducing new measures to better prepare their aircraft and crew to operate repatriation flights. ‘Covid Ready To Go’ teams will help the airlines respond quickly to charter requests amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.
British Airways Continues Flights Via Singapore Despite Transit Ban
British Airways is continuing to fly to Australia via Singapore despite a transit ban in the Asian nation. The move is in contrast to Australian alliance partner Qantas, which has begun rerouting its Sydney to London service.
Qantas Completes World’s First Non-Stop Australia To London A380 Flight
The first non-stop A380 service between Australia and the UK has touched down at London Heathrow this morning. In doing so, Qantas flight QF1 clocked up two aviation milestones. Besides being the first non-stop A380 service between the two countries, it was the first non-stop service between Darwin and London.
The Airbus A380: Now A Scarce Sight In Our Skies
The corona-crisis has effectively pushed the Airbus A380 out of the skies. On Wednesday morning, only 9 aircraft from the type were airborne. As the UAE halts passenger traffic, it effectively grounds nearly half of the world’s A380s, which are operated by Emirates.
Bamboo Airways’ First European Flight Touches Down In Prague
Bamboo Airways’ first European flight has touched down in Prague today. In agreement with the Czech Republic, the flight repatriated Europeans, while also bringing vital aid to the continent. The 9-hour non-standard route was operated by a 787-9 registered as VN-A829. Onboard were 300 stranded Czech citizens.
Why did Boeing build the Dreamlifter?
Maybe you have never seen the Boeing 747 Dreamlifter? There are not a whole lot around, only 4 exist. The Dreamlifter is the world’s longest cargo aircraft. It was built in order to transport 787 parts from Boeing factories around the world. It is basically the Boeing equivalent of the Airbus Beluga and the newer Beluga XL.
America’s Travel Ban Could Cost The Industry Over $2 Billion
The 30 day travel ban between the USA and Europe could cost more than US$2 billion. Midway between a ban running between mid-March to mid-April, revenue from about 5.5 million seats will be lost. It will be a devastating blow to an industry being brought to its knees by both the closure of borders and cessation of travel demand.
Thailand Introduces Non-Citizen Entry Ban From Midnight
Earlier today, Thailand became the last in a long line of countries to announce it will be closing its borders. Effective midnight, foreigners will no longer be allowed to enter the country. It has yet to restrict movement inside the country but will set up inter-provincial check-points.
Boeing 737 MAX Still On Course For Mid Year Return To Service, With Aims To Resume Production In May
Following an incredibly tough few weeks for Boeing, there has been some good news for the plane manufacturer. Today, its share price surged higher after confirmation that it will stick to a mid-2020 return for the 737 MAX. Reports from today suggest that Boeing is eyeing not only an operations return after a long year of the aircraft being grounded; but a production return. However, the current Coronavirus situation may challenge the production and operation of the 737 MAX. In February, there have been 59 orders cancelled for the family of aircraft.
Inside The World Of Antarctic Blue Ice Runways
As the Coronavirus continues to make headlines around the world, we thought we’d have a look at the last continent on Earth that doesn’t have a single case of COVID-19, and the unique blue-ice runways. We’re of course referring to Antarctica and the scientists and support staff that live and work on the white continent’s scientific bases. Due to the harsh weather conditions, very few people ever get the opportunity to visit this vast frozen wonderland. Believe it or not, blue-ice runways are used for wheeled aircraft, as asphalt and concrete wouldn’t really be efficient. So planes like the A320 are using ice runways to operate there. The full article can be read here.
Panicked AirAsia Pilots Flee Coronavirus Through Cockpit Window
It’s completely understandable to be a little worried about the world’s Coronavirus crisis. With many European countries under lockdown, the reality of the virus can seem scary. However, it apparently prover far too much for two AirAsia pilots. The two pilots escaped the aircraft through the cockpit window, which appears to be prompted by concerns over the Coronavirus. However, all passengers onboard tested negative.
Lufthansa Turns An Airbus A330 Into Cargo Plane
With much of the fleet grounded, Lufthansa has converted one of its A330-300s into a cargo plane. While the COVID-19 pandemic takes its toll on Germany, the airline is assisting in the transportation of important medical supplies from China. Essentially, the “conversion” is just several pieces of plastic foil over the seats, on which there are boxes of medical supplies.
That’s all for today!
All news stories are from SimpleFlying’s website. Any critiques, tips, opinions, comment and advice is awaited, respected and appreciated!
