Air Cargo Recovery Continues in September

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released September data for global air freight markets showing that air cargo demand, while strengthening, remains depressed compared to 2019 levels. Global demand, measured in cargo tonne-kilometers (CTKs*), was 8% below previous-year levels in September (-9.9% for international operations). That is an improvement from the 12.1% year-on-year drop recorded […]

American Airlines Expands Preflight Testing Program to More Destinations

American Airlines is expanding its current preflight testing program to additional destinations, further opening the world for customers who want to travel. The airline will now offer preflight testing options to more destinations than any other U.S. carrier. In November, preflight testing will be available for all American flights to Belize, Grenada, St. Lucia and […]

Hariri appointed chair of SkyTeam Cargo exec board

Airline alliance SkyTeam Cargo has announced Omar Talal Hariri, chief executive of Saudia Cargo and Saudi Arabian Logistics, as the new chairperson of its executive board. The appointment was endorsed today at the SkyTeam Cargo Executive Board, which is composed of the cargo executives of the 12 members and oversees SkyTeam Cargo’s global strategy. Effective […]

Lufthansa shares insights on why testing is central to fighting the COVID-19 pandemic

In recent months, airlines and airports around the globe have been working closely with governments and health bodies to set up COVID-19 testing capabilities as a way to kickstart international travel. One airline that has been committed to proving that testing is a safe alternative to travel restrictions and quarantine regimes is Lufthansa. Back in […]

Airlines Hoping to Create Their Own Bubble

Hoping to bring back business travel and convince a skeptical flying public to get back in the air, airlines are looking to create their own version of a ‘travel bubble’ with flights and routes that will avoid quarantine restrictions. Despite an uptick in COVID-19 in more than 35 states, airlines believe the availability of more […]

British Airways to grow long-haul network next month

British Airways will operate 52 long-haul routes alongside its short-haul network next month as the airline continues to adapt to changing restrictions around the globe as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. Services will continue to operate to US gateways including New York JFK, Boston, Los Angeles, Miami and San Francisco, with Newark added to […]

JetBlue CEO: Signs of ‘pent-up’ demand on leisure routes

JetBlue CEO Robin Hayes is “cautiously optimistic” about a recent improvement in bookings trends for travel during the US Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday periods. “We have seen signs of pent-up demand from customers who want to visit their family and friends or go on vacation, and we believe that we are extremely well-positioned to serve […]

Airlines Unable to Cut Costs Deep Enough to Save Jobs

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) presented new analysis showing that the airline industry cannot slash costs sufficiently to neutralize severe cash burn to avoid bankruptcies and preserve jobs in 2021. IATA reiterated its call for government relief measures to sustain airlines financially and avoid massive employment terminations. IATA also called for pre-flight COVID-19 testing […]

Low-cost carries cut capacity as second Covid-19 wave bites

New data from Cirium suggests low-cost airlines in Europe have further scaled back flight operations in recent weeks. Carriers are reacting to a second wave of Covid-19 across the continent and the associated travel restrictions and quarantine requirements. The principal operating divisions of Eurowings, Ryanair, easyJet, Vueling Airlines and Wizz Air had collectively clawed their […]

US Airlines Hope for the Best, Plan for the Worst

Saying that “Make no mistake – we’re still in the early miles of this marathon,” Delta Air Lines Chief Executive Officer Ed Bastian and his peers in the airline industry are hoping for the best but planning for the worst when it comes to the coronavirus pandemic. U.S. airlines expect it will be years before […]