U.S. House committee approves another $14 billion for pandemic-hit airlines
A U.S. House committee on Thursday approved a proposal to give airlines another $14 billion in payroll assistance as part of a broader COVID-19 relief package that is working its way through Congress. It would be the third round of support for the pandemic-hit industry. American Airlines and United Airlines have warned of some 27,000 […]
TSA Federalizes Wilmington-New Castle Ahead Of Frontier Return
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is gearing up at Wilmington-New Castle Airport (ILG) in preparation for Frontier Airlines’ return after a five-year hiatus. Denver-based low-cost carrier Frontier Airlines plans to restart regularly scheduled flights from the “Blue Hen State” to Orlando International Airport (MCO) beginning February 11. Owned by New Castle County and operated by […]
IndiGo Expects To Be At Pre-Pandemic International Levels By 2022
While many airline executives remain rather gloomy about the near future, IndiGo’s CEO has a different perspective. The airline expects to be back to 100% of domestic capacity in three months. Furthermore, it has its eyes set on a full international recovery by the end of the year – and sees huge opportunities for growth […]
Southwest Airlines reports first loss in 48 years
The last time Southwest Airlines posted an annual loss was 1972, when it was a small upstart airline flying a handful of planes on Texas-only routes. Since then, it has grown to become the nation’s fourth largest airline, reporting 47 consecutive profitable years while its largest rivals flew into and out of bankruptcy during the […]
Airlines and Airports Stress Need to Align European Commission Proposal on Airport Slot Relief in Summer 2021 with Aviation Industry Recommendations
Europe’s airlines[1] and airports are highly concerned by the European Commission’s (EC) proposal to amend the airport slot regulation. The proposal does not sufficiently address the extent of the continuing crisis in air transport, the likely state of recovery in Summer 2021 and the required level of airport slot relief measures that would best support […]
IATA calls on Latin American countries to lower travel barriers
Aviation trade group IATA is calling on Caribbean and Latin American governments to implement more coronavirus testing, reduce taxes and quit restrictive quarantine requirements in order to kick-start travel as carriers prepare for a high season beginning with end-of-year holidays. Peter Cerda, IATA’s regional vice-president for the Americas, says on 12 November that though the […]
WTTC calls on UK to offer global tourism leadership
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has called on the UK government to offer strong leadership to save the struggling tourism sector. Over 100 major travel and global business leaders – from airlines, airports, hotels, tour operators and travel companies – have backed the unprecedented move. The industry leaders signed a letter, which called […]
Brazil Still Plans to Privatize 43 Airports Through 2022: Infrastructure minister
Brazil’s infrastructure minister said on Monday the country still wants to privatize 43 airports through 2022, even as the COVID-19 pandemic ravages the air transportation industry. Minister Tarcisio Freitas also said the government’s plan to revive economic activity after the pandemic forecasts 30 billion reais ($5.5 billion) in public investment in infrastructure. Freitas spoke during […]
International cooperation critical to economic recovery of Central American and Caribbean aviation-centric national economies
Addressing North American, Central American and Caribbean (NACC) Directors General of Civil Aviation by videoconference, ICAO Secretary General Dr. Fang Liu stressed the pivotal role of international cooperation, including through ICAO, to the success of their COVID-19 recovery plans. “For cooperation to do its part, all parties must be involved on a clear and coordinated […]
JetBlue CEO Says Coronavirus Impact On Flight Bookings Is Worse Than After 9/11
JetBlue Airways CEO Robin Hayes says the airline is facing a more significant drop in bookings than after 9/11. The U.S. airline industry saw a 30% decline in demand following the tragedy, he says. With the World Health Organization declaring coronavirus a pandemic on Wednesday, he says similar concerns about flying have led JetBlue’s bookings […]
