Airbus has grand plans for a zero emissions commercial aircraft to be carrying passengers by 2035, and hydrogen is the key component. The aircraft manufacturer unveild a trio of concept planes that will displace electric or kerosene-powered models a few decades hence.
Airplanes and Airports
Lufthansa to park A380s, A340-600s
Facing a revised demand forecast roughly half of what it previously anticipated, Lufthansa will move its remaining A380s and A340-600s into long-term storage. The carrier expects that they will “only be reactivated in the event of an unexpectedly rapid market recovery.” The move affects eight A380 and ten A340-600 planes.
Air India losing money on 90%+ of its routes
Just how bad were things for Air India, even before the market collapsed in early 2020? According to the Minister of Civil Aviation the carrier lost money on 319 of the 340 routes it operated globally. Only 6% of the carrier’s network operations met costs for the twelve months from April 2019 through March 2020.
Thai Airways bankruptcy petition accepted by Thai court
Thai Airways officially entered its bankruptcy reorganization on Monday. The carrier’s petition for rehabilitation, filed on 27 May 2020, was granted by the Central Bankruptcy Court on 14 September, allowing the company to proceed with its recovery plans.
LATAM loses key ruling in bankruptcy court
As LATAM went hunting for cash to see it through bankruptcy it leaned on old friends. But when it comes time to convert the debt to equity, restoring ownership for Delta, Qatar and the Cueto family, the deal proved a bit too sweet for the US Bankruptcy Court to accept.
JetBlue goes hunting for revenue with 24 new winter markets
Why is JetBlue planning two dozen new routes this winter in markets that, a year ago, would have been unthinkable? To quote infamous bank robber Willie Sutton, “Because that’s where the money is.” At least, that’s what JetBlue hopes. Head of Revenue and Planning Scott Laurence explains that the moves “advance our revised network strategy, return more aircraft to the skies and double down on our ability to generate more cash sooner.”
United announces new long-haul routes for 2021
Airline route networks must adapt to shifting demand and long-haul operations are no exception. United Airlines is the latest player to make a move on that front, announcing seven routes today with service slated to launch between December and Summer 2021. The carrier will be reopening some destinations, expanding others and inaugurating a couple of markets never before served.
Delta sees A220 schedule trimmed as pilot furloughs loom
As Delta Air Lines and its pilots battle over impending furloughs an unlikely candidate for collateral damage is emerging. The carrier may be forced to ground some of its A220-100 fleet as it comes up short on First Officers to operate the type. The company notified 1,941 pilots last Friday of potential layoffs on 1 October.
Delta completes first Pratt & Whitney GTF engine overhaul
When Delta Air Lines announced a massive deal three years ago to bring the A321neo into its fleet the planes were just a part of the news. The maintenance support opportunity associated with the contract is huge, and Delta TechOps took a major step forward on that front late last month, completing the first comprehensive maintenance visit of a PW1100G-JM engine.
Thai Airways launches inflight catering pop-up cafe
Have a hankering for an inflight meal but unable to travel? If you’re in Bangkok Thai Airways is happy to help sate that desire. The airline launched a pop-up cafe at its headquarters building for visitors to drop in and grab a snack.