For years airlines have battled to dominate international markets from Los Angeles International Airport. This week American Airlines effectively conceded defeat in that market. As part of its long-haul network revamp the carrier will shed most of those routes from LAX.
China
COMAC delivers for three new ARJ21 operators
China’s COMAC added a trio of new airline operators for its ARJ21-700 aircraft over the weekend. China Eastern, China Southern, and Air China each took delivery of their first aircraft during a joint ceremony. And, still, COMAC’s grand ambitions to challenge Western manufacturers remains years away.
China blinks, US to back down on flight ban
Looks like flights between the US and China won’t be stopping mid-month after all. Chinese regulators backed down after the US took a hard line in the negotiations.
US retaliates against China, blocking all flights
Nonstop service between the US and China will terminate later this month, ending 24 years of direct links between the countries. The move comes as the two governments escalate rhetoric on many fronts, covering trade, human rights and more.
Display Interactive, Eclipse Global Connectivity team up to take on China
As the inflight connectivity world continues to mature one market remains ever so slightly out of reach for suppliers: China. Eclipse Global Connectivity and Display Interactive are teaming up to launch a new venture based in Shanghai, with plans to capture that markes as “an integral part of the Chinese IFEC ecosystem.”
Air China aims to slash US services
Air China wants to radically alter its route network to the United States. Facing a dramatic drop in traffic, as well as restrictions around passengers who can be admitted to the USA, the carrier is proposing to slash the cities served and the flight frequencies. It also is seeking a rather unconventional overall operational plan.
British Airways to halt Beijing, Shanghai flights
As health concerns mount and waiver options grow some airlines are going a step further in their response to the virus outbreak in China. British Airways is taking the significant step of halting its flights to Shanghai and Beijing effective immediately. A formal announcement is expected early Wednesday in London.
Aviation, health authorities step up efforts to contain Wuhan coronavirus
With a potential global health crisis looming aviation authorities around the world are stepping up efforts to identify and quarantine travelers who may be carrying the SARS-like coronavirus that first appeared in Wuhan, China. Authorities confirm six deaths and nearly 300 patients diagnosed with the illness. Cases identified in South Korea, Thailand, and Japan in recent days have health authorities on edge.
Gilat delivers a successful Ka-band ESA test flight with Honeywell, Telesat
Finally some good news worth celebrating in the ESA space. Gilat’s new kit went flying on Honeywell’s 757 and successfully linked with a Telesat GEO Ka-band satellite.
Astronics inks deal for deeper access into China
Doing business in China means finding a local partner to help build relationships. Astronics now has just such a deal to facilitate bringing its IFE/C hardware into what will soon be the largest aviation market on the planet.