Passenger demand may not exist right now for airlines but global supply chains still demand the cargo capacity those aircraft represent. Passenger aircraft are being pressed into service as freighters, filling their belly space with goods to fly across the globe. And, in some cases, even a bit more.
COVID-19
Is it time for US airports to start closing terminals??
We’ve seen airlines slash capacity. The skies are far less crowded than they were a couple months ago. Is it time now for more airports to consider similar moves?
JetBlue plans additional draw down in service
On Wednesday JetBlue indicated plans to remove 40% of its capacity for April and May. As with other airlines, however, the carrier continues to see demand free fall. On Sunday afternoon JetBlue President & COO Joanna Geraghty sent a note to inflight crewmembers indicating that further cuts are at hand.
Emirates, Turkish Airlines slash route networks, ground aircraft
Two more large airlines announced major cuts to their route networks this weekend. Emirates will suspend all passenger service while Turkish Airlines will cut nearly all its international destinations.
Qatar Airways plans 75% capacity cut in response to COVID-19
The vast majority of its passengers transit the home base rather than stopping. But with borders closing arround the globe Qatar Airways must respond. The carrier expects 75% of capacity to disappear in the coming days.
Will COVID-19 delay the opening of Berlin Brandenburg Airport?
Berlin’s Brandenburg Airport, already nearly a decade late, might not open in October 2020 after all. As contractors press on towards completing the construction a new challenge now faces the operation: Coronavirus.
Airport lounges shutter as airlines slash capacity
The lounges are closing. Not every airline and not every location, but for the trickle of passengers still flying opportunities to duck into a private space in the terminal for a bit are starting to disappear.
Airlines get a break on coronavirus EC261 comp, looking for more
Airlines received a sliver of good news on Wednesday when the European Commission agreed that cancellations related to the COVID-19 coronavirus should be considered “extraordinary” circumstances within the context of EC261 rules. Still, they expressed concerns that the relief doesn’t go far enough.
JetBlue removes 40% of capacity, delays new deliveries as demand drops
JetBlue joins the collection of US carriers slashing its schedule in response to a drop in demand. The carrier now intends to reduce fly by 40% in April and May, with an expectation of “substantial” cuts in June and July as well.
Trans States Airlines: The first US airline victim of COVID-19
Trans States Airlines will halt operations on 1 April 2020. The carrier, which provides regional jet capacity to United Airlines, will halt operations as the parent carrier slashes flights in response to cratering demand tied to the COVID-19 pandemic.