AirlinesEasyJet to Slash Staff by 30 Percent EasyJet plans to reduce staff numbers by as much as 30 percent to reflect an anticipated drop in capacity in the fourth quarter as compared with the same period last year, the UK low-fare carrier said Thursday. The announcement comes a week after the airline said it would resume flying on June 15 with a schedule consisting mainly of domestic service in the UK and France.
LinkLATAM’s Bankruptcy May Delay LATAM Brasil’s Bailout Until July As Brazil’s airlines look for government assistance to stay afloat, multi-national carrier LATAM might have just delayed the bailout process for itself and its rivals. This is due to its recent filing for bankruptcy in the United States. The largest airline in South America, LATAM’s move could push back aid to at least July while its Brazilian rivals may be waiting until the end of June.
LinkUnited Says Enhanced Hygiene Procedures Won’t Disappear With Coronavirus United Airlines has been introducing several hygiene measures throughout its operations amid the coronavirus pandemic. Even after the global health crisis is over, the Chicago-based carrier is determined to continue these practices.
LinkCanada’s Transport Minister Says Airlines Could Fail If Refunds Are Mandated Canada’s Transport Minister Marc Garneau issued a stark warning earlier this week detailing how refunds would impact the airline industry. On 29th May, the Minister said that Canadian airlines risk collapse if they are asked to shell out cash refunds. Meanwhile, the pressure is rising from consumers desperately seeking tied up funds.
LinkAir France Adds Simulator Training For Pilots Unable To Fly Due To COVID-19 With the majority of planes and crews grounded during the COVID-19 crisis, how do airlines prepare their aircraft and pilots to take to the skies as the situation eases? Air France has set up a scheme involving simulator training to keep pilots’ skills at the highest levels for their return to the cockpit.
LinkIberia Targets July Resumption Of Short-Haul European Services According to a press release on May 28, Iberia will resume short and medium-haul flights starting from July 1. The flag carrier of Spain will initially supply 21% seat capacity on short-haul and medium-haul routes. This will increase to 35% as coronavirus restrictions are lifted.
LinkHere’s Where Chinese Airlines Are Flying To In the United States On May 22nd, the United States Department of Transportation (DOT) ordered Chinese airlines to file schedules after the US government accused China of blocking US airlines from restarting flights to Mainland China. Now, Chinese airlines have filed those schedules with the DOT. Simple Flying has extensively reviewed these documents.
LinkSouthwest CEO Expects 737 MAX Return To Service By Fourth Quarter Southwest Airlines CEO Gary Kelly expects that the 737 MAX will return to service by the fourth quarter. This news comes as the airline works to develop its fleet plans for the future. While the MAX currently remains grounded, Boeing has signaled that there may be an end to the grounding soon the recertification process continues.
LinkSouthwest Airlines Adds 11 New Routes For Winter 2020 US carrier Southwest Airlines has released its winter schedule from Oct. 31st, 2020, through Jan. 4th, 2021. The Dallas-based airline is planning to add 11 routes to its network.
LinkTransavia Prepares To Launch Summer Flights To Three Countries On May 28th, Transavia announced that it would be adding two new destinations to its summer schedule. Starting from June 10th, the Dutch low-cost carrier will add Alicante, Spain, and Porto, Portugal, to its list of summer hot spots.
LinkCrashed PIA Airbus A320 Was Insured For $19.7 Million In the recent developments regarding the crash of PK 8303, it has been revealed that the aircraft was insured for $19.7 million. The Airbus A320 with the registration AP-BLD was under hull insurance since it was leased.
LinkLufthansa Board Approves Giving Up Slots For A Bailout Additional details surrounding Lufthansa’s economic relief package have emerged in the last few days with Lufthansa’s executive board approving to surrender vital slots at Frankfurt and Munich airports. Yesterday, the board agreed for the airline to release 24 take-off and landing slots at both airports to competitors. The supervisory board is yet to accept the decision.
LinkDelta May Be Blocking Middle Seats Through September 30th Delta Air Lines may be blocking middle seats and limiting capacity onboard aircraft through September 30th. The airline has announced that, through June 30th, the airline will restrict capacity in First Class at 50% and block middle seats in all other classes. However, this move may now have been extended through the end of the summer.
LinkWestJet Staff Behind Mysterious Gifts For Grounded Colleagues Times are tough during this crisis – especially for airlines and their thousands of employees. In recent months, the majority of airline news has been about financial difficulties and workforce reductions. However, some staff at Canadian carrier WestJet have taken it upon themselves to bring some joy to their fellow colleagues through anonymous gift-giving.
Link80% Of Ryanair Passengers Still Haven’t Had A Refund When it comes to processing refunds, Ryanair is the worst airline, according to a survey by Which?. Around 84% of surveyed passengers were yet to receive their refunds from the carrier. Moreover, passengers have been told they could have to wait up to a year for their money. Let’s find out more.
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