Coronavirus News
IATA warns aviation revenue could fall US$314bn
The International Air Transport Association has released an updated analysis showing that the Covid-19 crisis will see airline passenger revenues drop by $314 billion in 2020. The figure represents a 55 per cent decline compared to 2019.
US government agrees $25bn in payroll support for airlines
United States-based airlines have secured as much as US$25 billion in payroll support from the federal government. The funds are part of a US$2 trillion relief package signed by Congress in response to the unprecedented economic damage caused the coronavirus pandemic.
Seabourn extends sailing suspension until June
Seabourn will extend a pause in its global operations to include departures through to the end of June. The brand had previously announced its five ships would not sail before May 14th, effectively cancelling all voyages scheduled to operate before then.
Etihad Airways utilises downtime for fleet retune
Etihad Airways is taking full advantage of the aircraft downtime as a result of the Covid-19 global pandemic to conduct an extensive maintenance and cabin refresh programme.
Delivery of Enchanted Princess delayed due to coronavirus shutdown
Princess Cruises has confirmed the delivery of Enchanted Princess has been delayed as the world battles the coronavirus pandemic. A new delivery date has not been determined since the Fincantieri yard in Monfalcone, Italy remains closed.
Qatar Airways raises US$850m to boost liquidity position
Qatar Airways has secured US$850 million in financing from Standard Chartered. The Middle Eastern carrier has used seven Boeing 787-9 aircraft as collateral on the deal.
Changi Airport to consolidate terminals as travel slows
From May 1st, operations at terminal two will be suspended for 18 months, with airlines to be relocated to the remaining terminals. The move will enable Changi and its partners to save on running costs, such as utilities and cleaning, as well as to optimise resources across the remaining terminals.
Wizz Air cuts workforce by a fifth as coronavirus bites
Wizz Air has taken the decision to make 1,000 positions redundant in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. The figure representing a 19 per cent workforce reduction at the low-cost carrier.
Emirates reveals new coronavirus refund policy
Seeking to quell concerns among travellers, Emirates has updated its Covid-19 travel waiver policies. The airline hopes to now present one simplified approach for rebooking and refunds on tickets issued in all its global markets.
Flight Centre lets travellers visit the world from home
As people the world over practice social distancing, UK travellers have become eager armchair tourists seeking inspiration for when the world is open again.
Carnival cancels all sailings until late June
Carnival Cruise Line has been forced to suspend further sailings following a new ‘no sail order’ from the Unites States Centres for Disease Control & Prevention. No ships will now sail until June 27th at the earliest.
Heathrow cuts operations to two terminals
Heathrow Airport has temporarily closed two of its terminals as passenger demand falls in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. In March passenger numbers shrunk by 52 per cent compared to the same time last year, as the UK entered lockdown.