Impact of the coronavirus crisis on aviation

[rwandan-flyer]

Brussels Airlines cancels all flights to Balearic Islands, till late October 2020 (so to the end of IATA 2020 summer season)

French: https://www.lalibre.be/economie/entrepr ... 6219b0893a

22 hours ago: Why SN still flying to red aeras ? (French) https://www.lalibre.be/economie/entrepr ... 77fb16bf51

The 3 codes green, orange and red are travel advisories for non-essential travel only. Example: holiday flights are non-essential travel. Flying back home is essential travel. With "code orange", touroperators are allowed to perform the tour, if the touroperator thinks it is possible to do so safely and if the travel contract can be honoured.

Example, code orange: travel to Greece now. A Covid-19 PCR certificate is obliged and there are local rules that apply. When this is advised to the clients, and when they accept a non compulsary quarantaine upon return: off they go.

Example, code red: travel to Denmark now. The touroperator is not allowed to perform the tour. Could be for different reasons - example tourists from risk area Belgium are not allowed. When the reason for code red is general, Belgian individual tourists may ignore that code red, but the Belgian insurers (medical and private) will not give cover.

Back to the code red and flights to the Balearic now: a lot of Belgian citizens want to come back now, so a lot of repat flights are being organized. Example:
https://www.aviation24.be/airlines/tui- ... o-belgium/

With the absence of tour operator pax, Belgians who have a second residence there can find cheap tickets today...

Thx for the info, but unfortunately situation changes quickly.

In France, Germany now request test and potential quarantine for passengers, arriving from Ile de France (Paris Region) and Provence Aples Cote d'Azur (where Marseille and Nice are located). The two French Regions which have the highest air link services btw Germany and France. I won't be surprised if more countries follow and the impact of airlines will be probably important


Germany issues travel warning for Paris area, French Riviera

Those entering Germany from ‘risk’ areas will be subject to testing and potential quarantine.

https://www.politico.com/news/2020/08/2 ... ris-401084

[sn26567]

Daily review:

Air Austral (based in French island of Reunion) is extending the suspension of its flights to Asia and its regional network until at least 30 September 2020.

American Airlines will cut 19,000 employees in October 2020 when federal aid that protected those jobs expires and the pandemic continues to devastate travel demand.

Delta Air Lines will furlough 1,941 pilots in October 2020 because it sees little chance of improvement in the bleak outlook for commercial flying over the next six months.

Emirates and Etihad have again asked cabin crew to take voluntary unpaid leave as they try to manage the impact from the pandemic.

ExpressJet to end its contract with United Airlines on 30 September 2020, due to the uncertainty of airline passenger travel as a result of the continuing pandemic.

Grupo Aeromexico has put almost all of its assets as collateral for the US$1 billion financing that will allow it to continue operating, and has until 31 December 2020 to negotiate permanent reductions in labor costs with its four unions.

Qantas plans to cut up to 2,500 jobs by outsourcing its Australian ground handling operations to lower costs as it braces for a US$7.1 billion hit to revenue due to the pandemic this financial year.

Indonesia’s Bali Governor says the island will not be opened for international tourism until the end of 2020.

[Passenger]

For these people, the travel advisories green/orange/red in Belgium and green/yellow/orange/red in the Netherlands don't apply:

European Council - Covid-19 - specific categories of travellers with an essential function or need:

1. Healthcare professionals, health researchers, and elderly care professionals;
2. Frontier workers;
3. Seasonal workers in agriculture;
4. Transport personnel;
5. Diplomats, staff of international organisations and people invited by international organisations whose physical presence is required for the well-functioning of these organisations, military personnel and humanitarian aid workers and civil protection personnel in the exercise of their functions;
6. Passengers in transit;
7. Passengers travelling for imperative family reasons;
8. Seafarers;
9. Persons in need of international protection or for other humanitarian reasons;
10. Third-country nationals travelling for the purpose of study;
11. Highly qualified third-country workers if their employment is necessary from an economic perspective and the work cannot be postponed or performed abroad.

[rwandan-flyer]

Belgium bans travel to Paris, Marseille and other 'red zones' in France

Belgium has added parts of France to its 'banned list' for travel, meaning that non-essential is not possible to these areas.

https://www.forum-aviation.com/post98342.html#p98342

[sn26567]

Daily review:

AirAsia Group said domestic markets will be its focus for the remaining months of 2020, as short-haul demand is rebounding. The carrier wants to recover its domestic capacity to 70-75% by 4Q 2020.

Biman Bangladesh has yet again extended the suspension of all international flights – except to Dubai, London, and Kuala Lumpur – till 15 September. Fights to Kolkata, Delhi, Kuwait, and Manchester will remain suspended till 30 September 2020.

Spirit Airlines pilots’ union said it reached an agreement with the company that will avoid involuntary furloughs of around 600 pilots when federal aid that has helped protect airline jobs runs out in October 2020.

[sn26567]

Daily review:

AAPAreports Asia Pacific airlines carried only 844,000 international passengers in July 2020, down 97%, with seat capacity at 8.3%, and 33.2% average international PLF.

Azores Airlines has temporarily suspended direct connections from 01 September 2020 between Terceira and Boston, and Terceira to Toronto route, due to low occupancy rates.

Royal Air Maroc has sent dismissal letters to 140 workers, out of a total of 2,300 employees that the company has, as a measure to face the impact of the economic crisis.

Volaris Costa Rica plans to restart operations from Central America to Mexico and the US on 01 December 2020.

US White House is considering whether it can take action to prevent thousands of job losses in the airline industry a month before the election if it cannot reach a deal with Congress on a broader package of additional pandemic relief.

[sn26567]

EGYPTAIR announces that effective Tuesday, September 1st 2020, it will apply the decision of banning the entry of passengers of all nationalities, including Egyptians, without a negative PCR Test Certificate for COVID-19.

[sn26567]

Daily review:

Avianca announced that as of next week it will partially resume its operations in Colombia with 20 A320s and ATR72s operating on 14 routes.

Fitch Ratings says global aircraft lessors face elevated impairment risk from current technology passenger widebody aircraft, given a longer and deeper pandemic-driven decline in international air travel relative to domestic travel and a smaller user base than narrowbody aircraft.

LATAM (Chile) will increase its offer of domestic flights in September 2020 and restart local operations in Colombia after the forced suspension due to the pandemic.

United Airlines is preparing for the biggest pilot furloughs of its history after announcing the need to cut 2,850 pilot jobs in 2020, or about 21% of the total, without further US government aid.

WestJet plans to restart non-stop flights from Calgary to London and Paris in August 2020 as it slowly increases the number of flights it offers in summer 2020.

Bolivia will reopen its airspace in September 2020, among other measures to ease the quarantine that has been in force in the country for five months.

Thai government is set to offer US$769 million in loans to seven local airlines to help them counter the blow from the coronavirus outbreak as authorities firm up plans to revive tourism by gradually easing travel restrictions. The carriers may get loans from state banks, led by the Export-Import Bank of Thailand, for a five-year period.

[sn26567]

Daily review:

Lessor Avation is now seeking to reposition or sell eight ATR72s, after coming back on lease from Virgin Australia. The other five aircraft that were with the carrier have been placed or sold.

Azul may forego a bailout package offered by BNDES, as the company believes it will be able to get credit at more favorable terms in the private sector.

Emirates announces the resumption of passenger services to Lusaka from Dubai effective 04 September 2020 with B777-300ER.

Emirates has received US$2 billion from the government of Dubai as it faces a cash crunch caused by the pandemic, according to a bond prospectus.

Kite Air may not obtain approval from the government of Vietnam to get licensed, as the state is concerned about recovery in the market amid the pandemic.

LEVEL plans to resume Barcelona – New York JFK service on 11 September 2020 with A330-200.

Lufthansa now reportedly plans to cut up to 42,000 jobs instead of 22,000. The carrier has denied the report, but the Board wants to discuss further cost-cutting measures in September 2020.

Nepal Airlines plans to resume scheduled International service in early September 2020 from Kathmandu to Dubai, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, and Tokyo Narita.

Norwegian aims to streamline its AOC structure and group structure as it looks to restructure amid losses. Norwegian to divest as maybe as many as 17 leased B787s, who are owned by the now shareholders of the airline.

Singapore Airlines will operate 13% more flights in November 2020, with frequency increases on at least eight routes including daily flights to Sydney and Melbourne.

Turkmenistan Airlines extended the restrictions on flights until the end of September 2020 due to the pandemic.

Ukraine International Airlines will cancel nine routes and reduce flight frequencies to six destinations for a month, after the government decided to close its borders to foreign citizens due to the pandemic.

Viva Air plans to resume operations on 01 September 2020 with 18 available routes.

Hungary will close its borders to non-residents from 01 September 2020 to try and curb the increasing number of coronavirus cases.

Samoa halts all international flights temporarily, effective immediately, due to a second wave of the coronavirus.

[sn26567]

Daily review:

Air France-KLM intends to strengthen its equity by May 2021 if market conditions linked to the pandemic allow it, and announces the early repayment of the balance of a loan of €600 million taken in 2015.

AirAsia Group has laid off around 6,000 of its workers as a result of the worsening of the aviation industry due to the pandemic. The airline asked for restrictions on flights between countries to be opened immediately, so that the layoffs would not continue.

Hawaiian Airlines announced a shocking amount of furloughs that will go into effect by 01 October 2020 after another delay by the state in the pre-travel testing programme.

Korean Air will convert two of its passenger B777-300ERs into cargo planes upon government approval to meet growing demand amid the pandemic. More conversations may follow.

Norwegian postpones negotiations with United Aircraft to buy up to 40 SSJ100s amid the pandemic.

Turkish Airlines agreed with a union to cut pilot wages by half through 2021 and reduce salaries for other workers to help mitigate the impact of the pandemic on air travel.

Wings of Lebanon has suspended operations due to the pandemic and the economic environment in the country. The sole B737-700, serial 35277, was returned to its lessor.

Bolivia will authorize flights from Spain and the US from 01 September 2020. Flights to Colombia and Peru is still on hold.

China’s aviation regulator said it would scrap the 75% cap on load factors for some international flights if no incoming passengers test positive for coronavirus for three weeks.

India has extended the suspension on scheduled commercial international flights to and from India till end-September 2020.

Namibia’s government said the country would reopen to foreign visitors from 01 September 2020.

[Duke]

For these people, the travel advisories green/orange/red in Belgium and green/yellow/orange/red in the Netherlands don't apply:

European Council - Covid-19 - specific categories of travellers with an essential function or need:


7. Passengers travelling for imperative family reasons;


11. Highly qualified third-country workers if their employment is necessary from an economic perspective and the work cannot be postponed or performed abroad.

As from Friday, the whole of Spain will be red.
This means basically that only essential travel is allowed, like the examples given above
My question is : will gate agents doing the check-in at the counter of the airport or at the gate check those reasons? How could I prove for instance that I'm travelling to visit my deadly ill sister living in Malaga?
Can an airline refuse a person to fly when they consider the flight as non-essential?
Are check-in agents allowed to ask for the reasons of travel? What about privacy or GDPR?
Regards,

Duke

[sn26567]

For these people, the travel advisories green/orange/red in Belgium and green/yellow/orange/red in the Netherlands don't apply:

European Council - Covid-19 - specific categories of travellers with an essential function or need:

7. Passengers travelling for imperative family reasons;

11. Highly qualified third-country workers if their employment is necessary from an economic perspective and the work cannot be postponed or performed abroad.

As from Friday, the whole of Spain will be red.
This means basically that only essential travel is allowed, like the examples given above
My question is : will gate agents doing the check-in at the counter of the airport or at the gate check those reasons? How could I prove for instance that I'm travelling to visit my deadly ill sister living in Malaga?
Can an airline refuse a person to fly when they consider the flight as non-essential?
Are check-in agents allowed to ask for the reasons of travel? What about privacy or GDPR?
Regards,

Duke

Only police is making those checks, but they are not always present everywhere, hence you could sometimes go to your plane without any check of your reasons for travelling. The gate agents will not stop you, and they are not allowed to do it. But if you travel to a red zone without any valid reason and you are checked by police, they can not only stop you from travelling, but also fine you (minimum €250).

By the way, Tenerife remains possible in Spain. Only Tenerife.

[sn26567]

Daily review:

Aer Lingus may shift transatlantic services from Shannon to the UK as it continues to grapple with travel restrictions.

Qatar Airways has struck a deal with Airbus to delay delivery of aeroplanes due to the downturn but remains in talks with Boeing about deferrals.

Solomon Airlines has confirmed the company will regrettably reduce its workforce by approximately 20% making 59 staff positions redundant due to the prolonged impact of the pandemic.

Malawi to welcome back international flights from 01 September 2020 on a limited basis until further notice.

US President Donald Trump said his administration would help US airlines facing sharp downturns in passenger traffic as a result of the novel pandemic, but gave no details.

[Duke]

Only police is making those checks, but they are not always present everywhere, hence you could sometimes go to your plane without any check of your reasons for travelling. The gate agents will not stop you, and they are not allowed to do it. But if you travel to a red zone without any valid reason and you are checked by police, they can not only stop you from travelling, but also fine you (minimum €250).

By the way, Tenerife remains possible in Spain. Only Tenerife.

Suppose I have a valid Economy Flex booking on a flight to Spain next week, for a non-essential travel, can i ask for a refund or can I change my destination?
Is the change of color of Spain a reason to cancel and to have a full refund? How do I have to do that?
But I might also want to chance my flight to e.g. Portugal.
Is this possible?
Regards,

Duke

[sn26567]

Suppose I have a valid Economy Flex booking on a flight to Spain next week, for a non-essential travel, can i ask for a refund or can I change my destination?
Is the change of color of Spain a reason to cancel and to have a full refund? How do I have to do that?
But I might also want to chance my flight to e.g. Portugal.
Is this possible?
Regards,

Duke

You can do all of that if you have a ticket on a flight to a red zone: ask for a refund (takes time), ask for a voucher (immediate), change your flight for a later date or another destination.

[Duke]

Brussels Airlines doesn't fully refund booked tickets to Spain, not even Flex tickets.
I havea Flex ticket Brussels-Malaga r/t from September 8 till September 12.
When I don't fly, it is considered a voluntary annulation, and it will still cost me € 140,00, because technically the fligth is still operating, and as so not canceled...
Great way to earn money if you ask me...
Regards,

Duke

[sean1982]

Brussels Airlines doesn't fully refund booked tickets to Spain, not even Flex tickets.
I havea Flex ticket Brussels-Malaga r/t from September 8 till September 12.
When I don't fly, it is considered a voluntary annulation, and it will still cost me € 140,00, because technically the fligth is still operating, and as so not canceled...
Great way to earn money if you ask me...
Regards,

Duke

Wow, how not to do customer service ...

[sn26567]

Daily review:

EgyptAir reports monthly losses due to operating conditions in light of the pandemic range between US$31-38 million, with a loss of $189 million for the quarter ending 01 July 2020. A US$126 million loan from the government was disbursed, while a $189 million bank loan is expected soon.

Embraer announced a 4,5% adjustment to its global workforce, which corresponds to approximately 900 employees in Brazil.

Eurowings to operate fewer than 50 planes from September 2020. The five A320neos due in 2021 are still not confirmed.

LOT Polish Airlines will need external support to stabilise the company’s financial situation, says Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of State Assets, Jacek Sasin.

Norwegian has recently entered into a new dialogue with the Norwegian authorities about potential support for the airline, but there is no guarantee that Norway will participate. SAS, Norwegian and Wideroe will meet with the Norwegian authorities next week to ask for a cash grant amid the downturn.

Ryanair will readjust operation in Portugal during winter 2020/21 and proceed with a complaint against aid to SATA.

Saudia said international flights remain “suspended until further notice,” except for return flights for residents departing from the Kingdom.

United Airlines has informed approximately 15,000 employees of the need to furlough them, effective from 01 October 2020.

Guatemala announced a reopening date for its commercial aviation activity, 18 September 2020.

Peru to resume international flights on 01 October 2020, but with conditions.

[Passenger]

Brussels Airlines doesn't fully refund booked tickets to Spain, not even Flex tickets.
I havea Flex ticket Brussels-Malaga r/t from September 8 till September 12.
When I don't fly, it is considered a voluntary annulation, and it will still cost me € 140,00, because technically the fligth is still operating, and as so not canceled...
Great way to earn money if you ask me...
Regards,
Duke

The above charge is not in line with the policy that Brussels Airlines announces for rebookings:

Tickets booked on or before 31 August 2020
If you hold a Brussels Airlines ticket with an original travel date on or before 30 April 2021 and you want to postpone your travel plans, you can keep the value of your ticket without having to commit to a new travel date right away. You can rebook your flight for a new travel date until 31 December 2021 included.
Your one-time rebooking includes:
Changing your travel dates
Changing your departure airport
Changing your arrival airport
This one-time rebooking is free of charge, which means no change fees need to be paid. However, if there is a fare difference between your rebooking and your original ticket, the fare difference will still be charged. Please make sure to contact us before your original travel dates (and no later than 31 January 2021) if you need a rebooking.
...
Tickets booked on or after 1 September 2020
All tickets booked as from 1 September 2020 can be rebooked without a rebooking fee to a new travel date and/or a new origin/destination. You only pay the fare difference if there is any.

Source:
https://www.brusselsairlines.com/en-be/ ... tions.aspx

[Duke]

Wow, how not to do customer service ...

Well, to be honest, I'm really disappointed.
My wife and daughter booked tickets on Tui for the same period (I didn't, because I'm a Miles and More member and wanted to be a loyal custormer..), and this morning already they got ta mail that the flight was canceled and that they could chose between a new booking or a (full!) refund...
So I do know which airline I'll take when I'm allowed again to go to Spain...

Today I informed to change my booking to another destination... I saw a quite good quote for Faro on the website. I couldn't do the change online however.. After about 25 minutes waiting, I got to speak to a phone operator... The change could be made, but their fare was about € 150,00 more expensive than the online fares. When I asked the reason for this, the answer was that the online fares were promotional fares, and only for new customers, not for changes of already booked tickets...
So, I guess I don't have to give more explanations....
Brussels Airlines and customer service don't match indeed... I'm sure I won't need my Miles & More card anymore in the future...
Regards,

Duke