America's major airlines have warned of a catastrophic aviation crisis in less than 36 hours. The CEOs of several American airlines have warned of a dire transportation and economic consequences, now these warnings are against the 5G technology.

How do 5G threaten airline safety?

Major US airline leaders have warned of a “catastrophic” disruption from the rollout of a brand new 5G service near airports.

Major US airlines warn of a 'calamity' against 5G rollout near airports

The chief executives of major US passenger and cargo carriers have warned of an impending "catastrophic" aviation crisis in less than 36 hours, when two big telecommunication firms are set to deploy new 5G service.

US airlines warns of 'chaos' on 5G rollout

The US telecom industry and the airline industry have been arguing over the potential impact of 5G wireless services on aircrafts. This is in stark contrast to the rollout of new-generation services elsewhere.

5G vs airlines

As many as 3,000 employees or 4.5 per cent of the workforce at United Airlines is down with COVID-19, forcing the airlines to cut back its operations in the near term to “make sure the staffing and resources take care of customers.”

In one day alone at Newark, nearly one-third of our workforce called out sick,” United Chief Executive Officer Scott Kirby wrote Tuesday in a memo to workers. “To those who are out sick or isolating, we wish you a speedy recovery.”

The United is one of the many airlines that have announced to trim its operations as Omicron continues to drive up infections across the world.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-says-over-50-of-europeans-on-track-to-contract-omicron-variant-of-coronavirus-443861">WHO says over 50% of Europeans on track to contract Omicron variant of coronavirus</a>

JetBlue and Alaska have already announced proactive flight cuts due to an unprecedented number of sick calls.

Notably, all the 3,000 employees who have contracted Covid are vaccinated and none of them are hospitalised, Kirby said.

Moreover, he revealed that prior to the airline's vaccine mandate, which took effect in September, more than one United employee was dying from COVID-19 every week, on average.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-is-deltacron-a-new-variant-a-uk-virologist-explains-what-it-could-possibly-be-443546" hreflang="en">COVID-19: Is 'Deltacron' a new variant? A UK virologist explains what it could possibly be</a>

“But we've now gone eight straight weeks with zero COVID-related deaths among our vaccinated employees,” he wrote, noting that based on available data, that means approximately eight to 10 lives were saved by the vaccine requirement.

United was among the first companies in the US that issued mandatory COVID-19 vaccination order for all of its employees.

According to reports, more than 97 per cent of its 67,000 US-based employees had gotten the shots by September.

(With inputs from agencies)

As many as 3,000 employees or 4.5 per cent of the workforce at United Airlines is down with COVID-19, forcing the airlines to cut back its operations in the near term to “make sure the staffing and resources take care of customers.

As many as 3,000 employees or 4.5 per cent of the workforce at United Airlines is down with COVID-19, forcing the airlines to cut back its operations in the near term to “make sure the staffing and resources take care of customers.” In one day alone at Newark, nearly one-third of our workforce called out sick,” United Chief Executive Officer Scott Kirby wrote Tuesday in a memo to workers. “To those who are out sick or isolating, we wish you a speedy recovery.” The United is one of the many airlines that have announced to trim its operations as Omicron continues to drive up infections across the world. Also read | WHO says over 50% of Europeans on track to contract Omicron variant of coronavirus JetBlue and Alaska have already announced proactive flight cuts due to an unprecedented number of sick calls. Notably, all the 3,000 employees who have contracted Covid are vaccinated and none of them are hospitalised, Kirby said. Moreover, he revealed that prior to the airline's vaccine mandate, which took effect in September, more than one United employee was dying from COVID-19 every week, on average. Also read | COVID-19: Is 'Deltacron' a new variant? A UK virologist explains what it could possibly be “But we've now gone eight straight weeks with zero COVID-related deaths among our vaccinated employees,” he wrote, noting that based on available data, that means approximately eight to 10 lives were saved by the vaccine requirement. United was among the first companies in the US that issued mandatory COVID-19 vaccination order for all of its employees. According to reports, more than 97 per cent of its 67,000 US-based employees had gotten the shots by September. (With inputs from agencies)

United Airlines trims its operations as 3,000 employees down with Covid

US telecom companies and airlines have been fighting for weeks over the potential impact of 5g services on aircraft. Here's some background on the dispute and a detailed report on the problems..

United States: Telecom companies and airlines been fighting for weeks

The Indian Aviation industry is cautiously optimistic about the long term future of the sector. Industry leaders are confident about the positive long term future of the Aviation industry.

COVID-19: Airlines are cautiously optimistic about long term future of the Indian Aviation industry

In&nbsp;an effort to keep a check on the spread of Covid, an operator of a main international airport in Ghana said it will impose a penalty on airlines for bringing unvaccinated travellers to the country. &nbsp;

The group that runs Kotoka International Airport in the capital Accra&nbsp;has decided to fine airlines $3,500 for every passenger, who is either not vaccinated against COVID-19 or tests positive upon arrival, Ghana Airports said on Tuesday. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-records-second-omicron-case-virus-surge-in-major-export-hub-436819" hreflang="en">China records second Omicron case; virus surge in major export hub</a>

The directive, which comes into effect with immediate effect, seems to be in response to an earlier health ministry move, which said that all people entering the country need to be vaccinated. &nbsp;

In a statement, EIB President Werner Hoyer, said, "Ghana has taken significant steps to manage the impact of Covid and unlock long-term investment." &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/omicron-is-a-dress-rehearsal-for-the-next-pandemic-436827" hreflang="en">Omicron is a dress rehearsal for the next pandemic</a>

The measure seem to be one of the strictest in Africa. The restrictions come as the European Investment Bank (EIB) has also announced a 75 million euro ($85 million) investment loan to support the country’s response to the pandemic. It seems to be the largest support for a Covid programme in sub-Saharan Africa. &nbsp;

This month, the authorities have also launched a huge Covid vaccination drive to keep a check on the spread of the virus. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

In an effort to keep a check on the spread of Covid, an operator of a main international airport in Ghana said it will impose a penalty on airlines for bringing unvaccinated travellers to the country.

In an effort to keep a check on the spread of Covid, an operator of a main international airport in Ghana said it will impose a penalty on airlines for bringing unvaccinated travellers to the country. The group that runs Kotoka International Airport in the capital Accra has decided to fine airlines $3,500 for every passenger, who is either not vaccinated against COVID-19 or tests positive upon arrival, Ghana Airports said on Tuesday. Also Read: China records second Omicron case; virus surge in major export hub The directive, which comes into effect with immediate effect, seems to be in response to an earlier health ministry move, which said that all people entering the country need to be vaccinated. In a statement, EIB President Werner Hoyer, said, "Ghana has taken significant steps to manage the impact of Covid and unlock long-term investment." Also Read: Omicron is a dress rehearsal for the next pandemic The measure seem to be one of the strictest in Africa. The restrictions come as the European Investment Bank (EIB) has also announced a 75 million euro ($85 million) investment loan to support the country’s response to the pandemic. It seems to be the largest support for a Covid programme in sub-Saharan Africa. This month, the authorities have also launched a huge Covid vaccination drive to keep a check on the spread of the virus. (With inputs from agencies)

Airlines bringing unvaccinated travellers to Ghana airport face hefty fine

Airline reservations to the United States took off immediately after the White House announced the country would reopen to all vaccinated international voyagers starting next week, compelling a welcome -- if challenging -- industry pivot.

The long-awaited US move to welcome back international travellers -- which takes effect Monday -- follows 18 months of restrictions for 33 countries during the worst of the coronavirus pandemic that separated families, impeded business travel and frustrated tourists.

Also Read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/extremely-low-wine-production-in-europe-due-to-bad-weather-426943">&nbsp;'Extremely low' wine production in Europe due to bad weather</a>

Big carriers including Air France, United Airlines and Singapore Airlines are scrambling to meet the sudden surge in demand, adding flights, swapping in bigger planes for smaller ones and redoubling efforts to hire and retain staff.

Just after the White House announcement, British Airways saw a 900 per cent jump in searches for flights and holiday packages to key US destinations compared with the week before.

The day after the announcement, American Airlines garnered a 66 per cent jump in flight reservations to Britain, 40 per cent to Europe and 74 per cent to Brazil.

Competition for seats on November 8 itself was especially intense, as Evelyne and Jean-Michel Desobeau discovered when they booked a trip using frequent flyer miles.

The couple, anxious to see their daughter and son-in-law, had reserved a flight from France to New York for November 2, based on a guess of when the travel ban would be lifted.

But when the date was officially set at November 8, the couple discovered that flying that day would have meant using three times as many miles as the original trip. In the end, they will arrive on November 9, using a more moderate amount of miles.

<h2>More seats, bigger planes&nbsp;</h2>

At Air France, traffic has been gradually returning and "won't change overnight on November 8," said a spokesperson for the carrier.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-is-reopening-to-the-world-after-590-days-of-restricted-access-425806">Australia is reopening to the world after 590 days of restricted access</a>

The French airline has for months flown jets with empty seats. But with demand rising, it recently increased the number of daily flights between New York and Paris from three to five.&nbsp;

For its Houston-Paris trip, Air France is shifting out the Airbus 330 in favour of the Boeing 777, which has more seats. The carrier expects its capacity in terms of US travel to reach 90 per cent of its pre-Covid 19 level in March 2022, up from 65 per cent in October.

Airlines are planning for a modest pullback in January and February after a strong holiday season, but anticipate strong demand in the spring that will intensify in the summer, traditionally the busiest season.

At United Airlines, traffic to Latin America has fully returned to its level from 2019, but the rest of international travel remains at only about 63 per cent.

The US carrier is betting big on a vibrant return to international travel, introducing five new destinations in the spring including in Spain and Norway, adding flights for popular destinations such as Rome and Dublin and reviving service to Frankfurt, Nice and other cities.

<h2>Too few workers?&nbsp;</h2>

The industry also expects a strong, but slower, recovery in travel to Asia.&nbsp;

Singapore Airlines, which benefited from a recent decision by Singaporean authorities to allow quarantine-free travel for a far broader range of travellers from the United States and Canada, anticipates flight frequency from North America to Singapore in December will reach 77 per cent of pre-Covid levels, thanks to the reopening of voyages to Seattle and Vancouver, and for trips like Singapore-Frankfurt-New York.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-mandates-compulsory-covid-jabs-or-weekly-tests-for-private-sector-workers-from-january-426888">US mandates compulsory Covid jabs or weekly tests for private sector workers from January</a>

Burkett Huey, an analyst at Morningstar, said airlines should have enough planes to meet rising demand. But whether there is sufficient staff is "a question mark," he said.

Airlines welcomed the exodus of thousands of employees early in the pandemic. But both American and Southwest have in recent weeks cancelled thousands of flights due in part to meagre staff levels.

Still unclear is the timetable for a robust recovery in business travel, an unknown that affects airline planning.

Traditionally, airlines fly wide body planes across the Atlantic on busy routes to provide comfortable seats for business travellers, and then organize smaller planes for touristic destinations.

But if business travellers are late to come back, airlines could decide to plan more direct flights using the newer narrow body jets with longer range.

Airline reservations to the United States took off immediately after the White House announced the country would reopen to all vaccinated international voyagers starting next week, compelling a welcome -- if challenging -- industry pivot.

Airline reservations to the United States took off immediately after the White House announced the country would reopen to all vaccinated international voyagers starting next week, compelling a welcome -- if challenging -- industry pivot. The long-awaited US move to welcome back international travellers -- which takes effect Monday -- follows 18 months of restrictions for 33 countries during the worst of the coronavirus pandemic that separated families, impeded business travel and frustrated tourists. Also Read | 'Extremely low' wine production in Europe due to bad weather Big carriers including Air France, United Airlines and Singapore Airlines are scrambling to meet the sudden surge in demand, adding flights, swapping in bigger planes for smaller ones and redoubling efforts to hire and retain staff. Just after the White House announcement, British Airways saw a 900 per cent jump in searches for flights and holiday packages to key US destinations compared with the week before. The day after the announcement, American Airlines garnered a 66 per cent jump in flight reservations to Britain, 40 per cent to Europe and 74 per cent to Brazil. Competition for seats on November 8 itself was especially intense, as Evelyne and Jean-Michel Desobeau discovered when they booked a trip using frequent flyer miles. The couple, anxious to see their daughter and son-in-law, had reserved a flight from France to New York for November 2, based on a guess of when the travel ban would be lifted. But when the date was officially set at November 8, the couple discovered that flying that day would have meant using three times as many miles as the original trip. In the end, they will arrive on November 9, using a more moderate amount of miles. More seats, bigger planes At Air France, traffic has been gradually returning and "won't change overnight on November 8," said a spokesperson for the carrier. Also Read | Australia is reopening to the world after 590 days of restricted access The French airline has for months flown jets with empty seats. But with demand rising, it recently increased the number of daily flights between New York and Paris from three to five. For its Houston-Paris trip, Air France is shifting out the Airbus 330 in favour of the Boeing 777, which has more seats. The carrier expects its capacity in terms of US travel to reach 90 per cent of its pre-Covid 19 level in March 2022, up from 65 per cent in October. Airlines are planning for a modest pullback in January and February after a strong holiday season, but anticipate strong demand in the spring that will intensify in the summer, traditionally the busiest season. At United Airlines, traffic to Latin America has fully returned to its level from 2019, but the rest of international travel remains at only about 63 per cent. The US carrier is betting big on a vibrant return to international travel, introducing five new destinations in the spring including in Spain and Norway, adding flights for popular destinations such as Rome and Dublin and reviving service to Frankfurt, Nice and other cities. Too few workers? The industry also expects a strong, but slower, recovery in travel to Asia. Singapore Airlines, which benefited from a recent decision by Singaporean authorities to allow quarantine-free travel for a far broader range of travellers from the United States and Canada, anticipates flight frequency from North America to Singapore in December will reach 77 per cent of pre-Covid levels, thanks to the reopening of voyages to Seattle and Vancouver, and for trips like Singapore-Frankfurt-New York. Also Read | US mandates compulsory Covid jabs or weekly tests for private sector workers from January Burkett Huey, an analyst at Morningstar, said airlines should have enough planes to meet rising demand. But whether there is sufficient staff is "a question mark," he said. Airlines welcomed the exodus of thousands of employees early in the pandemic. But both American and Southwest have in recent weeks cancelled thousands of flights due in part to meagre staff levels. Still unclear is the timetable for a robust recovery in business travel, an unknown that affects airline planning. Traditionally, airlines fly wide body planes across the Atlantic on busy routes to provide comfortable seats for business travellers, and then organize smaller planes for touristic destinations. But if business travellers are late to come back, airlines could decide to plan more direct flights using the newer narrow body jets with longer range.

Airlines gear up for travel surge as US reopens

US airlines are preparing for long lines of travellers when the United States lifts its international travel restrictions for fully vaccinated travelers on November 8.

Airlines brace for early ‘long lines’ when US lifts COVID-19 travel restrictions

Getting standardized rules for international travelers amid the coronavirus pandemic is the biggest hurdle for Latin American airlines, with their recovery threatened by a lack of consensus among health authorities, industry leaders have said.

Recovery of Latin American airlines threatened by lack of consensus among health authorities

Across the globe, COVID-19 has brought to their knees many industries crucial to the survival of people, countries, and economies.

The aviation industry was among the hardest hit, as the virus gripped the travel and tourism industries. While the world is recovering from the deadly virus, this industry is also working to rebuild itself.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/durian-fruit-triggers-gas-leak-alert-in-canberra-421755" hreflang="en">Durian fruit triggers 'gas leak' alert in Canberra</a>

Airlines are using a variety of methods to get back on track, with discounts, cheap fares remaining to be the most widespread and well-known way of attracting customers.

However, a budget airline located in Japan, Osaka has taken the most creative and unconventional approach in the aviation industry. Observing the popularity of 'Gachapon' or 'Gashapon,' a vending machine that dispenses capsule toys, Peach Aviation Limited developed a vending machine that holds the potential of getting the airlines its much-needed boost.

In Japan, gachapon machines are extremely popular. Random capsules with cute Japanese collectables are dispensed by these machines. Japanese people are enthralled by the thrill of not knowing what they will receive each time.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/facebook-plans-on-hiring-10000-people-in-eu-to-work-on-metaverse-421830" hreflang="en">Facebook plans on hiring 10,000 people in EU to work on metaverse</a>

Peach Aviation Limited has incorporated this very thrill. The airlines have modified these popular vending machines and adjusted the dispenser so that instead of toys and collectables, capsules containing a variety of destinations are given out.

In essence, this out of the box marketing move involves giving travellers a capsule, which will contain a surprise travel destination.

One go at the machine costs 5,000 Japanese yen or $44, and customers receive 6,000 &nbsp;Japanese yen i.e., $53&nbsp;worth of mileage points. These points can only be used towards the destination they won. The airline has arranged tours for areas such as Sapporo, Nagoya, Fukuoka, and Naha through its domestic flights.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/with-230-billion-net-worth-musk-is-now-richer-than-gates-and-buffett-combined-421742" hreflang="en">With $230 billion net worth, Musk is now richer than Gates and Buffett combined</a>

These points can then be exchanged for airfare using the code printed on a piece of paper inside the capsule. In addition, they get a miniature badge and a mission for when they reach their destination.&nbsp;

Although some employees thought the promotion idea wouldn't work, the vending machine idea proved to be a success in Japan. The airline has already sold around 3,000 capsules in the past few months, with sales averaging 150 a day, according to official data.&nbsp;

Across the globe, COVID-19 has brought to their knees many industries crucial to the survival of people, countries, and economies. The aviation industry was among the hardest hit, as the virus gripped the travel and tourism industries.

Across the globe, COVID-19 has brought to their knees many industries crucial to the survival of people, countries, and economies. The aviation industry was among the hardest hit, as the virus gripped the travel and tourism industries. While the world is recovering from the deadly virus, this industry is also working to rebuild itself. Also read | Durian fruit triggers 'gas leak' alert in Canberra Airlines are using a variety of methods to get back on track, with discounts, cheap fares remaining to be the most widespread and well-known way of attracting customers. However, a budget airline located in Japan, Osaka has taken the most creative and unconventional approach in the aviation industry. Observing the popularity of 'Gachapon' or 'Gashapon,' a vending machine that dispenses capsule toys, Peach Aviation Limited developed a vending machine that holds the potential of getting the airlines its much-needed boost. In Japan, gachapon machines are extremely popular. Random capsules with cute Japanese collectables are dispensed by these machines. Japanese people are enthralled by the thrill of not knowing what they will receive each time. Also read | Facebook plans on hiring 10,000 people in EU to work on metaverse Peach Aviation Limited has incorporated this very thrill. The airlines have modified these popular vending machines and adjusted the dispenser so that instead of toys and collectables, capsules containing a variety of destinations are given out. In essence, this out of the box marketing move involves giving travellers a capsule, which will contain a surprise travel destination. One go at the machine costs 5,000 Japanese yen or $44, and customers receive 6,000 Japanese yen i.e., $53 worth of mileage points. These points can only be used towards the destination they won. The airline has arranged tours for areas such as Sapporo, Nagoya, Fukuoka, and Naha through its domestic flights. Also read | With $230 billion net worth, Musk is now richer than Gates and Buffett combined These points can then be exchanged for airfare using the code printed on a piece of paper inside the capsule. In addition, they get a miniature badge and a mission for when they reach their destination. Although some employees thought the promotion idea wouldn't work, the vending machine idea proved to be a success in Japan. The airline has already sold around 3,000 capsules in the past few months, with sales averaging 150 a day, according to official data.

Japan airlines' surprise ticket gapachon machine helps boost sales

Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has suspended flights to Kabul&nbsp;after what it termed as 'heavy handed' interference by Taliban authorities, including arbitrary rule changes and intimidation of staff.

"We are suspending our flight operations to Kabul from today because of the heavy handedness of the authorities," a spokesman said.

The suspension came after the Taliban government ordered the airline to cut ticket prices.

Earlier, the Taliban warned PIA and Afghan carrier Kam Air that their Afghan operations risked being blocked unless they agreed to cut ticket prices.

The Afghan transport ministry, in a statement said that the prices on the route should "be adjusted to correspond with the conditions of a ticket before the victory of the Islamic Emirate" or the flights would be stopped.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pushbacks-against-afghan-refugees-surge-in-eastern-turkey-420671">Also read |&nbsp;Pushbacks against Afghan refugees surge in Eastern Turkey</a>

Flights between Afghanistan and Pakistan have been severely limited since Kabul airport was reopened last month. This is because of the chaotic evacuation of more than 100,000 Westerners and vulnerable Afghans following the Taliban victory.

PIA runs chartered flights to Kabul rather than regular commercial services. It said that it had maintained the flights on "humanitarian grounds" and faced insurance premiums of as much as $400,000 per flight.

"The insurance premiums on these flights are so high that it is simply impossible to operate scheduled flights to Kabul, as it is still considered a war zone by aircraft insurance companies and lessors," the company said in a statement.

No comment was immediately available from Kam Air.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/imran-khan-wants-isi-chief-faiz-hameed-to-continue-amid-differences-with-pakistan-army-420325">Also read |&nbsp;Imran Khan wants ISI chief Faiz Hameed to continue amid differences with Pakistan Army</a>

PIA also said that ever since the new Taliban government was formed, its staff in Kabul had faced last-minute changes in regulations and flight permissions and "highly intimidating behaviour" from Taliban commanders. It further said that its country representative had been held at gunpoint for hours at one point and was only freed after the Pakistan embassy in Kabul intervened.

Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has suspended flights to Kabul after what it termed as 'heavy handed' interference by Taliban authorities, including arbitrary rule changes and intimidation of staff.

Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has suspended flights to Kabul after what it termed as 'heavy handed' interference by Taliban authorities, including arbitrary rule changes and intimidation of staff. "We are suspending our flight operations to Kabul from today because of the heavy handedness of the authorities," a spokesman said. The suspension came after the Taliban government ordered the airline to cut ticket prices. Earlier, the Taliban warned PIA and Afghan carrier Kam Air that their Afghan operations risked being blocked unless they agreed to cut ticket prices. The Afghan transport ministry, in a statement said that the prices on the route should "be adjusted to correspond with the conditions of a ticket before the victory of the Islamic Emirate" or the flights would be stopped. Also read | Pushbacks against Afghan refugees surge in Eastern Turkey Flights between Afghanistan and Pakistan have been severely limited since Kabul airport was reopened last month. This is because of the chaotic evacuation of more than 100,000 Westerners and vulnerable Afghans following the Taliban victory. PIA runs chartered flights to Kabul rather than regular commercial services. It said that it had maintained the flights on "humanitarian grounds" and faced insurance premiums of as much as $400,000 per flight. "The insurance premiums on these flights are so high that it is simply impossible to operate scheduled flights to Kabul, as it is still considered a war zone by aircraft insurance companies and lessors," the company said in a statement. No comment was immediately available from Kam Air. Also read | Imran Khan wants ISI chief Faiz Hameed to continue amid differences with Pakistan Army PIA also said that ever since the new Taliban government was formed, its staff in Kabul had faced last-minute changes in regulations and flight permissions and "highly intimidating behaviour" from Taliban commanders. It further said that its country representative had been held at gunpoint for hours at one point and was only freed after the Pakistan embassy in Kabul intervened.

Pakistan International Airlines suspends Afghan operations due to Taliban interference

Now that India's national airline has been sold off to a private group its employees are left with questions about their leave encashment, medical benefits, and accommodation.

Air India employees left with questions after airline sold off to private group

Air carriers'&nbsp;association IATA said on Monday that the global net aviation industry losses are expected to come in at $11.6 billion in 2022, down from $51.8 billion on a year-on-year basis.

"The magnitude of the COVID-19 crisis for airlines is enormous. Over the 2020-2022 period, total losses could top $200 billion. To survive, the airlines have dramatically cut costs and adapted their business to whatever opportunities are available, " said IATA`s Director General, Willie Walsh.

"That will see the $137.7 billion loss of 2020 reduce to $52 billion this year. And by 2022, that figure will have dropped to $12 billion.We are well past the deepest point of the crisis. While serious issues remain, the path to recovery is coming into view. Aviation is demonstrating its resilience yet again," Walsh added.

According to IATA, domestic travel demand will near pre-crisis levels in 2022.

However, the association pointed out that challenge remains in international markets, which are still severely depressed as government-imposed restrictions continue.

"People have not lost their desire to travel as we see in solid domestic market resilience. But they are being held back from international travel by restrictions, uncertainty and complexity. More governments are seeing vaccinations as a way out of this crisis.

"We fully agree that vaccinated people should not have their freedom of movement limited in any way. In fact, the freedom to travel is a good incentive for more people to be vaccinated. Governments must work together and do everything in their power to ensure that vaccines are available to anybody who wants them," Walsh added.&nbsp;

Air carriers' association IATA said on Monday that the global net aviation industry losses are expected to come in at $11.6 billion in 2022, down from $51.8 billion on a year-on-year basis.

Air carriers' association IATA said on Monday that the global net aviation industry losses are expected to come in at $11.6 billion in 2022, down from $51.8 billion on a year-on-year basis. "The magnitude of the COVID-19 crisis for airlines is enormous. Over the 2020-2022 period, total losses could top $200 billion. To survive, the airlines have dramatically cut costs and adapted their business to whatever opportunities are available, " said IATA`s Director General, Willie Walsh. "That will see the $137.7 billion loss of 2020 reduce to $52 billion this year. And by 2022, that figure will have dropped to $12 billion.We are well past the deepest point of the crisis. While serious issues remain, the path to recovery is coming into view. Aviation is demonstrating its resilience yet again," Walsh added. According to IATA, domestic travel demand will near pre-crisis levels in 2022. However, the association pointed out that challenge remains in international markets, which are still severely depressed as government-imposed restrictions continue. "People have not lost their desire to travel as we see in solid domestic market resilience. But they are being held back from international travel by restrictions, uncertainty and complexity. More governments are seeing vaccinations as a way out of this crisis. "We fully agree that vaccinated people should not have their freedom of movement limited in any way. In fact, the freedom to travel is a good incentive for more people to be vaccinated. Governments must work together and do everything in their power to ensure that vaccines are available to anybody who wants them," Walsh added.

Global airlines' net losses expected at $11.6 bn in 2022: IATA

In a recent development, SkyUp airline, which is a Ukrainian airline, has decided to replace the old uniform from next month with a very comfortable alternative.

In a recent development, SkyUp airline, which is a Ukrainian airline, has decided to replace the old uniform from next month with a very comfortable alternative. The airline has decided to get away with high heels, skirts and tight blouses and has replaced them with trainers, loose orange jackets and trousers. However, for Ukrainians, it is a sign that some of the old traditions are being swept away. SkyUp surveyed its crews. It turned out that its female employees were fed up with their high heels, tight blouses and pencil skirts. Flight attendant Daria Solomennaya was quoted by the BBC as saying, "Many of my colleagues are permanent clients of podologists; their toes and toe-nails are constantly damaged by high heels." Talking about wearing high heels, she said, "Twelve hours on your feet, flying from Kyiv to Zanzibar and back. If you wear high heels, you are hardly able to walk afterwards." "That includes four hours of security checks and cleaning." This is not the first time an airline has taken such a step. Several other airlines have already ditched elements of their dress codes that were previously considered standard in the industry. Also read | UK: 15-year-old dies from Covid on day she was scheduled for vaccine Virgin Atlantic allowed their flight attendants to give up make-up. Also, Japan Airlines scrapped obligatory high heels. They also gave their employees the option of trousers instead of pencil skirts. SkyUp head of marketing Marianna Grygorash was quoted by the BBC as saying, "A flight attendant's work is not that romantic. It's hard." "We realised that our female flight attendants didn't want to be seen as "sexualised and playful'." Gender expert Olena Strelnyk said, "The typical image of a stewardess is probably more sexualised and associated with the femininity than any other." This has been the case in Ukraine. However, with time, things seem to be changing.

No more high heels and tight blouses: Ukrainian airline replaces old uniform with comfortable alternatives

Major airlines are rerouting flights to avoid Afghanistan airspace after Taliban insurgents took control of the presidential palace in Kabul as US-led forces departed.

Major airlines including&nbsp;United Airlines, British Airways and Virgin Atlantic said they were not using the country's airspace.

As per a United spokeswoman, the change affects several of the airline's US-to-India flights.

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All commercial flights are suspended at Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul, a statement reads. 
 
The statement calls on the people to avoid crowds at the airport. <a href="https://t.co/qKwM8mFgQ1">pic.twitter.com/qKwM8mFgQ1</a>
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&nbsp;

Flight-tracking website FlightRadar24 showed few commercial flights over Afghanistan at 0300 GMT on Monday but many planes overflying neighbouring Pakistan and Iran.

The US Federal Aviation Administration in July imposed new flight restrictions over Afghanistan for US airlines and other US operators.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/live-chaos-at-kabul-airport-as-us-troops-fire-in-the-air-hundreds-gather-amid-international-evacuation-405858">Also read |&nbsp;Live: Chaos at Kabul airport as US troops fire in the air; hundreds gather amid international evacuation</a>

The FAA said flights operating below 26,000 feet were prohibited in the Kabul Flight Information Region, which largely covers

Afghanistan, unless operating in and out of Hamid Karzai International Airport, citing the risk "posed by extremist/militant activity."

The restrictions do not apply to US military operations.

Other countries, including Canada, Britain, Germany and France had also advised airlines to maintain an altitude of at least 25,000 feet over Afghanistan.

Korean Air Lines said some of its cargo flights were using Afghanistan airspace, though its passenger flights were not.

"Due to the situation in Afghanistan, we are flying our cargo flights at higher altitudes and avoiding flying at lower altitudes," a spokesperson said. "We are closely monitoring the situation and we plan to review shifting our routes if necessary."

Also, the commercial flights set to land in Afghanistan have also been affected by the chaos on the ground.&nbsp;

Emirates has suspended flights to Afghanistan's capital, Kabul, until further notice, the airline said on its website.

Major airlines are rerouting flights to avoid Afghanistan airspace after Taliban insurgents took control of the presidential palace in Kabul as US-led forces departed.

Major airlines are rerouting flights to avoid Afghanistan airspace after Taliban insurgents took control of the presidential palace in Kabul as US-led forces departed. Major airlines including United Airlines, British Airways and Virgin Atlantic said they were not using the country's airspace. As per a United spokeswoman, the change affects several of the airline's US-to-India flights. All commercial flights are suspended at Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul, a statement reads. The statement calls on the people to avoid crowds at the airport. pic.twitter.com/qKwM8mFgQ1 — TOLOnews (@TOLOnews) August 16, 2021 × Flight-tracking website FlightRadar24 showed few commercial flights over Afghanistan at 0300 GMT on Monday but many planes overflying neighbouring Pakistan and Iran. The US Federal Aviation Administration in July imposed new flight restrictions over Afghanistan for US airlines and other US operators. Also read | Live: Chaos at Kabul airport as US troops fire in the air; hundreds gather amid international evacuation The FAA said flights operating below 26,000 feet were prohibited in the Kabul Flight Information Region, which largely covers Afghanistan, unless operating in and out of Hamid Karzai International Airport, citing the risk "posed by extremist/militant activity." The restrictions do not apply to US military operations. Other countries, including Canada, Britain, Germany and France had also advised airlines to maintain an altitude of at least 25,000 feet over Afghanistan. Korean Air Lines said some of its cargo flights were using Afghanistan airspace, though its passenger flights were not. "Due to the situation in Afghanistan, we are flying our cargo flights at higher altitudes and avoiding flying at lower altitudes," a spokesperson said. "We are closely monitoring the situation and we plan to review shifting our routes if necessary." Also, the commercial flights set to land in Afghanistan have also been affected by the chaos on the ground. Emirates has suspended flights to Afghanistan's capital, Kabul, until further notice, the airline said on its website.

Airlines reroute flights to avoid Afghanistan airspace as Taliban enters Kabul

Britain's airlines and holiday companies are planning a 'day of action' on Wednesday to ramp up pressure on the government to ease travel restrictions, with just weeks to go before the start of the peak summer season. 
 
Travel companies, whose finances have been stretched to breaking point during the pandemic, are desperate to avoid another summer lost to COVID-19. But with Britain's strict quarantine requirements still in place that now looks likely. 
 
As the clock ticks down to July, Europe's biggest airline Ryanair and Manchester Airports Group on Thursday launched legal action to try to get the government to ease the rules before the industry's most profitable season starts. 
 
On Wednesday, June 23, pilots, cabin crew and travel agents will gather in Westminster, central London, and at airports across Britain to try to drum up support. 
 
Britain's aviation industry has been harder hit by the pandemic than its European peers, according to data published by pilots trade union BALPA on Sunday. 
 
That showed daily arrivals and departures into the United Kingdom were down 73% on an average day earlier this month compared to before the pandemic, the biggest drop in Europe. Spain, Greece and France were down less than 60%. 
 
UK airports were also badly affected, with traffic in and out of London's second busiest airport Gatwick down 92%, according to the data. 
 
Time is running out for the industry, said the union. 
 
"There is no time to hide behind task forces and reviews," said BALPA general secretary Brian Strutton. 
 
"BALPA is demanding that the UK Government gets its act together and opens the US&nbsp;routes and European holiday travel destinations that it has blocked with no published evidence at all." 
 
Over 45,000 jobs have already been lost in UK aviation, with estimates suggesting that 860,000 aviation, travel and tourism jobs are being sustained only by government furlough schemes. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Britain's airlines and holiday companies are planning a 'day of action' on Wednesday to ramp up pressure on the government to ease travel restrictions, with just weeks to go before the start of the peak summer season.

Britain's airlines and holiday companies are planning a 'day of action' on Wednesday to ramp up pressure on the government to ease travel restrictions, with just weeks to go before the start of the peak summer season. Travel companies, whose finances have been stretched to breaking point during the pandemic, are desperate to avoid another summer lost to COVID-19. But with Britain's strict quarantine requirements still in place that now looks likely. As the clock ticks down to July, Europe's biggest airline Ryanair and Manchester Airports Group on Thursday launched legal action to try to get the government to ease the rules before the industry's most profitable season starts. On Wednesday, June 23, pilots, cabin crew and travel agents will gather in Westminster, central London, and at airports across Britain to try to drum up support. Britain's aviation industry has been harder hit by the pandemic than its European peers, according to data published by pilots trade union BALPA on Sunday. That showed daily arrivals and departures into the United Kingdom were down 73% on an average day earlier this month compared to before the pandemic, the biggest drop in Europe. Spain, Greece and France were down less than 60%. UK airports were also badly affected, with traffic in and out of London's second busiest airport Gatwick down 92%, according to the data. Time is running out for the industry, said the union. "There is no time to hide behind task forces and reviews," said BALPA general secretary Brian Strutton. "BALPA is demanding that the UK Government gets its act together and opens the US routes and European holiday travel destinations that it has blocked with no published evidence at all." Over 45,000 jobs have already been lost in UK aviation, with estimates suggesting that 860,000 aviation, travel and tourism jobs are being sustained only by government furlough schemes. (With inputs from agencies)

Airlines, holiday companies ramp up pressure on Britain to ease travel rules

Airlines re-routed flights to avoid Belarus's airspace on Tuesday and Belarusian planes faced a possible ban from Europe, as international outrage mounted over Minsk forcing down a jetliner and arresting a dissident journalist on board.&nbsp;

Western nations accused Belarus of hijacking and piracy over the interception of the Ryanair plane as it crossed the country on a flight from Greece to Lithuania, and diplomats said France, Ireland and Estonia would raise the incident at a private meeting of the United Nations Security Council on Wednesday.&nbsp;

"The behaviour of the Belarus regime is outrageous, illegal, and completely unacceptable ... we also condemn this kind of dangerous interference in civil aviation," Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau told reporters.&nbsp;

A video released overnight showed 26-year-old Roman Protasevich, who was pulled from the passenger plane after Belarus scrambled a warplane to escort it to Minsk on Sunday, confessing to having organised anti-government demonstrations.&nbsp;

German Chancellor Angela Merkel said the video was 'concerning'. German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko must pay a 'bitter price' for detaining Protasevich.&nbsp;

Exiled Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya said the footage showed Protasevich had been tortured.&nbsp;

"He said that he was treated lawfully, but he's clearly beaten and under pressure. There is no doubt that he was tortured. He was taken hostage," she told a news conference in the Lithuanian capital Vilnius.&nbsp;

Belarus did not immediately comment on the torture allegation but has consistently denied abusing detainees.&nbsp;

Rights groups have documented hundreds of cases of what they describe as abuse and forced confessions during a crackdown on pro-democracy opponents of Lukashenko since last year.&nbsp;

Lukashenko, whose opponents accuse him of rigging an August 2020 election, has so far shrugged off Western sanctions, which mostly consist of barring various officials from travelling or doing business in the United States and EU.&nbsp;

The Belarusian leader enjoys financial and security support from Russia.&nbsp;

The White House said President Joe Biden would discuss the incident with Russian President Vladimir Putin at their summit next month, but added the United States did not believe Moscow had played any role in it.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Belarusian authorities on Tuesday released a transcript of a conversation between the plane and an air traffic controller in which the pilot repeatedly questioned information about the threat before agreeing to land at Minsk.&nbsp;

The transcript, which could not be verified independently, differs from excerpts previously released by Belarus state TV, which had suggested the pilot had asked to land in Minsk, rather than that the controller had advised him to do so.&nbsp;

In response to Minsk's actions, the European air traffic control agency, Eurocontrol, recommended that EU and British carriers that fly over Belarus should re-route via the Baltic states.&nbsp;

Britain also said it was banning Belarusian airlines from entering its airspace.&nbsp;

European Union leaders at a summit on Monday had called for airlines based in the 27-member bloc to halt flights over Belarusian airspace, which is along a major corridor connecting Europe and Asia and earns hard currency from overflight rights.&nbsp;

Lufthansa, KLM, SAS, Air France, LOT and Singapore Airlines were among carriers that announced they would stop flying over Belarus.&nbsp;

Belgium's Charles Michel, who chairs EU summits, tweeted 'Europe in action', with a picture of a flight tracker map of the continent showing no planes flying over Belarus.&nbsp;

EU leaders also directed officials to draw up unspecified new sanctions against Belarus, and to work out a way to ban Belarusian airlines from the bloc's skies.&nbsp;

Belarus's neighbour, Ukraine, announced a ban on flights to or from Belarus, and on its own airlines using Belarusian airspace.&nbsp;

"If we let this go, tomorrow Alexander Lukashenko will go further and do something even more arrogant, more cruel," Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said in a statement.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Airlines re-routed flights to avoid Belarus's airspace on Tuesday and Belarusian planes faced a possible ban from Europe, as international outrage mounted over Minsk forcing down a jetliner and arresting a dissident journalist on board.

Airlines re-routed flights to avoid Belarus's airspace on Tuesday and Belarusian planes faced a possible ban from Europe, as international outrage mounted over Minsk forcing down a jetliner and arresting a dissident journalist on board. Western nations accused Belarus of hijacking and piracy over the interception of the Ryanair plane as it crossed the country on a flight from Greece to Lithuania, and diplomats said France, Ireland and Estonia would raise the incident at a private meeting of the United Nations Security Council on Wednesday. "The behaviour of the Belarus regime is outrageous, illegal, and completely unacceptable ... we also condemn this kind of dangerous interference in civil aviation," Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau told reporters. A video released overnight showed 26-year-old Roman Protasevich, who was pulled from the passenger plane after Belarus scrambled a warplane to escort it to Minsk on Sunday, confessing to having organised anti-government demonstrations. German Chancellor Angela Merkel said the video was 'concerning'. German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko must pay a 'bitter price' for detaining Protasevich. Exiled Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya said the footage showed Protasevich had been tortured. "He said that he was treated lawfully, but he's clearly beaten and under pressure. There is no doubt that he was tortured. He was taken hostage," she told a news conference in the Lithuanian capital Vilnius. Belarus did not immediately comment on the torture allegation but has consistently denied abusing detainees. Rights groups have documented hundreds of cases of what they describe as abuse and forced confessions during a crackdown on pro-democracy opponents of Lukashenko since last year. Lukashenko, whose opponents accuse him of rigging an August 2020 election, has so far shrugged off Western sanctions, which mostly consist of barring various officials from travelling or doing business in the United States and EU. The Belarusian leader enjoys financial and security support from Russia. The White House said President Joe Biden would discuss the incident with Russian President Vladimir Putin at their summit next month, but added the United States did not believe Moscow had played any role in it. Meanwhile, Belarusian authorities on Tuesday released a transcript of a conversation between the plane and an air traffic controller in which the pilot repeatedly questioned information about the threat before agreeing to land at Minsk. The transcript, which could not be verified independently, differs from excerpts previously released by Belarus state TV, which had suggested the pilot had asked to land in Minsk, rather than that the controller had advised him to do so. In response to Minsk's actions, the European air traffic control agency, Eurocontrol, recommended that EU and British carriers that fly over Belarus should re-route via the Baltic states. Britain also said it was banning Belarusian airlines from entering its airspace. European Union leaders at a summit on Monday had called for airlines based in the 27-member bloc to halt flights over Belarusian airspace, which is along a major corridor connecting Europe and Asia and earns hard currency from overflight rights. Lufthansa, KLM, SAS, Air France, LOT and Singapore Airlines were among carriers that announced they would stop flying over Belarus. Belgium's Charles Michel, who chairs EU summits, tweeted 'Europe in action', with a picture of a flight tracker map of the continent showing no planes flying over Belarus. EU leaders also directed officials to draw up unspecified new sanctions against Belarus, and to work out a way to ban Belarusian airlines from the bloc's skies. Belarus's neighbour, Ukraine, announced a ban on flights to or from Belarus, and on its own airlines using Belarusian airspace. "If we let this go, tomorrow Alexander Lukashenko will go further and do something even more arrogant, more cruel," Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said in a statement. (With inputs from agencies)

Airlines re-route to avoid Belarus, opposition says journalist beaten 

A group of US lawmakers is demanding that airlines refrain from outsourcing jobs if they want to be eligible for a third round of federal payroll aid, after learning that United Airlines has sought bids to outsource catering work at five airports.

As United Airlines weighs outsourcing catering, US lawmakers demand new curbs on federal aid

The Australian government unveiled a A$1.2 billion ($928 million) tourism support package aimed at boosting local travel while international routes remain closed because of the coronavirus pandemic.

World Business Watch: Australia unveils $928 mn tourism support package

More than half of the world's airline pilots are no longer flying for a living amid the plunge in demand during the coronavirus pandemic, according to a new survey, and those that are still flying feel less valued by their employers.

A poll of nearly 2,600 pilots by UK-based GOOSE Recruitment and industry publication FlightGlobal, released on Thursday, found only 43% were doing the job they had trained for, with 30% unemployed, 17% furloughed and 10% in non-flying roles.

Many pilots that are still flying have faced deteriorating working conditions. Hong Kong's Cathay Pacific Airways Ltd, for example, instituted permanent pay cuts of up to 58%, and Turkish Airways and Singapore Airlines Ltd have temporarily lowering salaries.

"We can see the effect the pandemic has had on employed pilots too," GOOSE Recruitment chief executive officer and founder Mark Charman said in a statement. "Large numbers are feeling insecure about their jobs, an increased number are planning to look for new roles this year as well as many feeling less valued by their employers."

For the unemployed pilots in the survey, 84% said it was due to the pandemic. Before COVID-19 hit, there had been widespread pilot shortages that had driven up demand for aviators and led to improving pay and conditions.

Now, 82% of unemployed pilots would take a pay cut for a new opportunity, the survey found.

For those that have kept their jobs, pilots in Europe reported being the most stressed by COVID-19, with respondents citing the risk of catching the virus, disjointed rules and the possibility of being placed in quarantine during a rotation as among their concerns.

Forty per cent of pilots said their mental health had been affected by the pandemic, with the figure higher among younger pilots.

"The amount of stress and anxiety the pandemic has caused me has permanently scarred my outlook on life," one surveyed pilot said.

More than half of the world's airline pilots are no longer flying for a living amid the plunge in demand during the coronavirus pandemic, according to a new survey, and those that are still flying feel less valued by their employers.

More than half of the world's airline pilots are no longer flying for a living amid the plunge in demand during the coronavirus pandemic, according to a new survey, and those that are still flying feel less valued by their employers. A poll of nearly 2,600 pilots by UK-based GOOSE Recruitment and industry publication FlightGlobal, released on Thursday, found only 43% were doing the job they had trained for, with 30% unemployed, 17% furloughed and 10% in non-flying roles. Many pilots that are still flying have faced deteriorating working conditions. Hong Kong's Cathay Pacific Airways Ltd, for example, instituted permanent pay cuts of up to 58%, and Turkish Airways and Singapore Airlines Ltd have temporarily lowering salaries. "We can see the effect the pandemic has had on employed pilots too," GOOSE Recruitment chief executive officer and founder Mark Charman said in a statement. "Large numbers are feeling insecure about their jobs, an increased number are planning to look for new roles this year as well as many feeling less valued by their employers." For the unemployed pilots in the survey, 84% said it was due to the pandemic. Before COVID-19 hit, there had been widespread pilot shortages that had driven up demand for aviators and led to improving pay and conditions. Now, 82% of unemployed pilots would take a pay cut for a new opportunity, the survey found. For those that have kept their jobs, pilots in Europe reported being the most stressed by COVID-19, with respondents citing the risk of catching the virus, disjointed rules and the possibility of being placed in quarantine during a rotation as among their concerns. Forty per cent of pilots said their mental health had been affected by the pandemic, with the figure higher among younger pilots. "The amount of stress and anxiety the pandemic has caused me has permanently scarred my outlook on life," one surveyed pilot said.

More than half of the world’s airline pilots no longer flying, finds survey

Gulf Air seeks aircraft delays over COVID-19 pandemic. Airlines have globally pushed back deliveries. Watch this video to know more.

Gulf Air seeks aircraft delays over COVID-19 pandemic

The U.S. Treasury Department on Friday began distributing $15 billion in new payroll assistance to airlines, money allocated by Congress to help more than 32,000 aviation workers return to jobs through at least March 31.

Large airlines receiving assistance must repay 30% of it to the government in 10-year, low-interest loans. They must also issue warrants to the government as part of the assistance and must agree to extend restrictions on executive compensation and a ban on paying dividends and share repurchases through March 2022.

The Treasury said Friday it was initially awarding more than $12 billion in payroll support for major passenger air carriers and had released $6.1 billion on Friday.

Treasury and airline officials said the government plans to release the remaining payroll assistance by the end of March.

Delta Air Lines said it expects to receive $2.9 billion in total aid this round, with $830 million in the form of an unsecured loan. The airline said it received the first installment of $1.4 billion on Friday.

Southwest Airlines said it expected to receive $1.73 billion in total and received $863.7 million on Friday.

The warrants are priced at each airline’s share closing prices on Dec. 24.

Congress in March approved a initial $25 billion in payroll assistance to support airline jobs for six months.

Treasury said Friday it struck agreements with 12 airlines representing nearly 95% of U.S. airline capacity including Alaska Airlines, Allegiant Air, American Airlines, Delta, Frontier Airlines Co, Hawaiian Airlines, JetBlue Airways, Republic Airways, SkyWest Airlines , Southwest, Spirit Airlines, and United Airlines.

Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said the program “will provide additional economic relief for workers, while also protecting taxpayer funds.”

SkyWest said it will receive $233 million in total under the program and received half on Friday.

Last month, American Airlines and United Airlines announced they were recalling tens of thousands of furloughed employees.

American and United together furloughed more than 32,000 workers in October. The new assistance will keep those workers on payrolls through March 31.

Neither airline on Friday immediately disclosed how much they expected to receive from Treasury.

The U.S. Treasury Department on Friday began distributing $15 billion in new payroll assistance to airlines, money allocated by Congress to help more than 32,000 aviation workers return to jobs through at least March 31.

The U.S. Treasury Department on Friday began distributing $15 billion in new payroll assistance to airlines, money allocated by Congress to help more than 32,000 aviation workers return to jobs through at least March 31. Large airlines receiving assistance must repay 30% of it to the government in 10-year, low-interest loans. They must also issue warrants to the government as part of the assistance and must agree to extend restrictions on executive compensation and a ban on paying dividends and share repurchases through March 2022. The Treasury said Friday it was initially awarding more than $12 billion in payroll support for major passenger air carriers and had released $6.1 billion on Friday. Treasury and airline officials said the government plans to release the remaining payroll assistance by the end of March. Delta Air Lines said it expects to receive $2.9 billion in total aid this round, with $830 million in the form of an unsecured loan. The airline said it received the first installment of $1.4 billion on Friday. Southwest Airlines said it expected to receive $1.73 billion in total and received $863.7 million on Friday. The warrants are priced at each airline’s share closing prices on Dec. 24. Congress in March approved a initial $25 billion in payroll assistance to support airline jobs for six months. Treasury said Friday it struck agreements with 12 airlines representing nearly 95% of U.S. airline capacity including Alaska Airlines, Allegiant Air, American Airlines, Delta, Frontier Airlines Co, Hawaiian Airlines, JetBlue Airways, Republic Airways, SkyWest Airlines , Southwest, Spirit Airlines, and United Airlines. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said the program “will provide additional economic relief for workers, while also protecting taxpayer funds.” SkyWest said it will receive $233 million in total under the program and received half on Friday. Last month, American Airlines and United Airlines announced they were recalling tens of thousands of furloughed employees. American and United together furloughed more than 32,000 workers in October. The new assistance will keep those workers on payrolls through March 31. Neither airline on Friday immediately disclosed how much they expected to receive from Treasury.

US Treasury starts distributing $15 billion in payroll aid to airlines

U.S. airlines are on the brink of receiving a four-month extension of a government assistance program that is expected to provide another $17 billion to fund payroll costs, congressional aides told Reuters.

US airlines closing in on new government assistance package

Major airlines are preparing for COVID-19 vaccine airlift, vaccine cargo could help restart flights.

Major airlines prepare for COVID-19 vaccine airlift

A woman in Ukraine took a walk on airplane's wing after opening its emergency exit, apparently becasue she felt 'too hot' inside.

This incident took place on August 31.

A minute-long video of the woman, dressed in a white top and light pink trousers, has gone viral on the social media. The video shows her hanging out on the wing in front of onlookers at Boryspil International Airport in Kiev, before being summoned back on board by the airplane's crew.

The unidentified passenger, who was traveling on a Ukraine International Airlines flight from Antalya, Turkey to the Ukranian capital with her husband and children, was reportedly overheard saying she was "too hot" and needed to cool down.

Her adventurous, unauthorised walk on the wing of the Boeing 737 has seen her banned from all future UIA flights.

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According to a statement from the airline, the woman "was not under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs."

The Ukraine airline said that she may be subject to "an exceptionally high financial penalty in the form of a fine." 
&nbsp;

A woman in Ukraine took a walk on airplane's wing after opening its emergency exit, apparently becasue she felt 'too hot' inside. This incident took place on August 31.

A woman in Ukraine took a walk on airplane's wing after opening its emergency exit, apparently becasue she felt 'too hot' inside. This incident took place on August 31. A minute-long video of the woman, dressed in a white top and light pink trousers, has gone viral on the social media. The video shows her hanging out on the wing in front of onlookers at Boryspil International Airport in Kiev, before being summoned back on board by the airplane's crew. The unidentified passenger, who was traveling on a Ukraine International Airlines flight from Antalya, Turkey to the Ukranian capital with her husband and children, was reportedly overheard saying she was "too hot" and needed to cool down. Her adventurous, unauthorised walk on the wing of the Boeing 737 has seen her banned from all future UIA flights. Only in Ukraine! Woman opens emergency exit door of UIA aircraft “for a walk” #avgeek #avgeeks #aviation #ukraine #kyiv Via @Loontjelaiverd pic.twitter.com/g80fSov4XQ — Menno Swart (@MennoSwart) September 1, 2020 × According to a statement from the airline, the woman "was not under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs." The Ukraine airline said that she may be subject to "an exceptionally high financial penalty in the form of a fine."

An airline passenger felt 'too hot'. So she took a walk on the wing

Chinese goods have&nbsp;already started bleeding Nepal with the country's&nbsp;national carrier grounding Chinese aircraft.

From July 16, the Chinese&nbsp;planes will not fly again. Nepal airlines says it can't afford to fly the planes anymore, therefore, it is cutting its losses.

According to a report, Nepal was forced to buy the planes&nbsp;in a government-to-government deal. The&nbsp;planes have been incurring heavy losses for Nepal ever since they were purchased.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-why-nepal-airlines-is-grounding-chinese-planes-313328/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Nepal had walked into a bad deal and&nbsp;to make matters worst, it was&nbsp;a deal that could have been avoided.&nbsp;Teams from Bangladesh and Nepal had reportedly travelled to China to inspect the aircraft.

Bangladesh had rejected it but Nepal decided to buy the planes and they were fleeced by China. Reports say that Nepal wanted China to gift these planes.

But&nbsp;Beijing told Kathmandu that it will have to buy the aircraft before it could expect a gift. Ultimately, a deal was reached and Nepal agreed to buy six planes and got two more as gifts.

The first batch of these planes has now been grounded.

Chinese goods have already started bleeding Nepal with the country's national carrier grounding Chinese aircraft. From July 16, the Chinese planes will not fly again.

Chinese goods have already started bleeding Nepal with the country's national carrier grounding Chinese aircraft. From July 16, the Chinese planes will not fly again. Nepal airlines says it can't afford to fly the planes anymore, therefore, it is cutting its losses. According to a report, Nepal was forced to buy the planes in a government-to-government deal. The planes have been incurring heavy losses for Nepal ever since they were purchased. Nepal had walked into a bad deal and to make matters worst, it was a deal that could have been avoided. Teams from Bangladesh and Nepal had reportedly travelled to China to inspect the aircraft. Bangladesh had rejected it but Nepal decided to buy the planes and they were fleeced by China. Reports say that Nepal wanted China to gift these planes. But Beijing told Kathmandu that it will have to buy the aircraft before it could expect a gift. Ultimately, a deal was reached and Nepal agreed to buy six planes and got two more as gifts. The first batch of these planes has now been grounded.

Nepal's national carrier grounds Chinese aircraft

COVID-19 has hit demand for air travel across the world including India. The Indian carrier Vistara said that it is in talks with plane makers and leasing companies to delay taking deliveries of some air crafts. Watch report.

COVID-19 has hit demand for air travel: Airlines can fly up to 45% of capacity in India

Emirates laid off more pilots and cabin crew on Wednesday in a second day of redundancies at one of the world's biggest long-haul airlines, three company sources said.

An Emirates spokeswoman declined to comment beyond the airline's statement on Tuesday that said some employees had been laid off. No further details were provided.

The Dubai-based carrier laid off hundreds of pilots and cabin crew on Tuesday in a bid to stave off a cash crunch caused by the coronavirus pandemic, sources told Reuters.

More redundancies were expected this week, including both Airbus A380 and Boeing777 pilots, the sources said on Tuesday.

Those who lost their jobs were told their positions had been made redundant, the sources said.

Aviation is one of the industries worst hit by the fallout from the virus outbreak, with airlines around the world laying off staff and seeking government bailouts.

The state carrier had said in May a promise by the Dubai government to provide Emirates with new equity would allow it to "preserve its skilled workforce."

Emirates has since said it could take it up to four years to resume flights to all 157 destinations it flew to before the pandemic.

The airline has operated limited, mostly outbound services from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) since grounding passenger flights in March, but is due to restart some connecting flights this month after the UAE lifted a suspension.

Emirates Group, the state holding company that includes the airline, has also seen lay offs at its airport services company dnata.

Emirates laid off more pilots and cabin crew on Wednesday in a second day of redundancies at one of the world's biggest long-haul airlines, three company sources said.

Emirates laid off more pilots and cabin crew on Wednesday in a second day of redundancies at one of the world's biggest long-haul airlines, three company sources said. An Emirates spokeswoman declined to comment beyond the airline's statement on Tuesday that said some employees had been laid off. No further details were provided. The Dubai-based carrier laid off hundreds of pilots and cabin crew on Tuesday in a bid to stave off a cash crunch caused by the coronavirus pandemic, sources told Reuters. More redundancies were expected this week, including both Airbus A380 and Boeing777 pilots, the sources said on Tuesday. Those who lost their jobs were told their positions had been made redundant, the sources said. Aviation is one of the industries worst hit by the fallout from the virus outbreak, with airlines around the world laying off staff and seeking government bailouts. The state carrier had said in May a promise by the Dubai government to provide Emirates with new equity would allow it to "preserve its skilled workforce." Emirates has since said it could take it up to four years to resume flights to all 157 destinations it flew to before the pandemic. The airline has operated limited, mostly outbound services from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) since grounding passenger flights in March, but is due to restart some connecting flights this month after the UAE lifted a suspension. Emirates Group, the state holding company that includes the airline, has also seen lay offs at its airport services company dnata.

Emirates airline redundancies continue for second day: Sources

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has ordered aviation authorities to restructure the cash-strapped national flag carrier PIA which is making losses worth USD 3.68 million per month, according to an official statement.

Khan said this while presiding over a meeting on the aviation sector on Monday in the backdrop of the recent Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) plane crash in Karachi that claimed 98 lives.

"Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the country''s economy is facing difficulties and the people have had to bear the burden of billions of rupees loss on a monthly basis suffered by the state-owned entities," he said.

PIA’s Chief Executive Officer Air Marshal Arshad Malik gave a detailed briefing on the prevailing situation of the PIA, saying that it was suffering a loss of USD 3.68 million per month.

Malik said USD 14 million was being spent yearly on the payment of salaries to the PIA’s 14,500 employees alone.

He said litigation was one of the hurdles in the way of reform of the PIA as employees seek court orders to stay reforms and the legal processes linger on for years.

Malik said that he too could not perform his duties for three months out of his 16 months tenure due to a case against his appointment. “Due to such issues, the reforms process in the organisation has badly suffered,” he added.

The prime minister was also apprised that during the last 12 years, the PIA had 10 chiefs.

According to an official press release, the prime minister asked the PIA to bring down the expenditures and focus on increasing its income and upgrading its fleet.

He also directed to utilise the huge domestic and foreign assets of the PIA through a complete transparent and clear manner.

“The assets should create financial resources for the organisation instead of becoming a burden on the general public,” he said.

The meeting was attended by Minister for Aviation Ghulam Sarwar Khan, Minister for Information Senator Shibli Faraz, Adviser on Reforms Dr Ishrat Hussain, Special Assistant retired Lt Gen Asim Salim Bajwa and other senior officials.

A timeline for the restructuring of the PIA and a comprehensive roadmap over reforms and implementation was also submitted before the prime minister.

It was the first meeting on aviation after the recent PIA plane crash in Karachi and the CEO also apprised about the progress about the investigation into the crash and other relevant issues.

The PIA has been running into huge financial losses. For years, the airlines has only been adding billions to its loss sheets.

The PIA faced a huge loss worth Rs 180 million (USD 1.1 million) during 2016-27, according to Pakistani media reports.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has ordered aviation authorities to restructure the cash-strapped national flag carrier PIA which is making losses worth USD 3.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has ordered aviation authorities to restructure the cash-strapped national flag carrier PIA which is making losses worth USD 3.68 million per month, according to an official statement. Khan said this while presiding over a meeting on the aviation sector on Monday in the backdrop of the recent Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) plane crash in Karachi that claimed 98 lives. "Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the country''s economy is facing difficulties and the people have had to bear the burden of billions of rupees loss on a monthly basis suffered by the state-owned entities," he said. PIA’s Chief Executive Officer Air Marshal Arshad Malik gave a detailed briefing on the prevailing situation of the PIA, saying that it was suffering a loss of USD 3.68 million per month. Malik said USD 14 million was being spent yearly on the payment of salaries to the PIA’s 14,500 employees alone. He said litigation was one of the hurdles in the way of reform of the PIA as employees seek court orders to stay reforms and the legal processes linger on for years. Malik said that he too could not perform his duties for three months out of his 16 months tenure due to a case against his appointment. “Due to such issues, the reforms process in the organisation has badly suffered,” he added. The prime minister was also apprised that during the last 12 years, the PIA had 10 chiefs. According to an official press release, the prime minister asked the PIA to bring down the expenditures and focus on increasing its income and upgrading its fleet. He also directed to utilise the huge domestic and foreign assets of the PIA through a complete transparent and clear manner. “The assets should create financial resources for the organisation instead of becoming a burden on the general public,” he said. The meeting was attended by Minister for Aviation Ghulam Sarwar Khan, Minister for Information Senator Shibli Faraz, Adviser on Reforms Dr Ishrat Hussain, Special Assistant retired Lt Gen Asim Salim Bajwa and other senior officials. A timeline for the restructuring of the PIA and a comprehensive roadmap over reforms and implementation was also submitted before the prime minister. It was the first meeting on aviation after the recent PIA plane crash in Karachi and the CEO also apprised about the progress about the investigation into the crash and other relevant issues. The PIA has been running into huge financial losses. For years, the airlines has only been adding billions to its loss sheets. The PIA faced a huge loss worth Rs 180 million (USD 1.1 million) during 2016-27, according to Pakistani media reports.

Imran Khan orders reforms in Pakistan International Airlines to bring down losses

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