Aviation
US, Belgium strike ‘preclearance’ deal for air passengers
The United States and Belgium said on Monday (28 September) they had reached an agreement that will allow US-bound passengers from Brussels to undergo US customs and immigration checks before departing Europe.
Grounded Boeings set to get all clear from EU regulator
The European Union’s Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) is gearing up to give Boeing’s 737 MAX aircraft a clean bill of health in November, the regulator’s executive director indicated on Friday (25 September).
Aviation is an irreplaceable force for good in the world
Aviation’s precious role in society is at risk, as borders remain closed and influential voices in Europe call for permanent curbs on flying, warns Airbus CEO Guillaume Faury.
Airlines call for virus tests before all international flights
Global airlines called on Tuesday (22 September) for airport COVID-19 tests for all departing international passengers to replace the quarantines they blame for exacerbating the travel slump.
Corona-crisis and Brexit boost EU air traffic reform hopes
The European Commission made a fresh bid to update the EU’s ageing air traffic management system on Tuesday (22 September), pinning its hopes of a long-overdue agreement on COVID-19’s impact on aviation and Brexit.
Lufthansa eyes more job cuts, as monthly losses top €500m
Lufthansa said Monday it will slash more jobs on top of 22,000 previously announced cuts and put more planes out of service with current losses running at some €500 million.
Airbus reveals ‘zero-emission’ plane plan
Aerospace giant Airbus has announced plans to build zero-emission aircraft using hydrogen power technology. On Monday (21 September), the firm revealed three concept designs that are on the table and is targeting a 2035 entry-into-service.
EU travel industry steps up quarantine pushback
Leaders of Europe's coronavirus-stricken travel and tourism industries have appealed to the EU's chief executive to press governments to end quarantine requirements and instead embrace coordinated restrictions and testing.
European airlines demand end to quarantine ‘chaos’
European airlines on Tuesday (15 September) urged national capitals to coordinate measures to limit the spread of the novel coronavirus, saying the current patchwork of restrictions is hobbling a return to regular travel around the EU.
Carbon market’s free perks need rethink, insists EU watchdog
The EU’s Emissions Trading System (ETS) of offering free pollution permits needs to be reviewed and aligned more closely with climate policy if the bloc wants to reap its full benefits, the European Court of Auditors said on Tuesday (15 September).
EU agrees to bust ‘ghost flights’ until 2021
The European Commission has agreed to extend a waiver of aircraft takeoff and landing slot rules for a further six months, in a boon to the struggling aviation industry.
Energy firm turns to rocket science in bid to green transport
French energy company Engie is teaming up with aerospace firm the ArianeGroup to steal a march on its rivals in the hydrogen production business, by drawing on expertise gained through Europe’s space programme.
Alitalia’s €200m virus aid cleared for landing by EU
The European Commission gave its blessing on Friday (4 September) to the Italian government’s plan to pump €199.45 million into Alitalia, in another example of Rome throwing money at its embattled flag-carrying airline.
Airport virus tests crucial to travel recovery, says aviation body
Testing passengers at airports is needed to “rebuild confidence” in air travel, the head of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) said on Tuesday (1 September), as the industry continues to struggle to get back anywhere near to business as usual.OpinionPromoted content
Are all renewable aviation fuels equally sustainable?
A recent European Commission inception impact assessment on “ReFuelEU Aviation” presents ideas about a future EU law to promote renewable aviation fuels, labelled as “Sustainable” Aviation Fuels (SAF). These offer a legitimate way to reduce GHG emissions and deserve our...
Poland re-introduces ban on flights from 46 countries
Poland will ban flights from 46 countries, including France and Spain, as of 2 September, according to a draft regulation published on Thursday (27 August), as the country grapples with a spike in coronavirus infections.
EU clears €1bn plan to recapitalise virus-hit airline SAS
EU competition regulators on Monday (17 August) cleared a €1 billion plan by Denmark and Sweden to recapitalise virus-hit SAS, saying the measure would prevent the Scandinavian airline's insolvency.
Transport timetable: What’s moving in late 2020
Europe's transport sector, already hard hit by the coronavirus outbreak, faces a crucial and possibly defining end to 2020. EU and global targets will start to bite, while new technologies will face a challenging acid test.
US maintain tariffs on Airbus, EU urged to respond
The US government said on Wednesday (12 August) it would maintain 15% tariffs on Airbus aircraft and 25% tariffs on other European goods, despite moves by the EU to resolve a long-standing dispute over aircraft subsidies.
Italy threatens to ban Ryanair over coronavirus rule-breaking
Italy's national civil aviation authority ENAC threatened on Wednesday to suspend Ryanair's permit to fly in the country over alleged non-compliance with coronavirus safety rules.
EU eyes sustainable fuel quotas to tackle aviation emissions
The European Union is considering quotas to force airlines to use more sustainable fuels as it seeks to clamp down on the climate impact of aviation, the European Commission said on Wednesday (5 August).
Europe air safety regulator gives no firm date for 737 MAX to fly again
Europe's air safety watchdog has no firm date for Boeing's grounded 737 MAX to resume flights, it said on Tuesday (4 August), adding that the US planemaker had some more work to do before a 17-month-old safety ban could be lifted in Europe.
Dutch airline KLM says to shed up to 5,000 jobs due to virus
Dutch airline KLM said Friday (31 July) it would shed up to 5,000 jobs due to a "crisis of unprecedented magnitude" caused by the coronavirus pandemic.