A trusted source of Asia-Pacific commercial aviation news and analysis


APRIL 2020

Week 15

Orient Aviation’s Week in the Asia-Pacific

 

Daily Update

  • Singapore Airlines [SIA] said in a trading update on April 15 it may need to extend capacity cuts that has led to a 96% reduction in flying in April "if border controls and travel restrictions remain in place and travel demand continues to be low". Read More »

 

Daily Update

  • Four of Virgin Australia's (VA) five major shareholders – Etihad Airways, HNA, Nanshan and Singapore Airlines that together hold about 80% of the airline's stock – have ruled out investing more capital in the airline group, the Australian Financial Review reported on April 15. Read More »

 

Daily Update

  • Virgin Australia placed its shares in a trading halt on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) on April 14. Read More »

 

News

Hong Kong government throws lifeline to local aviation

The Hong Kong government has announced a HKS$137.5 billion (US$17.74 billion) rescue package for the Special Administrative Region (SAR) that includes HK$2 billion in funds for airlines and aviation support services. Read More »


 

News

Virgin Australia CEO asks government for statement of confidence in the carrier

Virgin Australia [VA] has taken out full-page advertisements in the country's newspapers pressing its case for government assistance and warning of the dangers of Australia returning to an airline monopoly. Read More »


 

News

Private group makes US$2.5 billion bid for Malaysia Airlines

Malaysian sovereign wealth fund, Khazanah Nasional, has poured cold water on a proposed US$2.5 billion bid for Malaysia Airlines (MAS). Read More »


 

News

IATA forecasts COVID-19 could cost 11.6 million industry jobs in the Asia-Pacific and up to 25 million worldwide

International Air Transport Association [IATA] director general and CEO, Alexandre de Juniac, said this week up to 25 million people – almost half of them in the Asia-Pacific – could lose their jobs in the aviation sector following the precipitous drop in passengers due to the coronavirus pandemic. Read More »


 

People

Air New Zealand beefs up crisis management expertise with appointment of former union boss

Air New Zealand (Air NZ) CEO, Greg Foran, has brought in a former president of the country’s Council of Trade Unions, Ross Wilson, and appointed Joe Collom as chief people officer, to advise and contribute to the carrier’s post-pandemic strategy. Read More »


 

News

ANA seeking government guarantee for loans Japanese media reveals

Japan's All Nippon Airways [ANA] is seeking a government guarantee for loans and other lines of credit, local media reports. Read More »


 

News

Malindo ceases all flights

Lion Air Group's Malaysian affiliate, Malindo Air, has suspended all services and put its staff on unpaid leave in response to the coronavirus pandemic. Read More »


 

Short Takes

Korean Air said in a statement some 70% of its 19,000 staff in South Korea would be placed on a six-month leave of absence starting on April 15 due to the deteriorating business environment caused by the coronavirus pandemic. Read More »