Almost exactly 40 years ago, in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea, civil aviation experienced what would become one of the most mysterious accidents of its history. On June 27, 1980, Itavia flight IH 870, operated by the private Italian carrier, departing from Guglielmo Marconi Airport in Bologna, Italy, bound for Punta Raisi Airport in Palermo, Sicily, broke up in mid-air at approximately 25,000 feet as it was about to start its descent towards its destination. The aircraft, I-TIGI, a…
A horrifying sight welcomed ground staff that met Ukraine International Airlines flight PS241 at Toronto International Airport on June 13. The flight was coming from Boryspil Airport in Kyiv, Ukraine, and was carrying over 500 live puppies in its cargo hold. On arrival in Canada, 38 of those puppies were…
Running a commercial airline is a tough job during the best of times, but during the COVID-19 pandemic, it has become even more difficult, especially when operating in an environment that restricts both domestic and international traffic. In a webinar hosted by Aviation Week, Air Canada CEO Calin Rovinescu has…
The new life of Alitalia as an again-state-owned carrier has not even started yet, and there is already a bump in the road ahead for the Italian flag carrier. The European Union Commission Vice President Margrethe Vestager appears to be inclined to reject the plan proposed by the Italian government…
Right in the middle of the pandemic, when his airline’s flying activity had been reduced to a few flights per week, some of which were pure cargo, Wizz Air CEO Jozsef Varadi was very bullish about the future of his company. “This crisis will present us with opportunities," Varadi said…
The shareholders’ meeting for Berlin Brandenburg and Federal Airports (FBB) decided last Wednesday that Berlin-Tegel Airport will close down for a two-month period starting of June 15. As the set date for reopening approaches, the shareholders will make the decision whether to reopen the airport or whether to keep it…
Last week Singapore Airlines posted the first full-year loss of its almost 50-year history amid a collapse in demand due to the COVID-19 pandemic and some heavy losses on its fuel hedging policy. The airline recorded a net loss of 212 million Singapore dollars ($149.1 million) for the fiscal year…
After its original decision in March to re-nationalize the Italian flag carrier, Alitalia, the Italian government has taken all the necessary steps to transition all the assets into the new company that will be owned by Italian taxpayers who, during the past 12 years, have injected over 7 billion euros…
The current crisis that is heavily affecting all carriers around the world could profoundly change the landscape of the airline industry for the years to come. According to the Dutch financial newspaper Financieele Dagblad, Air France and KLM may return to operate as independent carriers. The two airlines merged in…
The dramatic drop in demand and the restrictions on international travel caused by the COVID-19 pandemic are devastating the finances of most airlines around the world. Carriers in the U.S. are receiving billions of dollars in grants and loans, Norwegian Airlines, Virgin Australia and South African Airlines are facing bankruptcy…
