VariFlight predicts that U.S. will meet its coronavirus turning point in late April, while its domestic aviation market will gradually recover from the beginning of May. Meanwhile, European countries may heralds a longer restoration period due to the higher reliance on international networks.

After the first batch of 50 tons of medical supplies dispatched by the World Health Organization for Africa's fight against the coronavirus pandemic arrived in Ethiopia on Monday, the UN on Tuesday established an air hub in Addis Ababa to distribute the lifesaving supplies across the African continent.

Several major U.S. airlines are preparing to apply this week for a US$25 billion U.S. government loan program after winning billions in federal payroll grants, people familiar with the matter said, as the industry braces for a slow recovery from the coronavirus pandemic.

Airbus SE is delaying its planned Canadian production ramp-up of its A220 jet by a year, a company spokeswoman said on Wednesday, as the coronavirus outbreak weighs on broader airline demand for aircraft.

The South African government told specialists appointed to try to save South African Airways (SAA) that it was not able to give additional funds for rescue efforts, the specialists said on Tuesday.

Wizz Air is making plans to fly jets only two-thirds full to allow more space between passengers, it said on Tuesday, as airlines voiced concerns that anti-coronavirus measures could blight their profitability long after travel restrictions end.

Estimated global airline losses from the coronavirus pandemic have climbed to $314 billion, 25% more than previously forecast, owing to the severity of the economic downturn and a slower than previously expected reopening of international routes.

The U.S. Treasury Department said on Tuesday that major passenger airlines have agreed in principle to a US$25 billion rescue package, ensuring airline workers have jobs until October while the industry battles its biggest-ever crisis.

Highlights

Wuhan Tianhe Airport saw 11,714 passenger trips on the first day of resumption on Wednesday, according to the Civil Aviation Administration of China.