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.

Ryanair unit Lauda on Thursday urged the Austrian government not to grant Lufthansa's subsidiary Austrian Airlines state aid to help weather the coronavirus outbreak, saying Austrian taxpayers should not subsidise a German company.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced the postponement of the 76th Annual General Meeting (AGM) and World Air Transport Summit. The event had been scheduled to take place on 22-23 June in Amsterdam.

ICAO issued a new State letter today drawing the attention of national governments to new measures aimed at ensuring safe operations during COVID-19, and to a contingency coordination website it will establish through 31 March 2021.

Airbus continues to purchase and supply millions of face masks from China, the large majority of which will be donated to governments of the Airbus home countries, namely France, Germany, Spain and the UK.