The EU is ending its recommendation that member states mandate the use of masks in airports and onboard aircraft, as a result of high vaccination rates across the bloc and waning infections. The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and European Centre for Disease Prevention (ECDP) note that although mask use should still be recommended for passengers, the measure will end on 16 May. Doing so will ease the burden of regulation placed on the aviation industry by pandemic-era regulations, it adds. The rules for individual airlines will vary, while mask-wearing may continue to and from third countries outside the block. “From next week, face masks will no longer need to be mandatory in air travel in all cases, broadly aligning with the changing requirements of national authorities across Europe for public transport,” says EASA executive director Patrick Ky. “For passengers and air crews, this is a big step forward in the normalisation of air travel. Passengers should however behave responsibly and respect the choices of others around them. And a passenger who is coughing and sneezing should strongly consider wearing a face mask, for the reassurance of those seated nearby.” The ECDP says that although the mask mandate is ending, passengers should be mindful that physical distancing and good hand hygiene remain key to reducing transmission. In addition, EASA underlines that although many countries are no longer requiring passengers to submit data through a passenger locator form, "airlines should keep their data collection systems on standby so they could make this information available to public health authorities if needed, for example in the case where a new variant of concern (VOC) emerged which was identified as potentially more dangerous."

China Eastern Airlines plans to raise as much as CNY15 billion ($2.23 billion) through the non-public issuance of A-shares and plans to use part of the proceeds to induct 38 aircraft. The A-shares, which refer to renminbi-denominated shares traded on the Shanghai stock exchange, will be issued to "not more" than 35 investors, including China Eastern's controlling shareholder CEA Holding, the Shanghai-based carrier says in a 10 May filling to the Hong Kong stock exchange. CEA Holding intends to subscribe for at least CNY5 billion of the A-shares in cash. As of 10 May, CEA Holding holds 56.43% of the total number of shares of China Eastern. CNY10.5 billion of the proceeds will be used for the introduction of 38 aircraft, while the remainder will supplement working capital. "The projects to be funded with the proceeds will facilitate the expansion of fleet size and optimisation of fleet structure, improve the company’s air transportation capacity, ensure the sound development of the company’s business, and promote the smooth implementation of the company’s strategy," China Eastern says. "At the same time, the company’s capital strength and scale of assets will be improved, and thus the company will be able to effectively respond to the adverse impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, ease the pressure on capital requirements for its daily operating activities, maintain its sustainable development, and reinforce and enhance its industry position, thereby providing better investment returns for investors."

Wizz Air has signed a memorandum of understanding with Saudi Arabia to explore a presence in the kingdom, which aims to triple its passenger numbers by 2030. The MoU with the Saudi ministry of investment of is designed to "explore airline market development opportunities" in the kingdom, says Wizz, adding: "This will provide unprecedented opportunities for airlines and the aviation supply chain." This is in the context of Saudia Arabia's Vision 2030 programme, which envisages bolstering investment in the sector by $100 billion and boosting passenger numbers in the kingdom to 300 million per annum. That vision that was outlined by Saudi minister for transport and logistic services SalehAl-Jasser on 9 May at the Future Aviation Forum being held in Riyadh. The minister was keen to highlight opportunities for the private sector as part of this, including in operating 25 airports that are set to be privatised, as reported by Al Arabiya. Wizz says the MoU: "reflects a shared vision between the parties" on the central European budget carrier's potential contribution to stimulating new demand in the kingdom, "thereby making a significant contribution to Saudi Arabia's planned growth". The two parties plan to co-operate on future investments and operating models that could bolster the Saudi Arabian aviation industry, as well as increase its connectivity and bring in more tourists. The agreement brings comparisons with Wizz Air Abu Dhabi, the low-cost carrier's unit in the UAE capital that is owned in conjunction with a state-owned investment firm and plans to link the location with markets within 6 hour flight time of the destination, opening it up to much of the Indian subcontinent.