Carriers across Europe are returning their aircraft back into operation as they bolster capacity across the continent. Data shows that the number of aircraft being flown by European operators has more than doubled since May, although it remains notably below pre-pandemic levels. On 1 May a seven-day average of just 2,249 aircraft were tracked in flight with European operators, but this had risen to 4,328 by 19 August. On the same day in 2019, 5,748 aircraft were tracked in service. However, the data does suggest that the number of aircraft being reintroduced to service has slowed, being mostly unchanged since the start of the month. This tallies with data on flight numbers and hours that show capacity has been steady, or even declined slightly, since the start of August. Data also underlines that it is the smaller aircraft types that are being reintroduced by airlines first, as short-haul traffic returns faster than long-haul, and as demand remains relatively weak. Of the top four most frequently operated aircraft since the start of 2020, Airbus A320 family and Boeing 737 aircraft have easily been utilised the most, as measured by flight numbers. Although the A320 has consistently been the most popular aircraft type in Europe throughout the crisis, utilisation of the 737 has now surpassed its level in early 2020 before the crisis hit. The most commonly used aircraft types after the A320 and B737 are Embraer E-Jets, followed by ATR family equipment, data shows.

IATA warns that governments are preventing airlines from repatriating nearly $1 billion in earnings, hindering their ability to bounce back as passenger demand returns. "Governments are preventing nearly $1 billion of airline revenues from being repatriated. This contravenes international conventions and could slow the recovery of travel and tourism in affected markets as the airline industry struggles to recover from the Covid-19 crisis", states IATA director general Willie Walsh. "Airlines will not be able to provide reliable connectivity if they cannot rely on local revenues to support operations. That is why it is critical for all governments to prioritise ensuring that funds can be repatriated efficiently. Now is not the time to score an 'own goal' by putting vital air connectivity at risk." IATA estimates that approximately $963 million in airline funds are being blocked from repatriation in nearly 20 countries. Four countries account for over 60% of this total: Bangladesh ($146 million), Lebanon ($176 million), Nigeria ($144 million), and Zimbabwe ($143 million). IATA highlights that there has been recent progress in reducing blocked funds from Bangladesh and Zimbabwe. "We encourage governments to work with industry to resolve the issues that are preventing airlines from repatriating funds. This will enable aviation to provide the connectivity needed to sustain jobs and energise economies as they recover from Covid-19," adds Walsh.

United Airlines has praised action taken by the US Department of Transportation (DOT) against some Chinese carriers after the Chinese government imposed limits on four United flights. "We are pleased to see this action by the US DOT in pursuit of fairness in this important market," United says in a statement. The DOT said on 18 August that it would limit some flights from Chinese carriers to 40% passenger capacity for four weeks, according to a 19 August Reuters article. China told United on 6 August it was imposing sanctions after it alleged five passengers who travelled from San Francisco to Shanghai tested positive for Covid-19 on 21 July, the report adds. Chinese authorities gave United three options: cancel two San Francisco to Shanghai flights; operate two without passengers; or operate four flights with up to 40% of passenger capacity. The action taken by the DOT will affect four flights over four weeks, one each from Air China, China Eastern Airlines, China Southern Airlines and Xiamen Airlines, according to Reuters.