Japan Airlines and Malaysia Airlines expect to launch a joint business partnership on 25 July, through which the two national carriers will co-operate commercially on flights between Malaysia and Japan JAL says the airlines will "take on new challenges to further enhance convenience between Japan and Malaysia and allow customers to benefit from more flight choices". Malaysia Airlines is resuming flights to Japan this month, and the two airlines combined will then offer four weekly services between Kuala Lumpur and Tokyo Narita in July and August, adds JAL. "This initiative will enable MH and JL to enhance their capabilities, and leverage on each other's strengths," says the Japanese operator. "The carriers shared best practices and responsibilities are in line with a sustainable business model in the long haul. "With JL's renowned precision in service and offerings, combined with MH's signature Malaysian hospitality, customers are promised of the best travel experience." The two airlines will also implement measures to prevent the spread of Covid-19. "MH and JL are committed to uphold the highest standards in aircraft safety and hygiene procedures to protect their passengers and employees," JAL says. "With the significant shift in consumer expectations on air travel post Covid-19, they have adjusted to the new norm with modifications to offerings on ground and on board as well as processes and procedures from check-in, boarding and arrival to uphold the highest safety and health standards."

Source: Cirium

South African Airways pilots have sought to more than halve the proposed number of employee retrenchments, and instead retain almost 3,100 personnel for the carrier’s relaunch, according to the country’s government. But the proposal has been dismissed by the department of public enterprises, which insists it is “not prepared to accede” to the demands. Pilot union SAAPA has not joined other employee groups in accepting the voluntary severance packages offered as part of the effort to restructure the carrier – a decision which has been criticised by the government. The department of public enterprises claims that pilots would account for half of the R2.2 billion in funding set aside for severance. SAA’s 600 pilots, it says, make up 45% of the payroll expenditure despite only representing 13% of personnel.

Source: Cirium

Under pressure, Air Namibia has been cleared by the Namibian High Court to resume services after its operating licence was suspended amid continued financial concerns. The airline had been blocked from operating scheduled flights after Namibia’s transport commission suspended the carrier’s air services licence, as of midnight, on 8 July. The Namibian, citing a memo issued by the transport commission, said the airline had been given until 22 July to provide evidence it had obtained funding to meet the requirements of the country’s air services act. But in a statement issued today, the carrier says “the suspension of AIr Namibia’s service licences has been upended” by the High Court. “Air Namibia shall continue to fly all domestic flights as per the published schedule,” the airline adds. The carrier’s regional and international services remain suspended amid continued border controls related to tackling the coronavirus pandemic. Last month Namibian president Hage Geingob cast doubt about the future of the loss-making airline by suggesting it may need to be liquidated. “We have a very serious problem with Air Namibia,” he said, answering questions after delivering his state-of-the-nation speech on 4 June. Geingob said the airline has been “bailed out”, but indicated that recommended measures to cut routes – such as the key Frankfurt service – would not be welcomed. “But it must be restructured,” he says. “If liquidation is the thing, we must do that.” Namibian finance minister Iipumbu Shiimi was earlier this month reported to have told parliament that the government was considering several options for the carrier. Air Namibia operates a small fleet including Airbus A330's and A319's, plus Embraer regional jets.

Source: Cirium