TRANSFERS: The Airlines Going Bankrupt In Covid-19

Several airlines have already gone bankrupt as Covid-19 continues to sweep across the globe. Our new column features the travel and transporation stories we’re reading this week.

Planes

So Many Airlines Have Gone Bankrupt in 2020

At the peak of the coronavirus lockdowns, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screened just 87,534 people at airports across the USA. Just one year earlier, the agency screened more than 2.2 million. Passenger numbers are rising again, as 633,810 were screened on Sunday — the most since March 18th. But for some airlines, it’s already too late. Forbes runs down the airlines that have gone bankrupt in 2020, most due to Covid-19 issues. Some have already shut down permanently.

South American Travel May Get More Expensive

Two major South American carriers are among the airlines filing for bankruptcy protection amid the pandemic. Avianca and LATAM are both scaling back operations, exiting some countries altogether. Reuters outlines how these changes could substantially weaken competition and drive up fares.

Good News for Boeing’s 737 MAX

As if the novel coronavirus hasn’t done enough damage to Boeing and its employees, its embattled 737 MAX has been grounded for well over a year. Finally, some good news! The FAA has cleared Boeing to begin several days of flight certification testing, which could ultimately return the plane to commercial service.

Why (and Where) AA is Restoring Service Quickly

Just as American Airlines abandons any semblance of social distancing aboard its planes, the airline is also restoring capacity much faster than its rivals. Most of the growth is happening at the airline’s two biggest hubs — Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) and Charlotte (CLT). Forbes looks at AA’s strategy and if it’s true that, as CEO Doug Parker says, “The big hubs win.”

Trains

Trouble for the Mayan Train

An ambitious rail project in Mexico has run into another snag. The Maya Train would connect Chiapas state with Cancun via two high-speed routes crossing the Yucatan Peninsula. The $6.2 billion project would provide easy access from Cancun and Tulum to Mayan heritage sites like Chichen Itza. A judge has halted work on the project during the coronavirus pandemic. But the true battle lines are drawn between the economy, the environment, and the rights of the indigenous population. An excellent Wall Street Journal piece (paywall) has more.

Amtrak Won’t Break Even This Year

Amtrak has lost money since its formation in 1971. But this was going to be the year the nation’s passenger rail system finally broke even. And then, coronavirus. Skift reports that Amtrak is now expecting a $700 million loss in 2020.

A Gin-Soaked Train Excursion

Leave the designated driver at home, and “Hop Aboard the Booze Train.” A few months back, Mandatory reported on some alcohol-fueled train rides featuring everything from craft beer to high-end bourbon tastings. I’d like to book the Jose Cuervo Express, please.

Travel

Americans Can Visit St. Maarten Starting July 1st

If your European vacation is off the table due to the E.U.’s travel restrictions, perhaps you can visit the Caribbean island of Sint Maarten/St. Martin instead. The island is uniquely split between two countries — France and The Netherlands. Starting July 1st, you can visit either side of the island provided you’ve had a negative Covid-19 test within the last 72 hours. The Points Guy has details.

UPDATE: At the last minute, Sint Maarten decided not to allow direct flights from the United States; they’ll re-evaluate in two weeks.

If We Have to Live in a Bubble…

You can also visit Iceland right now. As of June 15th, travelers are permitted to visit provided they submit to a Covid-19 test upon arrival or quarantine for 14 days. (That could change, if Iceland goes along with new European regulations). If you can make it to Iceland, stay at this ‘bubble’ hotel where you’ll sleep under the stars and watch the Aurora Borealis.

UPDATE: Self-Health Assessment

More airlines will require passengers to complete a self-health assessment before flying. The industry trade group Airlines for America announced today that its member carriers require a “simple health acknowledgement” that includes:

• acceptance of the airline’s face covering policy
• assurance that passenger has not recently had symptoms of Covid-19
• assurance that passenger has not had close contact with a Covid-19 patient or someone exhibiting its symptoms within the past two weeks

Those airlines include: Delta, United, American, Alaska, Southwest, Hawaiian, and JetBlue. Frontier Airlines was the first airline to require a health acknowledgement and remains the only U.S. airline to take temperatures before boarding.

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(LATAM 777 Photo by Anna Zvereva via Wikimedia Commons)