COVID-19 Live Blog: April 3

Coronavirus Disease 2019 Rotator Graphic for af.mil. (U.S. Air Force Graphic by Rosario "Charo" Gutierrez)

With billions around the world in lock-down it is clear that the business aviation market is facing an unprecedented shock. Yesterday, we saw the hard data showing how business aircraft usage fell sharply in March. Three days in, nobody is optimistic about April.  It is clear the industry is facing a downturn at least as bad as the 2009 one – if not worse.

On that cheery note, if you want to send any stories please email: [email protected]

BBGA: Pilots on furlough can still train

Many UK companies are furloughing employees under a scheme where the UK government pays 80% of their wages. The British Business and General Aviation Association (BBGA) has confirmed with the UK Deportment for Transport (DfT) that pilots can still train during this period.

“We cleared this up with DfT and training can take place to maintain recency without compromising the furlough process,” says Marc Bailey, chief exec of BBGA. “We have been able develop a submission to DfT to highlight the current industry capability to support movement of key passengers and goods in support of the crisis. In addition we have also been able to demonstrate the impact that the lockdown has had on our community, which as you know is profound.  There were several points highlighted that we have asked DfT to champion on our behalf that would at least alleviate the current operational and financial pressures.”

GlobeAir offering free empty leg flights to the industry

A Citation Mustang operated by GlobeAir.

GlobeAir, the Austrian light jet operator is offering free empty leg flights to fellow business aviation companies.

“Business aviation is currently fighting the COVID-19 crisis as best as it can, and we are strong supporters of cooperation and mutual help in such unprecedented times,” said GlobeAir in a email to companies. “Flight planning and crew logistics are getting extremely complex as many airliners and hospitality facilities have temporarily ceased to operate. If you think you could be interested in flying on a GlobeAir empty leg, you can either visit our website, check our empty legs directly on avinode, or contact our customer care team to reserve a flight free of charge.”

NBAA running CARES Act webinar today

The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) is running a free webinar on Friday for anyone interested in how the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act could help their business.

Embraer reinforces preventative actions and resumes essential activities in Brazil

Most employees will be on collective vacation between April 1 and 9, 2020 or working remotely

São José dos Campos – SP, March 30, 2020 – As the transportation sector plays an essential role in combatting COVID-19, Embraer will resume critical operations in order to meet the needs of customers, public services and the global population.

Essential roles have been defined by Embraer’s management team during the temporary plant shutdown period in Brazil and are those priority services that should not be interrupted during this global crisis. Some examples are customer support, aircraft maintenance and manufacturing. In many cases, Embraer products are responsible for transporting health supplies and the professionals who provide care to patients with the disease caused by COVID-19 in Brazil and around the world.

Additionally Embraer has established a new working group to increase the availability of equipment and solutions, including manufacturing parts for the respirator industry, to combat COVID-19.

During the temporary shutdown of company units in Brazil, Embraer completed several projects, including adapting the workstations and common areas, intensifying cleaning procedures, adapting cafeterias and work areas to ensure social distancing and reinforcing communications tools with precautions and preventative actions. The measures adopted are in accordance with World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines and seek to ensure that employees perform their roles with guidance from the company’s health and safety teams.

Employees responsible for critical functions who can work remotely will work from home. Employees responsible for non-critical functions will be on collective vacation from April 1 to April 9, 2020. These employees are scheduled to return to work on April 13, 2020.

Embraer will continue to monitor the situation and adjust its procedures with a focus on the well-being of its people and business continuity

Airbus statement regarding media reports on COVID-19 measures

Amsterdam, 3 April 2020 – Airbus SE is closely monitoring the evolving COVID-19 situation worldwide and is in constant dialogue with its customers, suppliers and institutional partners.
Airbus is in the process of assessing the implications of the pandemic on its operations and the potential mitigation measures that could be implemented.

The Company will not provide further comment at this stage.