25 May: Hong Kong "Off the Map"; IAG and the 737 MAX; Air France-KLM; Airbus-Boeing; Qantas; & More

Your Aviation Briefing

Hello, here’s your Aviation Briefing for Wednesday 25 May 2022

We begin in Hong Kong, once the aviation hub of the world, now essentially ‘off the map’ as its leader confirms the city will continue the world’s strictest inbound travel restrictions. Hong Kong has for many years claimed the title of the busiest airport in Asia and has operated as the hub to connect the Asia Pacific with Europe. It’s also been a route for business travellers heading to South China. But the continuation of its travel restrictions has been branded ‘madness’ by senior figures in the aviation sector, and it’s having a disastrous impact on business.

With much of the rest of the world now open to international travel, Hong Kong’s Chief Executive Carrie Lam has this week admitted “It’s very unlikely that during my term there would be more relaxations on the border controls.”