European planemaker Airbus has delivered its first wide-body A350 aircraft from its Tianjun plant to China Eastern Airlines, as part of its expanding ‘global footprint’ in east Asia.
According to Cathay, much of the affected crew have not been able to fly in over a year, due to subdued demand for international travel, and ongoing border closures.
The cargo jet took off from Toulouse in France, commencing its initial flights before it takes over from the previous iteration, which has operated since 1994.
While the airline’s revenue remains 40.5 per cent lower than pre-pandemic levels, the business said it is now on a rapid track to recovery, especially as it fends off potential bankruptcy.
The traffic light system was first introduced in May this year to regulate which countries Britons can travel to, with critics arguing that the rapid changes in status have damaged the industry.
Qatar Airways chief executive Akbar Al Baker has flagged his urgent interest in wide-body freighters and says he is ready to place orders by the end of the quarter.
