While Australia’s MRO industry has contracted from its peak, there are a range of strategies that could help restore its competitiveness, according to an aerospace executive.

European airlines reeling from the latest blow of a U.S. travel ban have called on governments to immediately ease slot rules, defer taxes and clarify the status of passenger compensation to help them weather the COVID-19 coronavirus storm.

Airlines are keen to publicize their efforts to minimize the risk of the coronavirus’ spread within aircraft cabins.

Asta Zirlyte, CEO of Heston MRO, talks with Lee Ann Shay during MRO Australasia in Brisbane about where the independent line maintenance provider is heading. Heston acquired Aircraft Maintenance Services Australia from SIA Engineering in 2018 and rebranded the business.

Reduced flying by some Australian airlines will mean more work for their engineering divisions as the carriers look to bring forward maintenance work.

Qantas is open to bringing in more third-party heavy maintenance work, and the carrier believes it offers significant advantages despite the lower labor costs of Asian MRO competitors.

To succeed in trade talks, the government will need arrangements with industry based on evidence, not ideology.

Mainland Chinese air traffic may still be reeling from coronavirus, but Taiwan has a plucky new startup, Starlux Airlines, that has big plans for growth.