*Drops 鈥榪ueen of the skies鈥� for modern, fuel-efficient aircraft including new A350s, 787s

* JetBlue, American airlines collaborate to share passengers, routes

Isola Moses | 绿帽献妻

The damaging effects of the pandemic have continued to affect fortunes in the global aviation industry negatively as the British Airways (BA), the world鈥檚 largest operator of Boeing 747, said it would retire its entire jumbo jet fleet with immediate effect due to the downturn in global travel industry induced by Coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

The leading airline, in a statement late Thursday, July 16 said: 鈥淚t is unlikely our magnificent 鈥榪ueen of the skies鈥� will ever operate commercial services for British Airways again,鈥� says agency report.

BA, which is owned by International Consolidated Airlines Group (ICAG.L), added that it will operate more flights on modern, fuel-efficient aircraft such as its new A350s and 787s and expects such aircraft to help in achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

It was learnt that a wave of restructuring triggered by the virus outbreak is hitting airlines and industrial firms across the world.

In June, BA was said to have reached an agreement with its pilots to sack 350 and another 300 in 鈥榩ool鈥� for rehiring when needed.

The majority of pilots being 鈥榩ooled鈥� were expected to be the jumbo jet first officers, according to the report.

Boeing Co鈥檚 (BA.N) 747, a plane that democratised global air travel in the 1970s but fell behind modern twin-engine aircraft, marked its 50-year flying anniversary in February 2019.

The U.S.-based aerospace company and its suppliers signalled the end of the plane, when they set the final number of parts it would need for the 747 jumbo jet programme at least a year ago.

Likewise, JetBlue and American Airlines are currently joining forces in a mutually beneficial partnership designed to offer seamless connectivity for travellers in the Northeastern US, and more choices for fliers across their complementary domestic and international networks.

As regards what awaits air travellers, they will be treated to three major benefits from the new partnership, including: New and expanded routes, more destination choices and loyalty benefits as well as seamless consumer experience.

American and JetBlue say they鈥檙e aware of that pitfall and will be doing all they can to create a 鈥渟eamless experience,鈥� including the ability to book a single itinerary on either website, convenient connections, and an improved on-the-ground experience.

Of the fresh partnership between the two airlines, Robert Isom, President of American Airlines, said: 鈥淭his is an incredible opportunity for both of our airlines鈥�. American has a strong history in the Northeast, and we鈥檙e proud to partner with JetBlue as the latest chapter in that long history.

鈥淭ogether, we can offer customers an industry-leading product in New York and Boston with more flights and more seats to more cities.鈥�