LATAM Airlines Brazil has joined other parts of the airline group in entering Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection as it took a further step to securing required financing to complete its restructuring. LATAM Airlines Group Thursday unveiled a key funding commitment from Oaktree Capital Management and its affiliates, covering a second tranche of financing for its restructuring. South American operator LATAM Airlines Group and its affiliates in Chile, Peru, Colombia, Ecuador and the USA filed for US Chapter 11 creditor protection on 26 May. But the Brazilian unit was not among those included in the original filing. ”LATAM Airlines Brazil today began a voluntary reorganisation process as part of Chapter 11 protection in the USA to restructure its debt and effectively manage its aircraft fleet, while enabling operational continuity,” the company says. ”LATAM Airlines Brazil’s decision is a natural step in light of the continuing Covid-19 pandemic and offers the best option to access the proposed debtor-in-possession financing that will provide the tools to adapt to this new reality.” The Brazilian unit will continue to operate flights normally during the process. LATAM Airlines Group has now presented the second tranche of its debtor-in-possession financing proposal for approval to a New York court. The tranche covers $1.3b that was committed by Oaktree Capital Management and its affiliates.<br/>
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An American Airlines flight attendant who had worked for the carrier for 20 years died at work Sunday, according to a joint letter signed by officials at the airline and the Association of Professional Flight Attendants. "It is with deep sadness that we inform you of the sudden passing of Joe Tormes, St. Louis-based flight attendant, on Sunday, July 5, 2020," the letter said. "Joe and his wife Elsa Jett-Tormes were working a flight together when Joe passed away. Joe flew with American for 20 years." He was 61, said American Airlines spokesman Ross Feinstein. Feinstein said Tormes and his wife were working Flight 1296 from Indianapolis to Dallas when he fell ill. It diverted to St. Louis for the medical emergency, landing at 8:05 a.m. CDT Sunday. A new crew was called in and the plane took off for Dallas that afternoon.The letter said the couple have a son, Brandon Jett and that American and APFA is working "directly with the family to support their needs."<br/>
American Airlines pilot Dennis Tajer has taken several flights during the coronavirus pandemic, both in the cockpit and as a union official, and has noticed something unsettling lately: passengers removing their masks for more than eating or drinking. "We’re starting to see people take creative ways on the aircraft of temporary relief from wearing the masks," he said. "You see it drop down over the nose. Or you might see it used as more of a chin guard,'' he said. Tajer, spokesman for the Allied Pilots Association, doesn't think the moves are malicious but "just natural human reactions.'' He said that while most passengers are complying with American's requirement to wear masks throughout the flight to thwart the spread of coronavirus, some are being lax. But without a federal mask mandate on planes it's hard for flight attendants to force compliance. American and other airlines have toughened their stance in recent weeks, warning travellers they risk not being able to fly again during the pandemic if they don't comply, but Tajer said that only goes so far. The US DoT and the FAA have not heeded repeated calls from airline union officials, consumer advocates and others for a mask mandate on planes.<br/>
As mask rules have caused some controversy on airlines in recent months, Qatar Airways is taking an even stronger stance by requiring economy passengers and cabin crew to wear both face masks and face shields on board. The airline says it will provide passengers with a complimentary kit of disposable protective gear that includes a shield, surgical mask, gloves and hand sanitiser gel. Anyone refusing to wear a face shield during the boarding process will not be allowed to travel on the flight, the company said. The requirement does not apply to passengers in first- or business-class cabins, who will be "asked to wear their face shield and mask onboard at their own discretion, as they enjoy more space and privacy". Face shields are a physical barrier that can provide travellers an extra layer of protection, according to Nahid Bhadelia, the medical director of the Special Pathogens Unit at the Boston University School of Medicine. "I'm glad to see that a lot of airlines have mandated the use of masks, and the use of face shields is even better," Bhadelia said. While the mask is helpful in protecting others from the respiratory droplets you may be spreading, Bhadelia says it doesn't protect you from droplets coming your way.<br/>