The FAA said it supported the “first mass air shipment” of Covid-19 vaccines, as pharmaceutical companies and airlines prepare networks for broad distribution. United carried Pfizer’s Covid-19 vaccine from Brussels to Chicago O’Hare International Airport on Friday, according to people familiar with the matter. Ahead of the approvals, pharmaceutical companies, airlines and other parts of the supply chain are preparing for distribution once regulators give a green light, a vast network that will include cold storage to preserve the vaccines. The FDA hasn’t yet approved a Covid-19 vaccine. Pfizer, which developed its vaccine with BioNTech, and Moderna both said recent trials show their vaccines are each more than 90% effective in preventing Covid-19 infection. Pfizer didn’t respond to multiple requests for comment. Spokeswoman Kim Bencker has previously said the company won’t ship the vaccine until it wins approval from the FDA for emergency use. Pfizer submitted its application for emergency clearance on Nov. 20, and the FDA is expected to publicly discuss it when the agency’s Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee next meets Dec. 10. Moderna said it plans to submit its application Monday. Some Americans could get their first dose of the vaccine in a few weeks if regulators sign off on either vaccine without delay. Pfizer’s vaccine requires a storage temperature of minus 94 degrees Fahrenheit. By comparison, Moderna has said its vaccine remains stable at 36 to 46 degrees Fahrenheit, the temperature of a standard home or medical refrigerator, for up to 30 days. It can be stored for up to six months at negative 4 degrees Fahrenheit. The United flight required special approval from federal regulators to carry more dry ice than is normally allowed, the people said. The FAA last month created a special team to address “safe, expeditious, and efficient transportation of vaccines.”<br/>
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When South Korea's state-owned development bank in mid-November unveiled its plan to create a "top 10 global airline" by backing a restructuring of the country's two main carriers, it seemed like an appeal to national pride -- but not everyone was buying it. Inside Asiana Airlines, employees were shocked at the news that the larger Korean Air Lines, their bitter rival, was to be their new owner as part of Seoul's plan to help the domestic aviation sector weather the pandemic. The hint of disenchantment and a clash of cultures to come is just one of the potential obstacles to getting the most out of the merger plan -- one of the most radical efforts so far unveiled to reshape Asian aviation as carriers across the region face mounting losses from months of disrupted travel. KAL said it will buy new shares in Asiana worth 1.5t won ($1.4b) as well as Asiana corporate bonds worth 300b won, taking the helm of an enlarged company. The KDB will inject 800b won into Korean Air's parent, Hanjin KAL, in exchange for a 10.66% stake in the holding company as well as three board directors. KDB acted after a $2.2b acquisition deal between Asiana's parent, Kumho Industrial, and Hyundai Development Co. collapsed in September. KDB is a main creditor of Kumho. KAL is strong in long-haul passenger services, connecting Seoul's main airport, Incheon, to key destinations in the US and Europe. Asiana has wide networks in China. Both compete in the domestic market as well as on travel to Japan and Southeast Asia. But both are struggling financially because of the pandemic. Story has much more detail. <br/>
TAP Air Portugal has reported a Q3 net loss of E119m, and expects to reduce its winter capacity by 60-70% year on year as Europe’s second Covid-19 wave continues to heavily impact operations. The loss compares with a E1.2m net profit in Q3 2019. For the nine months ended 30 September, the carrier made a net loss of E701m, deepening one of E111m a year ago. TAP’s Q3 operating loss of E183m compares with a E129m profit in the same period of 2019. Revenue plummeted 81% to E195m, while operating costs were down 59% at E378m. Cash outflows relating to aircraft operating leases fell 43% in Q3, says the airline, “reflecting negotiations with lessors for payment deferrals and permanent lease reductions”. For the full year, TAP expects these renegotiations to reduce operating lease outflows by about E175m. The airline plans to submit its restructuring plan to the European Commission on 10 December. “This plan aims to ensure the sustainability and profitability of TAP through adequate planning of routes and fleet, adjusting the offer to the current market environment post-Covid-19,” it says.<br/>