Welcome to the Spring 2020 issue of Airline Routes and Ground Services.

The coronavirus outbreak is, naturally, high on the agenda of those involved in air transport. David Smith examines the impact of this health crisis on aviation in China and the wider Asia region.

Also on a health note, Andrea Tolu discovers what is involved in ensuring food safety in airline catering.

Environmental concerns are another hot topic. Megan Ramsay considers the role of carbon offsetting in the fight against climate change, in the context of changing consumer choices. George Anjaparidze of Veritas Group stresses the importance of collaboration to ensure the sustainable future of aviation.

This issue also contains an outlook including perspectives from several industry figures regarding trends and developments in the face of seemingly relentless challenges. Despite the obstacles, there is a determinedly positive feeing in the air. For instance, many airlines are expanding as passenger demand is set to continue its upward trajectory – as Graham Newton finds in Europe.

Other airlines are faring less well: we provide an update on South African Airways’ restructuring. The flag-carrier’s future hung in the balance as ARGS went to press.

A key ongoing trend is the rise of technology in its various forms as an integral part of our lives. Martin Courtney investigates how blockchain could revolutionise air transport. Cyber safety, meanwhile, is the subject of a piece that discusses the impact of cyber threats on airports, aircraft and the aviation industry as a whole.

Finally, following on from last issue’s feature on women in the industry, we profile Shahfinaz Abd Wahid, head of quality assurance, safety and security at Malaysia’s AeroDarat Services.

With a new editor being lined up for the Summer 2020 edition, we are looking forward to the next step in the development of ARGS.

I hope you enjoy this first issue of the new decade.