The huge losses being suffered by airlines globally have forced major airlines such as British Airways to consider cutting jobs in the next one month should coronavirus pandemic persist.
The coronavirus outbreak, which has been described as a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO), has practically brought the aviation industry to its knees as passengers shun flying, airlines cancel flights and countries close borders to air travels.
Already, badly hit countries such as Italy, Japan, Iran and Korea have restricted air travels to limit the spread of the deadly virus while several flights have also been cancelled across European countries.
Sporting events have also been cancelled in Europe while international conferences are being cancelled daily globally. The popular Premier League and other major football leagues in Europe have cancelled all matches.
According to Financial Times, British Airways has already indicated possibility of cutting jobs owing to the huge losses being incurred by the reason of coronavirus outbreak.
According to the paper, the chief executive of British Airways Alex Cruz has warned that the airline industry is facing a “crisis of global proportions like no other”, adding that the carrier will have to make job cuts, suspend routes and ground aircraft.
The paper quoted Cruz as saying in an internal message to staff that while BA is more financially resilient than ever before and has a robust balance sheet, it is “under immense pressure”.
Other major airlines such as Delta, United, KLM, Air France, Alitalia and Air Canada are also expected to make public their decision in coming days.
