Delta Cuts Flights by Most Ever, Seeks U.S. Aid Amid Coronavirus
- Speed of demand drop ‘is unlike anything we’ve seen,’ CEO says
- American Airlines says it’s discussing government support, too
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Delta Air Lines Inc. is cutting flights further, slashing spending and seeking government aid to contend with the coronavirus outbreak -- and Chief Executive Officer Ed Bastian warned employees that the situation is likely to get worse.
The carrier is “optimistic” about U.S. support after discussions with the White House and Congress, Bastian said Friday in an internal memo. Delta will park as many as 300 planes and cut its seating capacity by 40% in the next few months as demand evaporates. That’s the biggest reduction in company history, including after the 9/11 terrorist attacks, he said.