The spread of the coronavirus could force weak airlines to merge with competitors, the head of Air France-KLM and the A4E association of European airlines said Tuesday. Last week, airlines moved to reduce flights to Italy where the largest outbreak in Europe is underway. “It’s clear we have yet to see the full effect of the COVID-19 on the air transport sector,” said Smith. Last month, the International Air Transport Association said that airlines operating in the Asia-Pacific region stand to lose a combined $27.8 billion of revenue this year owing to the ongoing coronavirus crisis. The A4E association includes 16 European airlines including Air France-KLM, easyJet, IAG (which owns British Airways, Aer Lingus, Iberia and Veuling), Lufthansa and Ryanair.

Source: Punch March 03, 2020 14:03 UTC