Airlines versus coronavirus: A bruising and lopsided battle

The novel coronavirus has broadsided the aviation industry, particularly at its epicentre in China. Tens of thousands of flights in and out of the country have been cancelled or removed from schedules completely as airlines cut capacity to try to survive the crisis. Big players like Cathay Pacific, China Southern and Hainan Airlines have put staff on unpaid leave, while embattled Hong Kong Airlines is axing 400 jobs. Those with weak balance sheets are likely to face a cash crunch as dwindling passenger loads may not cover high fixed costs, though state-owned airlines should get some financial support. Story features charts showing how the virus has impacted the industry.<br/>