EasyJet may ground ‘majority’ of fleet

EasyJet has warned that the impact of the coronavirus may force it to ground “the majority” of its fleet and threatens the viability of the aviation industry in Europe. The carrier is extending its cancellations in an effort to slash costs and preserve cash, and is “in ongoing discussions with liquidity providers”, it says. “European aviation faces a precarious future, and it is clear that co-ordinated govt backing will be required to ensure the industry survives and is able to continue to operate when the crisis is over,” states CE Johan Lundgren. The carrier expects to make further cancellations over the coming days, but will continue to offer rescue flights in order to allow citizens to return to their home countries. Grounding its fleet will remove a “significant” level of cost, it says. <br/>