Ethiopian Airlines will turn to state if crisis lasts until july

Ethiopian Airlines Group will seek help from the state if the coronavirus crisis impact on global travel persists for more than 3 months. The airline can survive off cargo services until early July, CE Tewolde GebreMariam said Wednesday. “If it goes beyond that and worsens, then we will consult with our govt,” he said. The carrier has until now insisted that it will not become a burden for a country that’s already battling with food shortages and the Covid-19 pandemic, which has wrecked economies around the world. But salaries, loan repayments and cost of leasing planes are proving a burden as revenue slumps, Tewolde said. The airline is banking on winning cargo contracts with the likes of billionaire Jack Ma’s foundation and the UN, which are attempting to fly in medical supplies across the continent. <br/>