Abu Dhabi's Etihad Airways said Thursday core operating losses amounted to $758m for H1, driven by a nearly 40% drop in revenue due in part to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic. Etihad is one of the Middle East's top carriers, but it was wracked by financial losses even before the pandemic devastated the aviation industry worldwide. The airline had accumulated losses of $586m in H1 2019. The airline, which competes with nearby Dubai's Emirates and Qatar Airways, said it carried 3.5m passengers during the first six months of 2020, nearly 60% less than the same period last year. Like other major carriers, Etihad cut salaries for staff starting in April and had reportedly laid off an unspecified number of employees to reduce costs. Revenue for H1 2020 stood at $1.7b compared to $2.7b during H1 2019, even with this year's 27% reduction in operating costs. The airline’s cargo operations also saw some improvement during Q1 this year. Etihad Airways said it had started the year strong and ahead of target prior to the pandemic, but that the closure of international borders and the UAE's airports starting in March drove Q2 losses. Etihad said 70% of its fleet was grounded during the second quarter of the year, bringing a nearly complete halt to its passenger numbers with the exception of special repatriation flights.<br/>