Delta is in talks with Airbus to delay at least 40 aircraft deliveries set for this year, as the carrier grapples with a travel market stricken by the coronavirus pandemic, said people familiar with the matter. At the same time, Delta plans to bolster its cash stockpile by raising $750 million from a sale-leaseback deal for nine of the remaining Airbus jetliners scheduled to be handed over, said the people, who asked not to be named because the discussions are private. The two transactions aren’t linked, meaning one could get done without the other, they said. The financing involves five Airbus A321 planes, two A350 aircraft and two A330neo jets, the people said. Both deals follow through on Delta Chief Executive Officer Ed Bastian’s July pledge to tamp down capital expenditures on aircraft at least through the end of this year as the company works to stem losses from the collapse in demand for flights. “We’re in intensive contact with customers, and Delta is no exception,” said Airbus spokesman Stefan Schaffrath. “Agreements remain confidential.” Delta declined to comment.<br/>
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Dutch Finance Minister Wopke Hoekstra said Wednesday the government was willing to discuss another cash injection for Air France-KLM should a multi-billion bailout fail to keep the troubled airline flying. Hoekstra's comments come as airline CE Benjamin Smith said this week that multi-billion euro packages for the French and Dutch national carriers would keep it in the air for less than a year. "We've always said, also to the Dutch parliament, that the first phase is about loans," said Hoekstra. "But the possibility also exists that a real capital injection, not loans, may be needed to ensure the company's existence and survival," Hoekstra said. The top Dutch finance official however cautioned that any cash injection would come with conditions and "if, and under what conditions will be discussed within the coming weeks and months." Smith on Monday said discussions were already underway with shareholders on shoring up the airline group, and steps would be taken before the next regular annual meeting in the second quarter of next year.<br/>