EASYJET GROUNDS ENTIRE FLEET DUE TO CORONAVIRUS AFTER MAKING 650 RESCUE FLIGHTS

The Mirror 30 March 2020 - by James Andrews

Budget airline easyJet has grounded all 344 of its planes as a result of the "unprecedented travel restrictions" brought in to combat coronavirus.

The firm said it had made more than 650 rescue flights so far, bringing home 45,000 customers - and will continue to work with government bodies make more when requested.

But with no certainty about when commercial flights will be allowed again, its planes have been mothballed.

EasyJet chief executive Johan Lundgren said: "I am extremely proud of the way in which people across easyJet have given their absolute best at such a challenging time, including so many crew who have volunteered to operate rescue flights to bring our customers home.

"We are working tirelessly to ensure that easyJet continues to be well positioned to overcome the challenges of coronavirus."

© NurPhoto/PA Images The financial impact of the virus was felt by airlines first The airline said it had worked with and Unite the union to reach an agreement on furlough arrangements for cabin crew.

This will come into effect on 1 April 2020 for two months and means crew will be paid 80% of their average pay through the Government job retention scheme.

The airline said it has a strong balance sheet, with no debt due in until 2022 - and is taking every step it can to help survive the crisis financially

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