AirAsia’s CEO has confirmed that 96 per cent of its fleet is currently grounded in a sombre email addressed to customers and staff.
Tony Fernandes said in the message, “It’s an uncertain time. Never could I have imagined it, no one could have predicted it and yet everyone has been touched by it. So I want to be open and transparent with you in this time of uncertainty.”
Despite the ongoing costs involved in fuel supply and storage AirAsia has committed to retaining its staff.
“AirAsia is a family and there are tens of thousands of Allstars who depend on the business for their livelihoods and the wellbeing of their own families,” the statement continued.
“[The company’s chairman] and I will not be taking a salary during this period and Allstars from across the business have accepted temporary pay reductions of anywhere between 15-75 per cent, depending on seniority, to share the impact this is having on our business.
“I thank them for their sacrifice and in keeping the big picture in mind as we navigate this together.”
The statement also urged AirAsia customers to accept credit rather than demanding refunds to ensure the airline can retain them as customers when they again can meet the travel needs of the public.
In other airline news around the world:
- Air New Zealand is converting one of its Boeing 777-200ERs into a freighter. The airline has 16 Boeing 777s, including eight 777-200ERs. But they’ve always been used to ferry passengers around the globe.
- VietJet and Bamboo airlines are offering unlimited travel passes to customers with Bamboo airways recommencing domestic flights from 16 April.
- The owner of LOT Polish Airlines has pulled out of a bid to purchase German carrier Condor. In January it was announced that LOT’s owners, PGL, would purchase the German carrier following its split from Thomas Cook last year.
- Etihad Airways announced that it is expanding its offerings of repatriation flights. Starting the week of 12 April, Etihad will introduce flights onboard Boeing 777 and 787 aircraft to five new cities around the world to help bring passengers home.
- United Airlines is hopeful that it will be able to resume some long-haul direct services in less than a month’s time. The airline has opened up booking for three transatlantic flights to Europe and two additional non-stop flights to South America.
- On Friday, Brussels-based Air Belgium announced that it would not start flying to Guadeloupe and Martinique again until at least 3 June.
