Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Business
James Andrews

easyJet grounds entire fleet due to coronavirus after making 650 rescue flights

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."

easyJet planes will be on the ground for months (Getty)

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.

The financial impact of the virus was felt by airlines first (NurPhoto/PA Images)
Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.