About 4 Lakh Airline Jobs Worldwide Affected By COVID-19

According to Bloomberg's recent calculations, about 400,000 airline workers have been fired, furloughed or told they may lose their jobs due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The aviation industry is among the hardest-hit sectors globally as the pandemic has destroyed ticket sales and stripped companies of their cash reserves. There has been a drastic fall in the number of flights due to border restrictions and a lack of appetite for travel.

The Bloomberg report said that British Airways, Deutsche Lufthansa AG, Emirates Airline and Qantas Airways Ltd. are among the carriers announcing thousands of dismissals and unpaid leave programs, while many more are expected from airlines in the US after the ban on job cuts is lifted at the end of September.

Even the pilots and cabin crew who manage to keep their jobs are facing salary cuts, it said.

The 400,000 figure was based on company statements, Bloomberg News stories and other media reports compiled by the media company. It covers pilots and cabin crew.

Meanwhile, job losses in related industries including aircraft manufacturers, engine makers, airports and travel agencies could reach 25 million, according to the International Air Transport Association. Airbus SE and Boeing Co. are cutting more than 30,000 positions.