Norwegian Air says they may run out of cash in a matter of weeks. Their long haul business is between several European countries and the U.S., but Europeans largely cannot travel to the U.S. for the next month. Bookings are down anyway in the current environment, and this was a troubled airline to begin with.
Qatar Airways CEO Was A Coronavirus Denier
What a difference a few weeks make. Qatar Airways CEO Akbar al-Baker gave an interview where he was skeptical about the seriousness of the novel coronavirus, and annoyed at the inconvenience to aviation. “You don’t block aviation just because there is something in the air but it’s really not a scientific fact” he said.
He probably now wishes there wasn’t video.
Delta Eliminating Europe Flights, Parking 300 Aircraft, and Asking For Government Subsidies
At the beginning of the week airlines knew the novel coronavirus impact on their business could be large, but no one was taking this as seriously as United. That’s changed. Delta has sent a memo to employees outlining unprecedented changes to their business in light of drying up revenue.
Delta’s CEO Ed Bastian says that they’re receiving more cancellations than new bookings, and that “the demand fall-off is unlike anything we’ve seen” as a result they are “moving quickly to preserve cash and protect” the airline.
Hyatt Offering New Flexibility On Non-Refundable Bookings, Postponing Most Award Price Changes
Hyatt was first out of the gate with an offer of points for customers having to cancel non-refundable bookings. I thought that was generous because they were first and it was something. Of course this is all fast-moving, and other hotel chains have since done more.
So Hyatt has responded, well I think, and is out with a new policy allowing for cancellation of non-refundable bookings, encouraging new bookings, and offering greater flexibility for Hyatt points.
Marriott Is Last To The Party, Finally Offers Coronavirus Travel Waiver
Marriott is out with a policy giving flexibility to existing reservations, offering additional flexibility on new bookings, and extending expiring points, suite upgrades, and free night certificates.
Starting Today United Will Hold Back More First Class Seats To Sell At Check-In
Effective today United Airlines plans to stop offering some seats that used to be available for upgrade to members of their MileagePlus program, holding those back to sell to infrequent customers at check-in instead. This helps the airline generate extra short term cash now as they prepare for a drop in revenue of as much as 70%.
A Step Towards Revenue-Based Redemption At American Airlines
American is extending their AA20 program – 20% off paid travel for employees – to web special awards. If there was any doubt that these web specials were revenue-based redemption, this change should offer insight into how American thinks about them.
Domestic Hotel Occupancy Was Already Down Sharply Last Week
Domestic hotels already began experiencing a decline in rates and occupancy last week. Next week will be worse. Here are the details.
The Biggest Domestic Travel Coronavirus Threat At Airports May Be The Security Checkpoint
A roundup of the most important stories of the day. I keep you up to date on the most interesting writings I find on other sites – the latest news and tips.
United’s Regular Europe Schedule Operates For One Week, Then This Is All That’s Left
In light of the U.S. government’s limits on travel by non-U.S. citizens that have been to Europe within the past 14 days, in addition to reduction in travel broadly in reaction to the novel coronavirus, United has announced that it will only fly it’s current schedule through Thursday, March 19. That gives people time to get home, and to bring employees home.
Here’s what Europe should look like after that for United.