Pandemic Could Mean Permanent Airline Changes, Says Delta CEO
Bastian says lower load factors are one possibility >>
by: Harvey Chipkin
The Covid-19 pandemic could result in permanent structural change for the airline industry if cabin distancing becomes more than a short-term policy change, said Ed Bastian, CEO of Delta in a quarterly earnings call. Delta has blocked off middle seats to ensure social distances on flights, but Bastian said the carrier won’t rule out keeping load factors in the 65% to 75% range or removing seats from the cabin. “We’ll do whatever it takes,” he said. The executive also said that going forward, safety in the industry will mean personal health as well as mechanical flight safety. He said passenger focus on aircraft cleanliness will translate more broadly to an increased emphasis on customer service. With Delta flying fewer aircraft for the foreseeable future, said Bastian, it will have an opportunity to focus on a better passenger experience. Delta reported a net loss of $534 million for the first quarter with year-over-year revenue plunging 18%.
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