Norwegian will cancel 85% of its flights and suspend 90% of its personnel

The crisis unleashed by the coronavirus pandemic is hitting the commercial aviation industry hard, but particularly affecting companies that already came with their complicated finances. Norwegian, the third largest low-cost in Europe, is one of them.

The company announced Monday that it will begin an adjustment process that will temporarily cancel 85% of its flights and suspend 7,300 people, equivalent to 90% of its workforce.

“What our industry is facing right now is unprecedented and critical as we get closer to a scenario where most of our planes are temporarily stranded. Several governments in Europe have already said they will do their best. to ensure that their airlines can continue to fly when society returns to normal We appreciate that the Norwegian authorities have communicated that they will implement all necessary measures to protect aviation in Norway, thereby ensuring crucial infrastructure and jobs.

“We understand that this extraordinary situation is stressful for our clients, but I want to assure you that we are working 24 hours a day to ensure that all of them are served in the best possible way at this time,” said Jacob Schram, CEO of Norwegian.

“It is with great regret that we have to make more than 7,300 of our colleagues see their jobs temporarily suspended, but unfortunately we have no other choice. However, I want to emphasize that this is temporary because, when the world returns to Normally, my goal is to keep as many of our committed colleagues as possible, “added the manager.

Starting March 21, Norwegian will operate a reduced cabotage flight program in Norway and between Nordic cities, and some European flights. All intercontinental flights (including Buenos Aires) will be canceled, except for those connecting Oslo with Bangkok and Krabi, and Copenhagen and Krabi. This program will run until at least April 17, but will be subject to revisions based on changes in travel restrictions and demand, the aviation site said online.

The Norwegian government announced last week a $ 300 million tax benefit plan for airlines with the aim of easing the impact of the crisis.

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