Among the sectors where the recovery will be very gradual, air transport, almost stopped since the start of the coronavirus pandemic. In early April, the number of flights worldwide collapsed by 80% compared to the same period in 2019, according to the international air transport association, IATA. Many airlines, even the strongest, are in great trouble. 300 billion euros in losses, a fall of 55% of revenues in 1 year, 25 million jobs at stake in the world: dizzying figures and which are not final.
>> LIVE - Coronavirus: follow the evolution of the situation Wednesday April 22
A State guaranteed loan of 4 billion euros for Air France
IATA, which brings together 290 airlines, has regularly revised its estimates upwards since the start of the crisis. No company is spared: investments stopped, fleet reduction. Those who were already fragile before the crisis are on the brink. In the past 48 hours alone, low cost Norwegian has announced the bankruptcy of 4 subsidiaries and Virgin Australia has declared itself in default.
>> Watch Matthieu Belliard's morning show in replay and in podcast here
Even stronger businesses are impacted. British Airways and Lufthansa are counting on state aid worth several billion euros. A scenario that is also looming on the side of Air France, where a loan guaranteed by the State is taking shape. The sum of 4 billion euros is mentioned.
CORONAVIRUS ESSENTIALS
> How long are healthy carriers contagious?
> What are the side effects of chloroquine?
> Adulterated tests, false calls for donations ...: watch out for scams linked to the coronavirus
> Reading, board games ... How to stimulate your brain during confinement?
> How to avoid gaining pounds during confinement?
According to IATA, "checking the health of passengers will be the key to restarting". Air France hopes to reach 30% of its traffic in July, just like EasyJet, which is counting on the summer to bounce back. RyanAir has even launched the price war with flash sales for the month of September.