Norwegian Air is reducing its flight capacity by 15% in response to low demand as a result of the coronavirus.
In a statement, the carrier explained that it is cancelling 3,000 flights from mid-March to mid-June, as well as implementing temporary layoffs of a significant share of its workforce.
As a result of the cost-saving measures, bellyhold capacity on the cancelled Norwegian Air flights will be out of use.
Norwegian Air's chief executive, Jacob Schram, commented: “This is a critical time for the aviation industry, including us at Norwegian. We encourage the authorities to immediately implement measures to imminently reduce the financial burden on the airlines in order to protect crucial infrastructure and jobs”.
“Unfortunately, cancellations will affect a significant share of our colleagues at Norwegian. We have initiated formal consultations with our unions regarding temporary layoffs for flying crew members as well as employees on the ground and in the offices. We will continue to engage in constructive dialogue with unions and employees to work through this difficult situation together,” he added.
