ArrowArtboardCreated with Sketch.Title ChevronTitle ChevronIcon FacebookIcon LinkedinIcon Mail ContactPath LayerIcon MailPositive ArrowIcon Print
Hong Kong's flagship airline Cathay Pacific will cut 96% of its passenger capacity in April and May after seeing its load factor drop to 53.1% in February.   © Reuters
Business Spotlight

Asian airlines fly vacant planes as coronavirus hits demand

National flag carriers struggle to maintain operational efficiency amid epidemic

MASAYUKI YUDA, Nikkei staff writer and KENJI KAWASE, Nikkei Asian Review chief business news correspondent | Thailand

BANGKOK/TOKYO -- Hanging in the balance amid the global crisis surrounding the novel coronavirus, Asian airlines are struggling to maintain proper operational efficiency.

The outbreak of the virus has limited the globalized movement of people. Although the epicenter of the epidemic has shifted from China to Europe, according to the World Health Organization, regional transmission of the virus has become largely apparent in most of the countries and regions in Asia.

Sponsored Content

About Sponsored Content This content was commissioned by Nikkei's Global Business Bureau.

Nikkei Asian Review, now known as Nikkei Asia, will be the voice of the Asian Century.

Celebrate our next chapter
Free access for everyone - Sep. 30

Find out more