Asian airlines flock to cargo for reprieve from coronavirus havoc

Radical cuts in passenger flights lift freight business, but earning outlook dim

Fewer flights coupled with relatively healthy demand for freight services means air cargo loads factors are running high this year. © AP

KENJI KAWASE, Nikkei Asian Review chief business news correspondent

April 22, 2020 18:00 JST

TOKYO -- Demand for cargo services is serving as a lifeline for airlines across Asia amid the coronaovirus outbreak even as pressure on core passenger operations pushes others, like Australia's Virgin Airlines, into dire straits.

Virgin Australia Holdings announced it was entering voluntary administration on Tuesday, though it would continue operating both domestic and international flights for the time being.