easyJet says European aviation "depends significantly" on government backing to survive COVID-19

A British airline has said that the European aviation industry will need government funding in order to survive after coronavirus.

EasyJet made the statement today after last month’s news that it had had to cancel flights due to the outbreak of COVID-19.

Other airlines have since taken similar measures, with many flights also being cancelled due to country-wide isolations, such as in Italy.

The company said that while it is still operating essential “rescue and repatriation” flights, the European aviation industry faces an uncertain and “precarious” situation.

Johan Lundgren, easyJet CEO, said: “At easyJet we are doing everything in our power to rise to the challenges of the coronavirus so that we can continue to provide the benefits that aviation brings to people, the economy and business.

“We continue to operate rescue and repatriation flights to get people home where we can, so they can be with family and friends in these difficult times.

“European aviation faces a precarious future and it is clear that coordinated government backing will be required to ensure the industry survives and is able to continue to operate when the crisis is over.”

The company’s statement added: “There is no guarantee that the European airlines, along with all the benefits it brings for people, the economy and business, will survive what could be a long-term travel freeze and the risks of a slow recovery.

“Whether it does or not will depend significantly on European airlines maintaining access to liquidity, including that enabled by governments across Europe.