Impact of Covid-19 on aviation

Flight to safety

Pandemic-hit airlines are shedding staff and launching initiatives like local travel promotions and ferrying cargo in a bid to stay aloft

Eileen Ng
Regional Correspondent
Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport will get a lift if talks between Thailand and China to set up a quarantine-free travel corridor succeed. With no local traffic to tap to make up for lost international business, Singapore Airlines has rolled out ideas l
The global aviation industry is facing turbulence now from the Covid-19 outbreak, with more than 350,000 jobs shed in the past six months. Travel demand is not expected to return to last year’s levels until 2024. PHOTO: REUTERS
The baggage claim area at Changi Airport Terminal 3 (above) is much quieter now, with border restrictions imposed by countries curbing air travel.
The baggage claim area at Changi Airport Terminal 3 (above) is much quieter now, with border restrictions imposed by countries curbing air travel. ST PHOTO: JASON QUAH
Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport will get a lift if talks between Thailand and China to set up a quarantine-free travel corridor succeed. With no local traffic to tap to make up for lost international business, Singapore Airlines has rolled out ideas l
With no local traffic to tap to make up for lost international business, Singapore Airlines has rolled out ideas like the well-received Restaurant A380@Changi dining experience. ST PHOTO: JASON QUAH
Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport will get a lift if talks between Thailand and China to set up a quarantine-free travel corridor succeed. With no local traffic to tap to make up for lost international business, Singapore Airlines has rolled out ideas l
Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport will get a lift if talks between Thailand and China to set up a quarantine-free travel corridor succeed. PHOTO: EPA-EFE
Updated
Oct 18, 2020, 09:23 AM
Published
Oct 18, 2020, 05:00 AM
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The forecast a year ago was for the Asia-Pacific to continue to benefit from an aviation boom.

Hirings were in full swing, with some airlines dangling attractive salaries and perks to woo pilots.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Sunday Times on October 18, 2020, with the headline Flight to safety. Subscribe

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MCI (P) 066/10/2023. Published by SPH Media Limited, Co. Regn. No. 202120748H. Copyright © 2024 SPH Media Limited. All rights reserved.

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