Hong Kong Airlines has been compelled to terminate 400 of its employees due to the impact of the coronavirus outbreak, while the remaining staff have been instructed to take unpaid leave.
According to the South China Morning Post, the airline intends to reduce its workforce by approximately 10%.
The airline spokesman communicated to Reuters via email, stating, “As uncertainty looms with the evolving nature of this global issue, weak travel demand will likely continue into the summer season and we need to take further action to stay afloat.”
He added, “There has never been a more challenging time in Hong Kong Airlines’ history as of now. These decisions are difficult but had to be made to keep the airline alive.”
Furthermore, it was revealed that the remaining staff will be required to take a minimum of two weeks unpaid leave per month or work three days a week between Feb. 17 and June 30.
Additionally, Hong Kong Airlines will reduce its daily operations from 82 to 30 sectors over the period from Feb. 11 to March.