Delta slashes flights by 40% as virus cripples global travel

Delta Air Lines will cut existing flights by 40% to deal with a sedive in travel demand, and it is talking to White House and Congress about assistance to get through downturn.

40% cut in passenger-carrying capacity is largest in Delta's history, surpassing reductions that were me after September 2001 terror attacks.

And outlook for airlines is still getting worse.

“ speed of demand fall-off is unlike anything we’ve seen – and we’ve seen a lot in our business,” CEO Ed Bastian said in a memo to Delta's 90,000 employees Friday.

“We are in discussions with White House and Congress regarding support y can provide to help us through this period. I’m optimistic we will receive ir support,” he said, ding however that airline “can’t put our company’s future at risk waiting on aid from our government.”

Bastian said airline is preserving cash and reducing costs.