Airlines seek govt help to pay staff salary as coronavirus grounds aviation

According to a calculation by the government, Indian airlines are likely to operate only 30 per cent of their fleet for the next two months

Airlines have sought help from the government to help them pay employees’ salaries as the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) outbreak has forced the authorities to stop air transport till March 31.

Sources aware of the development said, chief executive officers of airlines have asked the government to bear 50 per cent of three months’ salaries of employees.

The demand emanates from the government direction stating that companies shouldn’t fire employees even if functions are stopped because of the pandemic.

“In the backdrop of such challenging situations, all the employees of public or private establishments are advised to extend their coordination by