US airlines see distant recovery as coronoavirus outbreak hits travel

Speaking at an industry conference, United President Scott Kirby said he was preparing for a "dire scenario" under which revenue could fall as much as 70% in April and May and 20% in Nov and Dec

Leading US airlines on Tuesday ditched 2020 forecasts and unveiled more sweeping capacity cuts and cost-saving measures in response to the spreading coronavirus, while United Airlines warned of a deep hit to the sector.

Speaking at an industry conference, United President Scott Kirby said he was preparing for a "dire scenario" under which revenue could fall as much as 70% in April and May and 20% in November and December.

The sector has been hard-hit as tourists cancel trips and businesses across the globe clamp down on anything other than essential travel over the fast-spreading epidemic, sparking a