With the exception of repatriation flights both of Liverpool’s biggest airlines, easyJet and Ryanair, say normal operations during the coronavirus crisis is now impossible. Tony McDonough reports

Low-cost airline easyJet has now fully-grounded its entire fleet of aircraft as coronavirus restrictions implemented by multiple countries make normal operations impossible.

In recent days easyJet, which operates more than 30 routes out of Liverpool John Lennon Airport, has been helping to repatriate customers, having operated more than 650 rescue flights to date, returning home more than 45,000 customers. 

Its main rival Ryanair, which also has more than 30 routes out of Liverpool, has all but ceased its operations and is now only flying rescue and repatriation flights as well as offering aircraft for emergency medical flights including to and from China.

Easyjet said the last of its rescue flights were operated on Sunday, March 29. It said it will continue to work with government bodies to operate additional rescue flights as requested.

The carrier added that this stage there can be no certainty of the date for restarting commercial flights. It is continuing to take “every action” to remove cost and non-critical expenditure from the business at every level in order to help mitigate the impact from the coronavirus.

EasyJet and Unite the union have collaboratively reached an agreement on furlough arrangements for its cabin crew. The agreement will be effective from April 1 for a period of two months and means that crew will be paid 80% of their average pay through the Government job retention scheme.  

Johan Lundgren, easyJet chief executive said: “I am extremely proud of the way in which people across easyJet have given their absolute best at such a challenging time, including so many crew who have volunteered to operate rescue flights to bring our customers home. We are working tirelessly to ensure that easyJet continues to be well positioned to overcome the challenges of coronavirus.”

Ryanair chief executive Michael O’Leary also said: “As most EU countries have imposed flight bans or other restrictions, over 90% of Ryanair’s aircraft will be grounded for the coming weeks. We will comply with these restrictions at all times.”