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Delta Air Lines reducing flights, announcing other changes amid coronavirus outbreak

ATLANTA — As the coronavirus continues to spread in the United States and impact the economy, Atlanta-based Delta Air Lines announce changes.

Delta says it will reduce capacity by 15 points versus its plan, with international capacity reduced by 20-25 percent, and domestic capacity reduced by 10-15 percent.

The airline is breaking down the changes by region.

Entity % of Total FY19 Revenue Capacity Reductions
Pacific 6% Down 65%
Trans-Atlantic 15% Down 15-20%
Domestic 72% Down 10-15%
Latin 7% Down 5%

The company will continue to make adjustments to planned capacity as demand trends change.

Delta also announced other changes that impacts its employees. It will institute a company-wide hiring freeze and offering voluntary leave options.

The airline will also be parking aircraft and “evaluating early retirements of older aircraft.”

Delta has also made the following cash flow decisions:

  • Deferring $500 million in capital expenditures
  • Delaying $500 million of voluntary pension funding
  • Suspending share repurchases

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