British budget airline easyJet announced it would reduce its workforce by around a third, as the coronavirus pandemic continues to weigh on the tourism industry.
The company said it was looking to cut employee numbers by 30% to reflect its reduced airplane fleet and “improved productivity,” adding that it would launch a consultation with its workers in the coming days.
EasyJet said it would take decisive action to “remove cost and non-critical expenditure from the business at every level,” which would also see cost-cutting measures being taken in areas such as airport contracts and marketing.
With the Covid-19 crisis taking a toll on travel, the airline has signed two loans worth £400 million ($326 million), issued £600 million in commercial paper and accessed $500 million through a revolving credit facility.
EasyJet also said on Thursday it was allowing its aircraft to lease, which was expected to generate proceeds of between £500 million and £650 million for the firm. Its funding initiatives as a whole were expected to generate additional liquidity of £2 billion.
