Due to the unprecedented level of travel restrictions being imposed by governments in response to the Coronavirus pandemic and significantly reduced levels of customer demand, easyJet plc (LON:EZJ) has undertaken further significant cancellations. These actions will continue on a rolling basis for the foreseeable future and could result in the grounding of the majority of the easyJet fleet.
easyJet will continue to operate rescue flights for short periods where we can, in order to repatriate customers.
To help mitigate the impact from COVID-19 we are taking every action to remove cost and non-critical expenditure from the business at every level. Aircraft groundings will remove significant levels of variable costs.
easyJet maintains a strong balance sheet including a £1.6bn cash balance, an undrawn $500m Revolving Credit Facility, unencumbered aircraft worth in excess of £4bn and a large and valuable slot portfolio. easyJet has no debt re-financings due until 2022 and is in ongoing discussions with liquidity providers who recognise our strength of balance sheet and business model.
European aviation faces a precarious future and there is no guarantee that the European airlines, along with all the benefits it brings for people, the economy and business, will survive what could be a long-term travel freeze and the risks of a slow recovery. Whether it does or not will depend significantly on European airlines maintaining access to liquidity, including that enabled by governments across Europe.
easyJet continues to work closely with the authorities and is following the guidelines provided by the World Health Organisation and EASA to ensure the health and wellbeing of our people and customers.
Outlook
At this stage, given the level of continued uncertainty, it is not possible to provide financial guidance for the remainder of the FY20 financial year.
Johan Lundgren, easyJet CEO said:
“At easyJet we are doing everything in our power to rise to the challenges of the Coronavirus so that we can continue to provide the benefits that aviation brings to people, the economy and business. We continue to operate rescue and repatriation flights to get people home where we can, so they can be with family and friends in these difficult times.
“European aviation faces a precarious future and it is clear that coordinated government backing will be required to ensure the industry survives and is able to continue to operate when the crisis is over.”
