More wage-cutting on tap as Asiana Airlines struggles

Asiana Airlines on Tuesday introduced more self-rescue measures as the coronavirus outbreak continues to lay waste to the travel industry.

Korea’s second largest airline said all of its 10,500 employees will go on unpaid leave for 15 days each in April, while executives must return 60 percent of their wages.

The carrier saw its number of passengers on international routes drop 85 percent in February, while reservation rates for April were 90 percent lower than the same month last year. The global coronavirus outbreak has slashed demand for air travel and prompted countries to restrict entries and departures.

Since entering emergency management in February, Asiana Airlines has cut wages for its executives and high-ranking employees and has been expanding its rate of wage cuts for other employees.

Asiana Airlines has sought to meet increasing demand for cargo planes.

BY KO JUN-TAE [ko.juntae@joongang.co.kr]