Spreading coronavirus is making some American Airlines crews nervous about flying abroad - The Dallas Morning News

American Airlines’ pilots and flight attendants are nervous about flying to a growing number of international destinations such as Italy, South Korea and Japan as coronavirus outbreaks spread to more countries.

American has already suspended flights to Mainland China and Hong Kong through late April and cited a decrease in demand. But the company has yet to make any cancellations to its daily DFW-to-South Korea route.

However, Allied Pilots Association spokesman Dennis Tajer said pilots are opting out to flights to Incheon International Airport outside of Seoul.

“Some of our pilots are not comfortable flying there,” Tajer said.

And as new outbreaks develop in places such as Italy and Iran, pilots and flight attendants are looking more critically at trips to Europe and Asia.

Outbreaks this week in Europe and Asia have added concern to worry over COVID-19, with U.S. Centers for Disease Control officials telling Americans to prepare for disruptions to daily life. On Thursday, there were about 81,000 cases internationally and 2,718 deaths, almost entirely in China. But South Korea now has more than 1,200 cases and Italy has more than 300 cases. Japan has 164 confirmed cases and Iran has 94.

CDC officials say the coronavirus outbreak is getting close to being considered a global pandemic.

It’s causing travel concerns globally. On Thursday, Facebook canceled its annual developer conference in San Francisco set for May. A report from the Global Business Travel Alliance said coronavirus could cost the industry alone $46.6 billion a month.

The COVID-19 concern has slammed airline stocks. American shares have dropped almost 25% since Monday morning, a $2.9 billion drop in the company’s value. The stock price for Dallas-based Southwest Airlines, which doesn’t fly outside North America, has decreased 16% since Monday.

American Airlines has issued a travel alert for South Korea and northern Italy, allowing passengers with flights there to change trips without a fee.

JetBlue, which also only flies in North America, said Wednesday it would waive change and cancellation fees for trips booked until March 11, trying to dissuade passengers from postponing or axing travel plans.

Airlines are likely making these moves because of a decrease in demand, not to stop the spread of the disease, said Steven Marks, a Miami-based international aviation attorney.

“The impact on their business is going to be so significant that they can’t afford to keep their airplanes on the ground,” said Marks, an attorney with the Podhurst Orseck firm.

He warned passengers on international trips they’ll likely have fewer legal remedies than they would for domestic trips. A flight he took this week to Brazil was still full, but many passengers were wearing medical face masks, he said.

Flight attendants at American Airlines are worried about infections just like passengers, said Lori Bassani, president of the union representing 24,500 American Airlines flight attendants

“We are very concerned,” said Bassani with the Association of Professional Flight Attendants. “I took a flight yesterday and the person next to me took out a disinfectant wipe and wiped down everything.”

American Airlines spokesman Curtis Blessing said the company is allowing flight attendants to wear face masks on trips to Asia, Australia and New Zealand. It is also making sure there is an ample supply of hand sanitizer and sanitizing wipes on planes.

“While the CDC isn’t recommending that airline crews wear masks, we understand many of our crew members are concerned and have asked about our mask policy,” Blessing said.

Tajer said the union is worried about the potential long-term effects of pilots who may be exposed to COVID-19. The virus causes severe respiratory problems including pneumonia. Tajer said respiratory problems could put pilots at risk for losing commercial flying licenses and that company supplied long-term disability insurance only covers 25% of pay.

American Airlines is offering compensation to pilots and flight attendants that lose hours because of reduced flights to China, said spokeswoman Andrea Koos.

Tajer said flights to South Korea and other infected regions are putting pilots in the awkward position of turning down their employer for work. The pilots union previously pushed American Airlines to suspend flights to China, which the company eventually did.

“We want to be a team player, but it’s hard when you are putting yourself and your loved ones at risk,” Tajer said.

Let's block ads! (Why?)

"some" - Google News
February 28, 2020 at 06:11AM
https://ift.tt/2T5EGvN

Spreading coronavirus is making some American Airlines crews nervous about flying abroad - The Dallas Morning News
"some" - Google News
https://ift.tt/37fuoxP
Shoes Man Tutorial
Pos News Update
Meme Update
Korean Entertainment News
Japan News Update

Bagikan Berita Ini