India’s flag carrier Air India is expected to incur losses to the tune of Rs 300-350 million (£3.3-3.85m) per day following the suspension of operations in the wake of coronavirus pandemic, according to a source.
With stringent border controls across the countries to restrict movement of people, many countries have barred international flights in their territory amid COVID-19. India has also announced a temporary ban on flying.
“We will not be operating a single commercial flight along with other domestic carriers as per the government’s order, yet our daily losses will still be in the range of Rs 300-350 million.
“Though there will not be ceratin costs such as fuel, ground handling, airport fee during the suspension of oprations, we still will have to make payments towards salaries and allowances, lease rentals, mimimum maintenance, besides the interest payment, among others,” the source told PTI.
Air India’s total earnings per day are around Rs 600-650 million and 90 per cent of this comes from passenger revenue, he said adding, “the expenses too are in the same range. So we are earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) positive or in a way meeting our all expenses.”
Air India’s salary bill stands at around Rs 2.5 billion per month while the aircraft lease rentals outgo is around $30 million per month as per the source.
Besides, the airline has to make as much as Rs 2.25 billion per months towards interest on borrowings among others.
