An indication how bad the airline sector is affected by the Covid 19 pandemic can be seen in Singapore Airlines financial report which it just released.

The regions most successful airline, Singapore Airlines profit declined 94.5 per cent in the financial year ended March 31, 2020 to S$59 million its worst ever since its started flying. SIA which is often exampled for its management and award winning cabin, suffered badly for the first three months period of the year, however the signs aren’t any better for the rest of the year. Experts are predicting the first quarter of being just the tip of the iceberg, painting a much grimmer picture in coming months.

SIA has been operating throughout the pandemic but air travels is at minimum with passenger arrivals near zero as many nations lockdown their borders. In a statement today, SIA said the prospects for a recovery in international air travel in the months ahead depend upon when border controls and travel restrictions ease. Resumption of the travel industry will rely deeply on the discovery of vaccine as even guidelines are provided while the virus is still at large, many people avoid international travels unless rally necessary.

On  top of it, pre travel time has increased substantially requiring passengers to arrive at the airport 4 hours before and planes limiting seating to keep things safe. These are not efficient for operators who look at quick turnaround time and full capacity. SIA is one of the stronger airlines in the area, the rest are on the brink of collapse and already making a beeline for financial bailout from their governments.

Malaysian Airlines is still mum about its performance or struggles, rumours are rife before MCO of a possible suitor who is willing to take the flagship carrier of the governments hands but this is now on the back burner.