SIA cuts capacity, freezes hiring as virus takes toll

Flights suspended: A file picture showing an airplane of Singapore airlines preparing for landing at Haneda airport. The carrier has temporarily suspended more than 3,000 flights from February to end-May, — AFP

SINGAPORE: Singapore Airlines Ltd (SIA) has cut nearly 10% of its capacity, frozen recruitment for ground positions and deferred spending as it deals with lower demand due to the coronavirus outbreak, according to an internal memo seen by Reuters.

The carrier has temporarily suspended more than 3,000 flights from February to end-May, accounting for 9.9% of the group’s scheduled capacity, said the memo sent to staff.