Skift Take

These charts paint a dire picture, as of March 17. "But one big difference between now and post-9/11 is this: U.S. airlines can borrow money," as Skift Airline Weekly Senior Analyst Jay Shabat has noted. "Last time the banks and other lenders were like, 'No way, not giving those airlines a dime.'"

Global airlines are fast running out of cash after cutting capacity by 90% or even grounding entire fleets due to the broad travel restrictions to contain the spread of the coronavirus, calling into question the survival of several firms.

The outbreak of the flu-like virus has wiped 41 percent, or $157 billion, off the share value of the world’s 116 listed airlines, with many using up their cash so fast they can now cover less than two months of expenses, a Reuters analysis showed.

The industry’s main global body, the International Air Transport Association (IATA), estimates the sector needs up to $200 billion in government support to help airlines survive. (More: Why U.S. Airlines Will Need to Lose the Hubris After We Bail Them Out.)

The following charts show airlines’ liquidity ratios, and their changes in cash and debt levels against core earnings. (Right-click your mouse for bigger views in a new browser tab.)

GRAPHIC: Airlines' change in cash levels source reuters march 18 2020

Above: Airlines’ change in cash levels is as of March 17, 2020. Source: Reuters Right-click your mouse for a bigger view.

graphic global airline firms with lower current ratios march 18 2020 source reuters

Above: Source: Reuters Right-click your mouse for a bigger view.

Airline firms net debt-to-EBITDA 18 March 2020 ratios source Reuters

Above: Airline firms’ net debt-to-earnings before interest, taxes, and depreciation as a measure, as of March 17, 2020. Source: Reuters Right-click your mouse for a bigger view.

cash on days by region chart 18 march 2020 source reuters

Above: Airlines cash on days by region as of March 17, 2020. Source: Reuters. Right-click your mouse for a bigger view.

GRAPHIC: Airline firms' debt-to-equity ratios Net debt to ebitda 18 March 2020 source reuters

Above: Airline firms’ net-debt-to-equity ratios using earnings before interest, taxes, and depreciation as a measure, as of March 17, 2020. Source: Reuters. Right-click your mouse for a bigger view.

GRAPHIC: Airline market cap 18 March 2020 source reuters

Above: Airline market capitalizations as of March 17, 2020. Source: Reuters

Reporting By Patturaja Murugaboopathy; Additional Reporting by Gaurav Dogra in Bengaluru; Editing by Miyoung Kim and Tom Hogue

Copyright (2020) Thomson Reuters. Click for restrictions

This article was written by Patturaja Murugaboopathy from Reuters and was legally licensed through the NewsCred publisher network. Please direct all licensing questions to [email protected].

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Tags: airline innovation, airlines, coronavirus

Photo credit: A Latam Airlines Airbus A350. The airline group, which Delta has a 20 percent stake in, is one of many that are struggling. BriYYZ / Latam

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