Ryanair fears second pandemic wave in the autumn

Ryanair has revealed its first quarter 2020 results have shown a net loss of €185 million. In comparison with a net profit of €243 million in the same period last year.

Ryanair says the Q2 of 2020 was the most challenging, the coronavirus pandemic hit has been harsh. Almost entire Ryanair Group’s fleet was grounded for nearly four months, operating only special flights.

In July, Ryanair has operated approximately 40% of its normal schedule. For August, the carrier expects this to rise to 60% of its regular 2019 summer month schedule and in September rise to 70%. However, as for now the biggest fear is the second wave of the lockdowns amid the pandemic.

“It is impossible to predict how long the COVID-19 pandemic will persist, and a 2nd wave of COVID-19 cases across Europe in late autumn (when the annual flu season commences) is our biggest fear right now,” Ryanair said in a statement.

The operator predicts that 2021 could see its air traffic fall by 60%got the Ryanair Group.

Nevertheless, before the end of 2020, Ryanair hopes to take the first delivery of delayed Boeing 737 MAX 200 aircraft. Boeing estimates its MAX program will return to service in the US in late 2020.