Elon Musk labels lockdowns ‘fascist’ as Tesla offsets automotive slump April 30, 2020 Outspoken Tesla chief executive Elon Musk labelled the US’ coronavirus lockdowns as “fascist” as the firm surprised investors with another profitable period of trading despite the current market disruption. Speaking on a conference call last night, Musk said that the measures posed a serious risk to Tesla’s business and said he did not know when [...]
SMMT: UK car production falls 38 per cent, 10 times worse than Brexit drops April 30, 2020 The coronavirus crisis hammered British car manufacturing in March, with the total number of vehicles produced falling 37.6 per cent compared to a year ago. Just 78,767 vehicles left factory gates last month, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). That is 47,428 fewer than the previous year, as the coronavirus crisis [...]
Airbus profit halves amid ‘gravest crisis’ in aviation history April 29, 2020 Aerospace giant Airbus saw its profit halve in the first quarter as it faced up to what its chief executive labelled the “gravest crisis” in aviation history. The spread of coronavirus has led to widespread grounding of flights around the world, prompting the French-German firm’s orders to plummet. In the first quarter, the company’s profit [...]
Elon Musk calls for end of lockdown ahead of Tesla first quarter earnings April 29, 2020 Billionaire Tesla boss Elon Musk today called for the end of the US coronavirus lockdown ahead of the electric car company’s first quarter results tonight. Musk tweeted: “FREE AMERICA NOW” and separately tweeted “give people their freedom back!” He also tweeted a story about the relaxation of lockdown in Texas with the comment: “Bravo Texas!” [...]
British Airways owner IAG sees shares plummet after job cuts announcement April 29, 2020 Shares in British Airways owner IAG plunged this morning after it yesterday announced that it could cut up to 12,000 jobs at the UK flag carrier. As markets opened, shares in the airlines group dropped nearly seven per cent, in another blow to the firm’s already decimated market cap. The firm said that the unprecedented [...]
British Airways says it could cut 12,000 jobs as global travel slumps April 28, 2020 International Airlines Group (IAG) today said a redundancy consultation at British Airways could lead to 12,000 people losing their jobs. IAG said British Airways is formally notifying its trade unions about a proposed restructuring and redundancy programme. “The proposals remain subject to consultation but it is likely that they will affect most of British Airways’ [...]
Coronavirus: European airlines continue to tap governments for aid April 28, 2020 European airlines continued to tap their respective governments for state aid in order to survive the coronavirus crisis, which has shut down air travel across the world. German state carrier Lufthansa is still in negotiations with federal authorities over a €9bn loan deal, despite overnight reports that an agreement had been reached. Shares swiftly climbed [...]
Nissan set for first loss since 2008 financial crisis April 28, 2020 Nissan is on course to post its first annual loss since the 2008 financial crisis, the Japanese auto giant warned today. Car sales have collapsed around the world as the coronavirus pandemic has drained demand, with carmakers braced for significant losses. In a statement, Nissan said it was forecasting a loss of 45bn yen (£338m), [...]
Easyjet board set for showdown with founder over Airbus contract April 27, 2020 Easyjet’s board has set the date for a showdown with founder Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou, who has been calling for the airline to scrap a £4.5bn order with Airbus. On May 22, shareholders will vote on whether to back the board’s plan to go through with the deal, which has been modified in light of the [...]
Norwegian Air says planes set to remain grounded until April 2021 April 27, 2020 Low-cost carrier Norwegian Air does not expect to begin ramping up its number of flights until next April at the earliest, according to a proposal published ahead of a key stakeholder meeting this week. Unless the airline gets approval for its proposed rescue plan, it warned that it could run out of cash by mid-May. [...]