Delta Slashes Flights by 40% As Virus Cripples Global Travel

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Delta Air Lines will cut existing flights by 40% to deal with a nosedive in travel demand, and it is talking to the White House and Congress about assistance to get through the downturn.

The cut in flying is the largest in Delta's history, even larger than after the September 2001 terror attacks.

CEO Ed Bastian said Friday the downturn in demand is unlike anything the company has ever seen. He says he's optimistic about getting help from the White House and
Congress. But, he says, Delta can't wait for Washington to act, so it is preserving cash and cutting costs.