Qatar Airways says it will need financial aid soon
Qatar Airways CEO Akbar al-Baker says the airline will continue flying but is fast running out of cash.
It will need a state bailout soon, Baker told Reuters
It is operating a fairly comprehensive flight schedule to Europe, Asia and Australia, and has 1,800 flights over the next two weeks.
"We have received many requests from governments all over the world, embassies in certain countries, requesting Qatar Airways not to stop flying," Baker said.
However, without state support, the airline can only continue for a ‘very short period of time.’
"We will surely go to our government eventually for equity."
Employees have taken voluntary unpaid leave and Baker will take no salary until the airline resumes full operations.
Although Emirates and Etihad Airways have grounded their planes, Qatar Air hasn’t benefitted by raising airfares.
"We are not taking advantage, this is a time to serve people who want to be with their loved ones in a very trying time," he said.
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