Taiwan’s airlines will soon have access to government loans to help alleviate losses brought on by the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak. Deputy Transportation Minister Huang Yu-lin made the announcement during a report to the legislature on Monday.
Huang says the transportation ministry has been planning for contingencies since before the Lunar New Year began in late January. He says the COVID-19 outbreak has presented airlines with unprecedented challenges, and they are in dire need of relief. Huang says the transportation ministry has already met with officials from Taiwan’s six major airlines to discuss their needs.
The transportation ministry has lowered rent and operating fees for air carriers at the nation’s airports. Huang says the ministry is likely to discuss with the Cabinet the details of special airline loans on Wednesday.