US-based Delta Air Lines, which outsources contracts to Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), Cognizant and IBM, has decided to suspended many of its technology projects. This means, more than 1300 people working for its outsourcing vendors may be rendered jobless.
Delta outsources work to vendors within the US as well as India. The decision to slash contractor positions has been taken to reduce the impact of the COVID-19 situation on the business, according to official spokespersons.
In the face of the crisis, Delta has had to cancel thousands of flights in the US and Europe, India and the UK, which has adversely affected its operations.
It is not yet clear as to what extent this move will affect the workforces at TCS,Cognizant and IBM. With most countries closing their air spaces to passenger flights as part of their measures to check the spread of the virus, the aviation sector and the hospitality space have been badly impacted.
In India, most airlines operating domestic flights are not giving refunds. However, many have begun to take bookings post April 14, even though it is not clear whether flights will begin to operate after the lockdown ends.
Singapore Airlines has informed its travel agents that it will be refunding tickets as per its Covid-19 Global Travel Waiver policy. German airline, Lufthansa has also announced refunds for certain passengers. SpiceJet and IndiGo are not offering refunds. However, they are depositing the amount paid by the passengers into a credit fund.
