Delta Air Lines expects its China flights to resume soon as the country's battle against the novel coronavirus epidemic has been showing signs of a victory in the near future, according to Wong Hong, president of Greater China and Singapore at Delta Air Lines.
Delta Air Lines, one of the major air carriers in the U.S., announced on January 31 that it has decided to temporarily suspend all U.S.-to-China flights, beginning February 6 through April 30, due to the concerns related to the novel coronavirus. Later on Wednesday, the carrier announced that its flight schedule to South Korea will be reduced because of the same concerns.
"Indeed, the epidemic has been surprising and very sudden, and has affected the travel and aviation industry. The overall impact is significant, but we believe it is only for the short term," Wong said.
"We hope to be able to resume our services soon," he said, adding that the company has been working hard to help all customers make changes to their travel plans.
The company donated 250,000 U.S. dollars earlier this month for immediate health and safety services related to the outbreak.
"Our contribution will support medical aid and education to communities, and help the affected people in China," Wong detailed.
Moreover, he appreciated the Chinese government's efforts in containing the virus by taking stringent prevention and control measures.
"I am glad to know that there are encouraging signs that the number of new confirmed cases has fallen in recent days with persistent efforts and the resilience of the Chinese people," he stressed.
As a global airline serving Chinese customers for over 70 years, Wong has full confidence that the epidemic will be brought under control. "We look forward to the day when we can once again connect travelers around the world," Wong told CGTN.
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