U.S. airlines move to mandate facial coverings for all passengers

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U.S. airlines are moving rapidly to mandate facial coverings for all passengers as a way of regaining client confidence past the COVID-19 pandemic.

On Friday, Southwest Airlines Co (LUV.N) and Alaska Airlines (ALK.N) joined other airlines in imposing the measures as they seek to resume normal operations.

United Airlines (UAL.O), Delta Air Lines Inc (DAL.N) and American Airlines Group Inc (AAL.O), along with the smaller Frontier Airlines, which is owned by private equity firm Indigo Partners LLC, announced Thursday that they would require facial coverings next month following JetBlue Airways Corp (JBLU.O).

Some airlines, like Southwest, will provide masks if passengers forget to bring them on board as they announce new cleaning procedures to reassure consumers.

The global aviation industry has taken a huge hit due to the COVID-19 pandemic, as airlines grounded their planes or reduced frequency.

As countries continue to pursue ways of reopening, airlines remain hopeful that they too can resume operations in due course.

Source(s): Reuters