In a trading update released on Thursday (16 April), the carrier outlined its action plan to deal with the coronavirus pandemic. 

This includes cutting costs by grounding the entire fleet on 30 March, deferring 24 aircraft, cancelling a number of other projects and securing £2 billion in extra cash funding.

"We remain focused on doing what is right for the company for its long-term health and to ensure we are in a good position to resume flying when the pandemic is over," said Johan Lundgren, easyJet’s chief executive. 

"While the vast majority of our people are not able to work at this time, there is a small number working tirelessly to help our customers, and to plan for our return to the skies, whenever that might be."

The BBC also reported that Lundgren said the airline could keep the middle seat empty in all three-seat configurations in a bid to continue social distancing measures while flights start back up.

This would be made possible in light of reduced passenger numbers following the Covid-19 pandemic. 

Lundgren stressed easyJet increased its revenue for the six months ending 31 March by 1.6% to £2.382 million.