Tourism operations in mainland China account for 13% of the company's total operating revenue.
So far, 37 global airlines and over 10 international hotel chains have participated in the initiative to offer travelers free cancellations.
The national travel agency association urged Chinese travel agencies to fully understand and support "preferential terms to Chinese tourists to prevent the spread of the coronavirus pneumonia".
At a time when the country is mobilizing medical teams nation-wide to fight the virus in Wuhan, China’s travel industry is also taking measures to participate in the fight.
At least nine Chinese airlines have issued policies allowing travelers that had been quarantined or diagnosed with the virus to reschedule or cancel their flights for free.
Chinese group tours for the holiday are set to plunge 86% compared to last year, and flight prices from Shanghai to Hong Kong are 38% cheaper, and only 30% of hotel rooms are booked for the time.
It would definitely help if the government could temporarily waive these operating expenses so that airlines operating in Hong Kong can remain commercially viable.
The airline’s chief executive officer quit weeks ago, and on Wednesday, chairman John Slosar announced his resignation.