Southwest Airlines Co. intends to apply for federal aid, becoming the second U.S. carrier saying it will seek government assistance after being battered by a collapse in travel demand because of the new coronavirus.
The airline will file an application “to discuss the specific details regarding possible grants that could boost liquidity and provide job security for its employees,” according to a U.S. regulatory filing Thursday. The Dallas-based carrier joins American Airlines Group Inc., which has said it would apply for as much as $12 billion in aid.
The carrier also tapped $2.3 billion under an amended credit agreement to help fund operations, according to Thursday’s filing.