(01 Apr 2020, 6:48 pm)mb134 wrote But then, arguably, why should other companies be getting government help? Last I checked high street retailers are private businesses, but are mainly now paying their workforce through government money.
If airlines are getting bailed out, a far more lucrative industry than bus operations, then why shouldn't bus companies expect assistance? After all, right now, bus services are far more essential than flights.
The follies of privatisation perhaps?
National flag carriers which were sold off, are now being brought back in-house in a number of countries. Time for the same thing to happen with BA?
Then you have the likes of Branson and his begging bowl. Covering those salaries would barely make a dent in his personal fortune.
As for other businesses, I'm aware of more than one who are taking advantage of the furlough scheme.
They don't need government support or loans to survive, but are doing so because the money is there. Its free money and it's saving them money too.