Astounding pics of hundreds of planes lined up on tarmac in US reveal how Covid pandemic has gutted airline industry

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EERIE photos of hundreds of grounded planes show the devastating impact of the Covid pandemic on America’s airline industry.

Planes can be seen lined up at once-busy airports across Arizona and California in the chilling aerial shots.

Billions of dollars worth of aircraft are parked up and disused in the US

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Billions of dollars worth of aircraft are parked up and disused in the USCredit: SWNS:South West News Service
These eerie pics were taken above Arizona and California airports

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These eerie pics were taken above Arizona and California airportsCredit: SWNS:South West News Service
The ongoing Covid pandemic has hit the airline industry hard

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The ongoing Covid pandemic has hit the airline industry hardCredit: SWNS:South West News Service
The six biggest US airlines lost $34billion in 2020 thanks to the pandemic

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The six biggest US airlines lost $34billion in 2020 thanks to the pandemicCredit: SWNS:South West News Service

Snapper Jassen Todorov took to the skies above multiple locations in America to shoot incredible scenes showing row after row of multi-million-dollar aircraft.

His pics portray how the Covid lockdown has hit the once-thriving air travel industry, compounded by the Boeing 737 Max 8 planes grounded by the FAA in 2019, following a series of deadly crashes.

Jassen, 46, from San Francisco, flew over the 309th Maintenance and Regeneration Group in Arizona, with its 4,000 stored aircraft.

He also captured unsettling pics above Southern California Logistics airport, as well as San Bernardino International and Mojave airports in California, plus Pinal county Airpark, Arizona.

Award-winning photographer Jassen Todorov took to the skies

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Award-winning photographer Jassen Todorov took to the skiesCredit: SWNS:South West News Service
Thousands of planes are furloughed around the world due to Covid

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Thousands of planes are furloughed around the world due to CovidCredit: SWNS:South West News Service
'These glorious airplanes are being taken apart or just sitting there, waiting for better post-Covid times,' the photographer says

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‘These glorious airplanes are being taken apart or just sitting there, waiting for better post-Covid times,’ the photographer saysCredit: SWNS:South West News Service

Last year saw the six biggest US airlines lose $34billion, and Southwest suffered its first full-year loss since Richard Nixon was president and gasoline sold for 36 cents a gallon.

2020 was a disaster for airlines, worse than 9/11 or the global financial crisis – some very small carriers didn’t survive it – and the start of 2021 is already grim for the struggling airline industry, reports Associated Press.

With travel likely to remain weak for several more months, airlines are continuing to slash costs and encourage workers to leave.

Federal aid has averted more furloughs, at least through March.

US carriers are losing $180million in cash daily

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US carriers are losing $180million in cash dailyCredit: SWNS:South West News Service
Passengers won't need to take Covid tests before domestic airline flights, the White House confirmed on February 12, 2021

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Passengers won’t need to take Covid tests before domestic airline flights, the White House confirmed on February 12, 2021Credit: SWNS:South West News Service
Major airlines, including American Airlines, Southwest Airlines and United Airlines, recently met virtually with White House to discuss the impact

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Major airlines, including American Airlines, Southwest Airlines and United Airlines, recently met virtually with White House to discuss the impactCredit: SWNS:South West News Service
Passenger volumes are down 65% to 70% and flight cancellations are rising, industry lobby Airlines for America says

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Passenger volumes are down 65% to 70% and flight cancellations are rising, industry lobby Airlines for America saysCredit: SWNS:South West News Service

Airlines short on revenue have amassed tens of billions of dollars from private lenders and taxpayer-funded relief to help them get through the pandemic.

Wall Street analysts expect the airlines will lose money again this year, although not as much, according to data compiled by FactSet.

On February 12, 2021, the White House said it was not planning to make passengers take Covid tests before domestic airline flights.

This was after the proposed new rules raised serious concerns among America’s airlines, unions and some lawmakers.

Health bosses at the CDC had said last month the agency was “actively looking” at expanding mandatory coronavirus testing to domestic flights.

But this was canned after chief executives of major airlines, including American Airlines, Southwest Airlines and United Airlines, met virtually with White House Covid response coordinator Jeff Zients.

Southwest Airlines warned such a requirement could put jobs at risk and a major aviation union said it could lead to airline bankruptcies.

The CDC currently discourages all nonessential air travel to stop the spread of the bug, which has so far killed about 500,000 people in the US.

The pictures show the dramatic impact lockdown has had on the air travel industry

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The pictures show the dramatic impact lockdown has had on the air travel industryCredit: SWNS:South West News Service
Jassen, 46, from San Francisco, said: 'As a pilot, I love planes and anything related to aviation'

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Jassen, 46, from San Francisco, said: ‘As a pilot, I love planes and anything related to aviation’Credit: SWNS:South West News Service
'Travel restrictions on international have resulted in a reduction in demand,' American Airlines CEO Doug Parker says

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‘Travel restrictions on international have resulted in a reduction in demand,’ American Airlines CEO Doug Parker saysCredit: SWNS:South West News Service
Jassen Todorov in action over the airports

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Jassen Todorov in action over the airportsCredit: SWNS:South West News Service
Astonishing images show billions of dollars worth of aircraft parked up and disused due to COVID-19 travel restrictions