Airlines see ‘oasis’ in entertainment, energy sectors during pandemic

Airlines eager to fill premium seats left empty by the coronavirus crisis are making a beeline for the entertainment and energy industries, which still must get their workers to far-off places.

Most companies have slashed spending on corporate travel, leaving airlines without a crucial source of revenue. Business traffic remains at least 85% down on pre-crisis levels.

While travel groups expect new COVID-19 vaccines to help revive future business traffic, sectors like sporting events, streaming and content creation are a rare bright spot for airlines in the hard-hit travel sector.

“It is at least somewhat of an oasis,” said Glenn Hollister, vice president of sales strategy and effectiveness at United Airlines Holdings Inc.