How is COVID-19 affecting commercial pilots?

[ArngeDrank]

I'm sitting here in my government class right now and we're talking about the impact of the virus in our county, where there have been some deaths and it's spreading fairly quickly. I personally think that my school district is slightly overreacting by canceling literally almost every event happening, including sports- but we were also talking about how airline ticket prices are low right now.
If very few people are on a flight, does that flight still depart? Wouldn't the airline lose money on that flight?
If no people book a flight, then the flight obviously doesn't depart, right? If that was to happen wouldn't pilots lose money because they're losing flight hours? Just something that I was thinking about.

 

[Stealth_81]

The major airlines have adjusted the pilot and flight schedules. One of them has offered some pilots 50 hours of pay to stay home this month and many are gladly taking it (Base schedules for pilots is 72-76 hours flight pay/mo.). The others will probably follow suit soon. If the slowdown in travel continues there will be further changes.

Stealth_81

 

[HawkeyeMom]

The head of Southwest said he considered his airline to be in recession. Most airlines have had a substantial reduction in international flying (obviously) and domestic is reduced, although not as much. Hiring freezes are in effect. I'm guessing furloughs likely; hopefully not as long as after 9-11.