Singapore Airlines has announced that it will further cut the capacity that had been originally scheduled up to end-April by 96%. The outbreak of the coronavirus is further putting aviation into a deepening crisis.

The SIA Group said that it is the biggest challenge it has ever faced since its establishment. Following further reductions, the Group will ground around 138 aircraft operated by Singapore Airlines and SilkAir, out of a total their fleet of 147 planes.

Scoot, the low-cost carrier owned by SIA, will also halt most of its operations and ground 47 aircraft out of a total of 49.

SIA said in a statement that it is making hard efforts to secure the company’s existence by reducing capital expenditure and operating costs. Among these, the company also revealed it is currently in discussions with planemakers to defer upcoming aircraft deliveries.