So much sensationalism in this thread. All the cash burn numbers being thrown around are pre-govt grant -- so the airlines aren't burning those numbers. What is being referred to as $50M in this thread is really $10-$15M today. Regardless, the only burn number that matters is post-Oct 1. The airlines have made it clear by explicitly stating, and strongly implying, they strive to be at zero-burn by end of the year.

The latest confirmation came this morning from Delta. Article by Rick Smith of TMF. CEO Quote:

Bastian cited "the unprecedented drop in travel demand amid the COVID-19 pandemic and global economic slowdown" and the pressing need "to protect Delta's cash, Delta jobs and Delta's future [and] reduce our cash burn to zero by the end of the year" as the reason underlying the decision to retire the 777.

The CEO further noted that this move is intended to help reduce its cash burn from $50 million a month currently, to zero by the end of the year, and also "provide significant cost savings over the next several years."

UA is will take a similar path and do its best to get to zero-burn and try and ride out Covid.