London (dpa) - British-based low-cost airline easyJet on Thursday said it plans to cut its workforce by up to 30 per cent due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The cuts would translate into up to 4,500 full-time positions, but the carrier has not published any numbers.

The carrier recently said it expected to resume flights on June 15, initially it would likely focus on domestic flights in Britain and France.

The fleet was fully grounded on March 30.

"We expect demand to build slowly, only returning to 2019 levels in about three years' time," chief executive Johan Lundgren said.

Amid easing of travel restrictions, the carrier expected bookings to increase and said "the demand indications for summer 2020 are improving, albeit from a low base."

EasyJet said it expects to reduce its fleet by 51 planes to number about 302 aircraft at the end of next year. The measure include deferring deliveries of new planes.

In an interview with Italian daily Corriere della Sera, Lundgren said his airline would resume flights in Italy, but only if social distancing rules are eased.

"It would be impossible for airlines to operate if they are allowed to sell only one third of the seats," he said.

If Italy prolongs the rules, "then we will not fly to your country. But it would harm the recovery: the country risks being left behind," Lundgren told the paper.

He also complained about Italian government plans to nationalize struggling airline Alitalia with a 3-billion-euro (3.3-billion-dollar) package.

"I find it unacceptable that only one airline is receiving help," he said.

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