Qantas Update on Response to Industrial Action (Oct. 30, 2011)
Oct. 30, 2011
Qantas domestic and international services remain grounded until further notice.
Since the grounding at 5pm yesterday over 68,000 passengers have been impacted with 447 flights cancelled.
Fair Work Australia will reconvene at 2pm today to consider the Federal Government's application for termination or suspension of the industrial disputes between Qantas and the Australian Licenced Engineers Union (ALAEA), the Transport Workers Union (TWU) and the Australian and International Pilots Union (AIPA).
QantasLink flights continue to operate as normal. These flights have flight codes of QF1400 - 2699.
Jetstar flights continue to operate as normal. Though capacity remains very limited, Jetstar is working to accommodate as many affected Qantas passengers on its services as possible. Unsold seats on Jetstar flights are being made available to Qantas passengers at discounted fares. These fares are only available at airports to passengers with valid Qantas itineraries, in order to prioritise passengers most in need - they are not available through call centres or websites.
Jetconnect-operated Qantas flights over the Tasman are unaffected. Qantas has confirmed that all its trans-Tasman Jetconnect services will operate as normal today.
Express Freighters Australia and Atlas Freighters will also continue to operate.
Passengers are advised to check the Travel Alerts page on Qantas.com for the latest information.
Customers booked on Qantas flights should not go to the airport until further notice. A full refund will be available to any customer who chooses to cancel their flight because it has been directly affected by the grounding of the fleet. Full rebooking flexibility will be available to customers who wish to defer their travel.
Assistance with accommodation and alternative flights, as well as other support, will be offered to customers who are mid-journey.
Customers should monitor the Travel Alerts page on Qantas.com for the latest information.
Qantas Contact Centres are currently experiencing a high volume of calls and customers may experience lengthy delays. Only customers with bookings for travel in the next 12 hours should call Qantas contact centres (on 13 13 13).
Qantas regrets that this action has become necessary and apologises sincerely to all affected passengers.
Contributed by Qantas Airways Limited