This people, is big. In the ongoing spat between the unions and Qantas management, Qantas is ground it’s entire fleet.
What will operate:
- QantasLink
- Jetstar,
- Jetconnect services,
- Qantas freight services (Express Freighters Australia and Atlas)
- Codeshares (eg BA flight 16)
Everything else is off the table.
The grounding occurred at 5pm (AEDT) on Saturday 29 October, with Qantas locking out members of unions of Australian Licenced Engineers Union (ALAEA), the Transport Workers Union (TWU) and the Australian and International Pilots Union (AIPA).
Aircraft currently in the air will complete their current sectors and then be grounded. However, there will be no further Qantas domestic departures or international departures anywhere in the world, costing Qantas of $20 million per day. This will continue until Qantas implodes, or the unions drop their some of their demands.
Qantas advise:
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 qantas.com for the latest updates. The latest information will also be posted on Qantas’ Twitter and Facebook accounts.
Meanwhile, there is full advice given at http://www.qantas.com.au/travel/airlines/disruptions/global/en. If you’re due to fly the Kangaroo, expect delays and get replanning now.
Virgin Australia have announced domestic rescuce fares: see http://www.virginaustralia.com/servicedisruption/index.htm
In the bigger picture, this is forcing the Australian government to intervene in the dispute with everyone trying to take the high ground. In fact, the government had only mere moments before Qantas announced the move.
Coverage is on the BBC, The Sydney Morning Herald, The Melbourne Age, Seven Australia, News.com.au and practically every other news outlet in the world.
