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☆ Privacy breach at Australian airline Qantas gives access to other customers' details
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-01 | by ( Jenni Reid | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

Qantas on Wednesday apologized after some customers using the Australian airline's app were shown the name, flight details and loyalty status of other passengers. Customers were not able to transfer or use other people's airline points, and there were no reports of customers boarding flights using incorrect details, Qantas said. During the incident, Qantas advised customers to log out and then back in to their frequent flyer app account. "We sincerely apologise to all customers impacted and continue to monitor the Qantas app closely," the airline said in a statement. The Qantas incident comes after other airlines experienced data breaches involving malicious actors in recent years.

Organizations: Qantas, Sydney International Airport, Spain's, Europa, Reuters, British Airways Locations: Sydney, Australia

☆ Project Sunrise: Aircraft delays push back launch date for Qantas’ record-breaking flights
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-22 | by ( Karla Cripps | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +7 min

CNN —Travelers who were hoping to experience Qantas’ long-awaited, record-breaking ‘Project Sunrise’ flights next year will have to be a bit more patient. Project Sunrise: Australian airline Qantas is gearing up to launch its ultra long-haul "Project Sunrise" flights between Australia and New York City and London. Qantas Business Suites: For the first time, Qantas will add a sliding door to its business class seats for added privacy. The layout includes six first class seats in a 1-1-1 configuration, 52 business class seats in 1-2-1, 40 premium economy seats in 2-4-2 and 140 economy seats in 3-3-3. Business class suites will be 42 inches wide with 25-inch-wide chairs that can be reclined into a two-meter bed.

Persons: ” Christian Scherer, – Organizations: CNN — Travelers, Qantas, Airbus, Sydney, Reuters, CNN, Sunrise, Civil Aviation Safety Authority, Boeing, Australian, Qantas Qantas, Singapore Airlines ’, JFK Locations: Australia, New York, London, Singapore, Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Sri Lanka, New York City, Singapore Airlines ’ Singapore, JFK

☆ A baggage handler lost their job after a passenger found an obscenity written on the luggage tag of his heavy bag
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-07 | by ( Pete Syme | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +2 min

A Qantas passenger found an offensive word written on his bag in marker. Qantas apologized and said the baggage handler will no longer work for them. AdvertisementA baggage handler will no longer work for the Australian airline Qantas after writing an offensive word on a passenger's bag, 7News Australia reported. "Clearly the Qantas baggage handler at Perth Airport wasn't happy lifting my bag," Tilbury said in the post. The offensive word was written on a label that identified the bag as heavy, noting that "assisted lift may be required."

Persons: —, Sonny Tilbury, Tilbury, 7News, Menzies, Mr Tilbury Organizations: Qantas, Service, Australian, Perth Airport, Qantas Group, Business Locations: Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Karratha, Tilbury

☆ Corporate Australia takes Indigenous support into its own hands after poll defeat
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-17 | by ( Byron Kaye | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

[1/2] Voters walk past Vote Yes and Vote No signs at the Old Australian Parliament House during The Voice referendum, in Canberra, Australia, October 14, 2023. At an Oct. 14 referendum, Australians overwhelmingly voted down a proposal to create a constitutionally-protected Indigenous parliamentary advisory body, known as the Voice. Without a political solution, it is now up to the companies themselves to pursue strategies to address entrenched disadvantage in Australia's 3.8% Indigenous population, corporate leaders and political researchers said. Indigenous reconciliation remains largely unresolved in Australia which, unlike New Zealand, Canada and the U.S., never signed a treaty with its first inhabitants after European arrival. The companies could now "take meaningful corporate actions to close the gap, such as by hiring and retaining Indigenous staff and systematically co-designing projects that impact Indigenous Australians," she added.

Persons: Tracey Nearmy, there's, Rob Scott, Scott, Geraldine Slattery, Ross Piper, it's, Intifar Chowdhury, Estelle Parker, Byron Kaye, Melanie Burton, Sonali Paul Organizations: Old Australian, House, The, REUTERS, Rights, Kmart, Target, Airline Qantas, First Nations, BHP, Australia, Australian, Australian National University, Responsible Investment Association Australasia, Thomson Locations: Canberra, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, U.S, Melbourne

Adding to its woes, last month the antitrust regulator sued Qantas accusing it of selling fares on thousands of already-cancelled flights in 2022. The so-called "flying kangaroo" said it would now spend A$80 million ($52 million) on "customer improvements" on top of the A$150 million previously flagged. "The group will continue to absorb these higher costs, but will monitor fuel prices in the weeks ahead and, if current levels are sustained, will look to adjust its settings," Qantas said. "Any changes would look to balance the recovery of higher costs with the importance of affordable travel in an environment where fares are already elevated." RBC Capital Markets analyst Owen Birrell said the company would likely absorb the higher fuel costs "until its target margins come under pressure and then would seek to claw back those costs through capacity cuts and higher fares.

Persons: Loren Elliott, Owen Birrell, Byron Kaye, Himanshi, Kim Coghill, Subhranshu Organizations: Qantas, Sydney Airport, REUTERS, Australia's, Qantas Airways, RBC Capital, Thomson Locations: Sydney, Australia, SYDNEY, Bengaluru

☆ The CEO of airline Qantas is stepping down with a $24 million golden handshake, with one politician calling it the 'swindle of the century'
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-05 | by ( Sawdah Bhaimiya | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Qantas' CEO is stepping down from his role two months early and will receive a $24 million bonus. AdvertisementAdvertisementAlan Joyce, CEO of Australian national airline Qantas, is facing criticism for the $24 million golden goodbye he will receive after announcing that he is stepping down from his role early on Monday. "If the Board allows Mr Joyce to walk away with $24 million after illegally sacking 1,700 people, gouging customers and while subject to an ACCC prosecution, it will be the swindle of the century," Sheldon said. If Mr Joyce walks away with his $24 million, he will make their annual salary in less than 6 hours." AdvertisementAdvertisementJoyce earned $125 million over the 15 years he spent as Qantas' CEO and was even ranked the highest-paid CEO in Australia in 2018, Sky News Australia reported.

Persons: Alan Joyce, Joyce, Vanessa Hudson, Joyce's, Tony Sheldon, Mr Joyce, Sheldon, Michael Kaine Organizations: Qantas, Australian, Australian Competition, Consumer Commission, Australian Labor Party, Transport Worker's Union of Australia, Australian Aviation, Sky News Australia, Transport Workers Union, ABC, Australia's Federal Locations: Australia

CANBERRA, Australia (AP) — The boss of Australian airline Qantas said Tuesday he would leave his job immediately — two months earlier than planned — following a series of embarrassing revelations about the company, including allegations it sold tickets for flights that had already been canceled. The airline said Vanessa Hudson would take over as managing director and group chief executive from Wednesday. The announcement came after a difficult few weeks for Qantas and Joyce. Qantas previously acknowledged its standards had fallen well short of expectations as the airline emerged from the COVID-19 pandemic. The airline has since come under pressure to pay back the AU$2.7 billion it received from the Australian government during the coronavirus pandemic.

Persons: Alan Joyce, Vanessa Hudson, Joyce, Qantas “, ”, Vanessa, Richard Goyder, “ Alan, ” Goyder, Hudson Organizations: Qantas, Australian Competition, Consumer Commission, “ Locations: CANBERRA, Australia

☆ Regulators want to fine Qantas 'hundreds of millions of dollars' for selling tickets for thousands of already-cancelled flights
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-01 | by ( Pete Syme | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +2 min

It's accusing Qantas of continuing to sell tickets for 8,000 flights that had been cancelled. And it's seeking a record-breaking fine in the hundreds of millions of dollars, per Reuters. AdvertisementAdvertisementQantas could be fined hundreds of millions of dollars for selling tickets for thousands of flights that had already been cancelled if regulators get their way, Reuters reported. AdvertisementAdvertisementThat amounts to 70% of cancelled Qantas flights where tickets were still sold or ticket holders weren't told for at least two days after the cancelation, the regulator said. "We think the penalty should be in hundreds of millions, not tens of millions", she added, per Reuters.

Persons: weren't, Gina Cass, Gottlieb Organizations: Australian, Qantas, Morning, Reuters, Australian Competition, Consumer Commission, ACCC, Cass, Volkswagen

☆ Pilots at Australia's national airline made sexist, misogynistic remarks about female colleagues and the company's CEO in an online forum, report says
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-03 | by ( Sawdah Bhaimiya | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Some Qantas Airways pilots made sexist remarks about female colleagues in an online chatroom. Pilots at Australian national airline Qantas made disparaging, sexist comments about female colleagues and the company's CEO Vanessa Hudson in an online forum, the Herald Sun reported Tuesday. The forum hosted misogynistic comments and remarks dating back as far as 2018, the outlet reported. In a statement to Insider Qantas' chief pilot Dick Tobiano said: "These comments are completely unacceptable. He added: "We have many talented female pilots at Qantas and we want to encourage a lot more of them.

Persons: Vanessa Hudson, Hudson, Dick Tobiano, Aviation hasn't, Davida Foreshaw, Foreshaw Organizations: Qantas Airways, Qantas, Australian, Pilots, Herald Sun, Aviation

☆ Trying to cure jet lag? Try chili, chocolate, and stretching.
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-18 | by ( Katherine Tangalakis-Lippert | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

The Australian airline Qantas is conducting test flights to find a cure for jet lag on long flights. Researchers for the Australian airline Qantas are working to find a cure for jet lag — and the answer may be on your plate. Project Sunrise flights offered "specific menu items including fish and chicken paired with fast-acting carbohydrates, as well as comfort foods like soups and milk-based desserts. The aim was to promote the brain's production of the amino acid tryptophan ('Tryp') to help passengers drift off more easily." Insider previously reported eating tart cherries, watermelon, and cucumbers may help air passengers sleep and wake easier and fight jetlag.

Persons: —, University of Sydney's Charles Perkins, Alan Joyce, James D Morgan, jetlag, Peter Cistulli, Cistulli Organizations: Australian, Qantas, Service, University of Sydney's, University of Sydney's Charles Perkins Centre, Sunrise, Qantas Passengers, Passengers, Sleep, University of Sydney Locations: New York, London, Sydney, Australia

☆ How riding rockets going 4,000 mph into suborbital space could slash international flight times from 22 hours to 2
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-16 | by ( Kelly Burch | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

This idea of point-to-point rocket travel, however, could be uncomfortable and inconvenient. Space companies that are exploring the technologyWhile no one is going from Down Under to Big Ben in less than 24 hours these days, some space companies are already testing the technology needed for point-to-point rocket travel. No company has announced projected ticket prices for point-to-point rocket trips, but if other space travel is any indication they'll likely be super expensive. Currently, you can book a two-hour space flight with Virgin Galactic for $450,000. But he's not planning any future point-to-point rocket flights because it's not worth the hassle.

Persons: —, David Doughty, Admiral Jet, Doughty, Big Ben, Richard Branson, Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, Joe Cassady, there's, Thompson, Cassady, It's, he's Organizations: SpaceX, Service, Qantas, Rockets, Passengers, Virgin Galactic, Rocket, astronautics, US Air Force, NASA, Astronauts, Travelers Locations: London, Sydney, New York, Boca Chica , Texas, Mexico

☆ China's Hainan Airlines defends weight restrictions for flight attendants
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-12 | by ( Jessie Yeung | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

CNN —Chinese carrier Hainan Airlines has defended imposing weight requirements on flight attendants after reports of the new policy went viral on social media and sparked a public backlash. “I just need the flight attendant to be fully qualified in professional knowledge, well-practiced in safety procedures, and wear the most suitable shoes and clothes for emergencies. Alaska Airlines also launched gender-neutral uniform guidelines for flight attendants last year; Virgin Atlantic and British Airways have adopted similar policies for greater inclusivity. Other Asian airlines have made headlines in recent years for imposing weight rules on cabin crew. In 2015, Air India asked 125 flight attendants to lose weight, while Pakistan’s national airline ordered cabin crew to abide by weight limits or face being grounded in 2019.

Persons: ” Organizations: CNN, Hainan Airlines, State, Global Times, Qantas, Alaska Airlines, Virgin Atlantic, British Airways, Air Locations: Weibo, Air India

☆ Qantas now permits long hair and makeup on cabin crew members of any gender
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-09 | by ( Lilit Marcus | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

From now on, staff – including cabin crew members – can have long hair (provided it’s worn in a low bun or ponytail), wear makeup or not wear makeup as they choose, wear glasses instead of contact lenses (provided they have clear lenses) and sport flat shoes. Crew members who opt to wear dresses or skirts will be required to wear hosiery. And while it’s okay for crew members to have tattoos, they must cover up their ink while working. The airline also introduced an option for crew members to include their pronouns on their name tags. In 2022, British Airways announced it would allow all cabin crew members to sport makeup, face stubble, piercings, jewelry and nail polish alongside their uniforms.

Persons: –, ”, “ We’re, Vivienne Westwood Organizations: Australian, Qantas, Jetstar, Virgin Atlantic, Virgin, British Airways, CNN

Regional rival Air New Zealand Ltd (AIR.NZ) also reported a swing to profit in the first half ended Dec. 31 on Thursday, along with a muted outlook. Qantas Chief Executive Alan Joyce said cost of living pressures would hit discretionary spending "at some point" but so far the airline expected robust demand into mid-2024 at least. Qantas said it was facing delays of up to six months in new aircraft deliveries from Airbus SE (AIR.PA) alongside other airlines around the world. The Australian carrier said it would bolster its fleet by acquiring some older Airbus planes and exercising nine options for A220 purchases to help meet travel demand growth. "Outlook for RASK is to reduce, however off what we estimate were elevated levels," said Citi analysts in a client note.

☆ ‘Quiet hiring’ will dominate the U.S. in 2023, says HR expert—and you need to prepare for it
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-04 | by ( Natasha Piñon | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

A new year is here, and with it, a new workplace phenomenon that bosses and employees should prepare for: quiet hiring. Sometimes, it means hiring short-term contractors. Quiet hiring is all about that third category, even if it doesn't technically involve any new hiring at all. Alternatively, companies with few movable employees can hire short-term contractors to help keep things afloat throughout the year, which McRae refers to as "external quiet hiring." How to take advantage of quiet hiring

☆ Want to book a flight but pay for it next year? Here's how it works
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-31 | by ( Charmaine Jacob | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +5 min

More airlines are partnering with "buy now, pay later" firms to give customers the option to pay for their flights in installments, instead of a lump-sum payment. But they were always predicated on the consumer being required to complete payment before they travel," Botts said. There's no credit check and no financing terms, but travelers must secure the flight with a deposit and pay the full fare before flying. Australia's largest airline Qantas launched BNPL services in May 2022, which allows international passengers on select routes to book a flight but pay the fare later. Not just airlinesThe online travel agency Booking.com works with the BNPL company Zip, which lets travelers pay for hotels, cruises, cars and travel experiences in installments.

☆ An airline has apologized after a mother said her 12-year-old son was prevented from boarding a flight unaccompanied
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-25 | by ( Beatrice Nolan | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

A mother says her 12-year-old son was prevented from boarding a flight due to an airline mix-up. While the flights were Qantas-operated, the flight numbers were Emirates, the airline said, and the family should not have been told they were allowed to use Qantas' unaccompanied minor service. Mooney also told the outlet that Qantas would not let her son board the flight unaccompanied, despite both Qantas and Emirates websites stating that young passengers 12 years and over could do so. This is not the first time airlines have faced issues over their unaccompanied minor policies. Last month, Southwest Airlines diverted a flight with an eight-year-old unaccompanied minor on board but failed to let her family know, Insider reported.

☆ Airline apologizes after passengers' luggage was left behind to make room for extra fuel on a flight
▼ + stars: | 2022-09-20 | by ( Beatrice Nolan | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +2 min

Some Air New Zealand travelers' bags were left off the carrier's first flight from New York to Auckland. The bags were offloaded to make room for extra fuel on the 17-hour flight. Air New Zealand has apologized to the passengers and is flying the bags to New Zealand. The bags were offloaded to make room for extra fuel on the 17-hour flight, The Independent reported. Insider's Taylor Rains flew business class on Air New Zealand's maiden flight from JFK to Auckland.

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