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☆ Qantas will pay up to about $79 million to resolve claims it sold tickets for canceled flights
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-06 | by ( Lloyd Lee | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

Qantas was accused in 2023 of advertising tickets to flights that were already canceled. Regulators announced Sunday that the airline agreed to pay $13.2 million to impacted customers. Qantas will pay $149 to domestic ticket holders and $298 to international ticketholders. AdvertisementRegulators said on Sunday that Qantas Airways has agreed to pay about 20 million Australian dollars to more than 86,000 customers to settle allegations that the airline misled them by selling them tickets for canceled flights. The Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC) said in a Sunday press release that the Australian airline company will pay 225 Australian dollars to domestic ticketholders and 450 Australian dollars — about $149 and $298 in US currency — to international ticketholders.

Persons: — Organizations: Qantas, Regulators, Service, Qantas Airways, Australian Competition, Consumer Commission, Australian, Business

☆ Australia’s Qantas to pay $79 million to settle ‘ghost flights’ case
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-06 | by ( ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

Sydney — Qantas Airways has agreed to pay 120 million Australian dollars ($79 million) to settle a lawsuit over the sale of thousands of tickets on already canceled flights, in an attempt to end a reputational crisis that has engulfed the airline. The fine is the biggest ever for an Australian airline and among the largest globally in the sector, although some Australian banks and casino operators have faced higher penalties. “We recognize Qantas let down customers and fell short of our own standards,” CEO Vanessa Hudson said in a statement. It had said the airline sometimes sold tickets to flights weeks after they were canceled. The ACCC’s Cass-Gottlieb noted that the settlement included a promise from Qantas not to repeat the conduct.

Persons: Vanessa Hudson, ”, Hudson’s, Alan Joyce, Hudson, Gina Cass, Gottlieb, ACCC’s Cass Organizations: Sydney, Qantas Airways, Qantas, Australian Competition, Consumer Commission, Federal Court, ACCC Locations: Hudson

☆ Pilots at Qantas' unit halt planned two-day strike ahead of further talks
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-31 | by ( Rishav Chatterjee | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

AFAP on Friday said that Network Aviation pilots will stop work on Wednesday and Thursday in a bid to negotiate wages. Australia's industrial relations tribunal, the Fair Works Commission (FWC), presided over a series of talks between pilots and the airline on Monday. AFAP members – who make up 90% of the pilot group at Network Aviation – won't be engaging in protected action until next week's bargaining sessions are completed, the pilots' union said. Meanwhile, Qantas expressed disappointment over the union choosing to "cause disruption and uncertainty" by threatening the strike, a few days before a meeting with the FWC. The airline will continue to work with the FWC over coming weeks to seek a resolution, it added.

Persons: Loren Elliott, AFAP, –, Tim Waterer, FWC, Rishav Chatterjee, Ayushman Ojha, Mrigank Dhaniwala Organizations: Qantas, Kingsford Smith International Airport, REUTERS, Pilots, Network Aviation, Qantas Airways, Australian Federation of Pilots, Qantas Group, Fair Works Commission, Thomson Locations: Sydney, Australia, Bengaluru

☆ Qantas to fight regulator over cancelled flights tickets sale case
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-29 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

Qantas aircraft are seen on the tarmac at Melbourne International Airport in Melbourne, Australia, November 6, 2018. REUTERS/Phil Noble/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsOct 30 (Reuters) - Qantas Airways Ltd (QAN.AX) on Monday said it will defend itself against Australia's competition regulator's accusations that the flagship carrier sold tickets to thousands of flights after they were after they were cancelled. Qantas said the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission's (ACCC) case, which accuses it of selling the tickets for flights for more than 48 hours after they were cancelled, does not constitute "fee for no service". "This is consistent with our obligations under consumer law and is what we did during the period the ACCC examined," Qantas said. Reporting by Sameer Manekar in Bengaluru; Editing by Grant McCoolOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Phil Noble, Sameer Manekar, Grant McCool Organizations: Qantas, Melbourne International Airport, REUTERS, Qantas Airways Ltd, Australian Competition, Consumer Commission's, Australian Stock Exchange, Thomson Locations: Melbourne, Australia, Bengaluru

☆ Qantas scraps plan to buy Alliance Aviation amid regulatory hurdle
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-18 | by ( Rishav Chatterjee | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Qantas Airways QF100 flight, which marks the airline's 100th birthday, departs from Sydney Airport to fly over Sydney Harbour in Australia, November 16, 2020. Qantas shares fell 2.7% to A$4.7 in early trade, whereas Alliance shed around 1%. He added that Qantas is dealing with a brand crisis, a part of which is tied to perceptions that the company acts anti-competitively. Qantas is not the only airline that is aiming to expand charter service offerings with smaller peer Regional Express Holdings (REX.AX) buying charter operator National Jet Express in July 2022. ($1 = 1.5785 Australian dollars)Reporting by Rishav Chatterjee in Bengaluru; Editing by Shailesh KuberOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Gregg Porteous, Tim Waterer, Kyle Rodda, Rishav Chatterjee, Shailesh Organizations: Qantas Airways QF100, Sydney Airport, Sydney Harbour, Handout, REUTERS, Qantas, Qantas Airways, Aviation Services, Australian Competition, Consumer Commission, Alliance, KCM Trade, Capital.com, Regional Express Holdings, National Jet Express, Thomson Locations: Australia, Bengaluru

☆ Australia antitrust watchdog to oversee domestic air travel sector
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-18 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

A Qantas plane takes off from Kingsford Smith International Airport, following the coronavirus outbreak, in Sydney, Australia, March 18, 2020. REUTERS/Loren Elliott Acquire Licensing RightsCompanies Qantas Airways Ltd FollowSYDNEY, Oct 18 (Reuters) - Australia will ask its competition watchdog to monitor domestic passenger flights in a bid to boost competition in a sector dominated by national carrier Qantas, which is under scrutiny for alleged anti-competitive behaviour. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) will monitor prices, costs and profits in the domestic air passenger sector, according to a joint statement from Treasurer Jim Chalmers and Transport Minister Catherine King on Wednesday. "A competitive airline industry helps to put downward pressure on prices and deliver more choice for Australians facing cost-of-living pressures," the statement said. "ACCC market scrutiny will help ensure airlines compete on their merits, bring to light any inappropriate market conduct should it occur, and provide continued transparency at a time when new and expanding airlines are still trying to establish themselves."

Persons: Loren Elliott, Jim Chalmers, Catherine King, Alan Joyce, Lewis Jackson, Muralikumar Organizations: Qantas, Kingsford Smith International, REUTERS, Rights Companies Qantas Airways Ltd, SYDNEY, Australian Competition, Consumer Commission, Transport, Qatar Airways, Thomson Locations: Sydney, Australia

☆ Qantas overhaul gets stuck on tarmac
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-11 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Qantas Airways QF100 flight, which marks the airline's 100th birthday, departs from Sydney Airport to fly over Sydney Harbour in Australia, November 16, 2020. Gregg Porteous/Destination NSW/Handout via REUTERS Acquire Licensing RightsMELBOURNE, Oct 11 (Reuters Breakingviews) - Qantas Airways (QAN.AX) customers are already used to interminable waits due to postponed or cancelled flights and lost luggage. Now the $5.4 billion airline has shunted its much-needed governance overhaul into an unnecessary holding pattern. On Wednesday Qantas said Richard Goyder is stepping down after five years as chair along with two other directors who have been on the board for a decade. And Goyder intends to remain in the cockpit until just before the company’s annual meeting in over a year’s time.

Persons: Gregg Porteous, –, Richard Goyder, Alan Joyce, Jaqueline Hey, Maxine Brenner, Goyder, Antony Currie, Una Galani, Thomas Shum Organizations: Qantas Airways QF100, Sydney Airport, Sydney Harbour, Handout, REUTERS Acquire, Rights, Reuters, Qantas Airways, Wednesday Qantas, Qantas, X, Alstom, Thomson Locations: Australia, Brussels

☆ Qantas Chairman Richard Goyder to exit late next year
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-10 | by ( Rishav Chatterjee | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Qantas aircraft are seen on the tarmac at Melbourne International Airport in Melbourne, Australia, November 6, 2018. REUTERS/Phil Noble///File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsSummaryCompanies Goyder to retire in late 2024 prior to AGMQantas' recovery after pandemic has not been easy - GoyderOct 11 (Reuters) - The chairman of Australia's Qantas Airways (QAN.AX), Richard Goyder, will leave the flag carrier in late 2024, the company said, as the embattled airline looks to rebuild its tarnished reputation. Goyder had indicated support from the company's biggest shareholders in his appearance in front of the committee. "As a board, we acknowledge the significant reputational and customer service issues facing the group and recognise that accountability is required to restore trust," Goyder said. Qantas said it has initiated the process to pick a new chairman.

Persons: Phil Noble, Richard Goyder, Goyder, Alan Joyce, Josh Gilbert, Josh, Rishav Chatterjee, Maju Samuel Organizations: Qantas, Melbourne International Airport, REUTERS, Qantas Airways, company's, High, Australia, eToro AUS, Thomson Locations: Melbourne, Australia, Bengaluru

☆ Australia's Qantas chairman says shareholders want him despite turmoil
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-27 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

REUTERS/Loren Elliott/File Photo/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsSYDNEY, Sept 27 (Reuters) - The chairman of Australia's Qantas Airways (QAN.AX) on Wednesday vowed to stay in his role despite a host of scandals engulfing the airline, saying its biggest shareholders wanted leadership continuity even as its shares track a one-year low. "I've had meetings with our major shareholders two weeks ago, and they are very strongly supportive of me staying," Goyder told the hearing. "While I retain the confidence of shareholders and the board, I will continue to serve. But she and Goyder, the Qantas chairman since 2018, denied having any discussions about the Qatari request with any member of the federal government. Qatar Airways' senior vice-president of global sales, Matt Raos, told the hearing the company was "surprised and shocked" its application was denied without a reason given.

Persons: Loren Elliott, Richard Goyder, I've, Goyder, we've, isn't, Vanessa Hudson, Jayne Hrdlicka, Hrdlicka, Matt Raos, Byron Kaye, Gerry Doyle Organizations: Qantas, Sydney Airport, REUTERS, Rights, Qantas Airways, Stock, Qatar Airways, Virgin, Thomson Locations: Sydney, Australia, Virgin Australia, Qatar

☆ Pilots at Australia's Qantas demand chair quit over scandals
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-26 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

Qantas Airways QF100 flight, which marks the airline's 100th birthday, departs from Sydney Airport to fly over Sydney Harbour in Australia, November 16, 2020. "We have totally lost confidence in Goyder and his board," AIPA President Captain Tony Lucas said in a statement. "Qantas desperately needs a culture reset but how can this happen with Richard Goyder as chairman?" Qantas declined to comment, referring Reuters to previous public comments from Goyder where he refused to quit. Goyder, who has been the airline's chairman since 2018, is not up for reelection at its annual meeting in November.

Persons: Gregg Porteous, Vanessa Hudson, Richard Goyder, Captain Tony Lucas, Goyder, Alan Joyce, Albanese, Byron Kaye, Jamie Freed Organizations: Qantas Airways QF100, Sydney Airport, Sydney Harbour, Handout, REUTERS, Rights, Australia's Qantas Airways, Australian, International Pilots Association, Qantas, Reuters, Qatar Airways, Thomson Locations: Australia, Goyder

☆ Qantas charter unit's pilots vote in favour of protected industrial action
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-26 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Three pilot groups, including pilots from aircraft charter company Network Aviation, have been negotiating with Qantas management over wage policy revisions. A spokesperson for QantasLink, an airline brand of Qantas, termed the step towards industrial action by the AFAP as "disappointing". "We have already reached in-principle agreement with the two other unions representing Network Aviation pilots, and we're continuing to negotiate in good faith to secure new agreements with our turboprop pilots." There are contingency plans in place to minimise disruptions to customers if the union proceeds with the industrial action, the spokesperson told Reuters. The AFAP also flagged the potential industrial action might impact certain charter flight operations to large mines and oil gas projects in Western Australia.

Persons: Loren Elliott, Rishav Chatterjee, Lewis Jackson, Aishwarya Nair, Rashmi Organizations: Qantas, Sydney Airport, REUTERS, Pilots, Network Aviation, Qantas Airways, Australian Federation of Air Pilots, Reuters, Network Aviation's, Thomson Locations: Sydney, Australia, Western Australia

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

☆ Australia's Qantas flags hit from higher fuel prices
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-24 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

REUTERS/Loren Elliott/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsSept 25 (Reuters) - Australia's Qantas Airways (QAN.AX) said on Monday higher fuel prices were expected to drive its fuel bill higher by about A$200 million ($128.80 million) in the first half of financial year 2024. "Fuel prices have increased by around 30% since May 2023, including a 10% spike since August. This is driven by a combination of higher oil prices, higher refiner margins and a lower Australian dollar," the carrier said in a statement. The company expects a further A$50 million impact due to non-fuel-related foreign exchange changes in the first half of the current fiscal year. Qantas said the customer-improvement initiative would be funded from its profit.

Persons: Loren Elliott, Himanshi, Kim Coghill, Subhranshu Organizations: Qantas, Sydney Airport, REUTERS, Australia's Qantas Airways, Thomson Locations: Sydney, Australia, Bengaluru

☆ How a Storied National Airline Became Reviled in Its Own Country
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-23 | by ( Natasha Frost | More About Natasha Frost | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

Barely three years after its entire fleet was grounded, Qantas Airways has never been more profitable. But as Australia’s national airline has emerged stronger from the pandemic, it has alienated its most important constituency: Australians. They are aghast at how government protectionism has made Qantas by far the biggest airline in Australia and pushed up the price of travel. They cannot square how Qantas unfairly laid off hundreds of workers, then handed out enormous paychecks to its chief executive and board directors. Now, as the baying for blood intensifies, labor unions and lawmakers are calling on the company’s board to resign en masse.

Persons: ”, Geoffrey Thomas, “ We’re Organizations: Qantas Airways, Australians, Qantas Locations: Australia, Perth

☆ Qantas chairman refuses to quit amid investor pressure - ABC News
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-21 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Qantas aircraft are seen on the tarmac at Melbourne International Airport in Melbourne, Australia, November 6, 2018. But any suggestion that we took fees for no service is just wrong," Goyder said. The ABC report did not mention the names of investors and consumers who have called for Goyder's resignation. Goyder was appointed to the board in November 2017 and named chairman in October 2018. Goyder said Qantas has accepted the ruling and new CEO Vanessa Hudson will work towards settling the case, according to ABC News.

Persons: Phil Noble, Alan Joyce, Richard Goyder, Goyder, Vanessa Hudson, Roushni Nair, Sonia Cheema Organizations: Qantas, Melbourne International Airport, REUTERS, Rights Companies Qantas Airways, Australia's Qantas Airways, ABC, ABC News, Thomson Locations: Melbourne, Australia, Bengaluru

☆ Qantas ex-CEO takes 900% pay rise, but bonus cut amid scandals
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-20 | by ( Byron Kaye | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

Alan Joyce, Chief Executive Officer of Qantas, speaks with members of the media at an event celebrating Qantas' 100th birthday at Sydney Airport in Sydney, Australia, November 16, 2020. Most of the amount was share-based incentives that Joyce was allowed to cash in after they vested, according to the report. It could also "claw back" unvested stock bonuses for Joyce, currently worth A$6 million, it said. Joyce's final pay packet encapsulates his decade and a half of running the company, which dominates Australian air travel. Qantas must return to the Federal Court to determine what it must pay in penalties and compensation to affected workers.

Persons: Alan Joyce, Loren Elliott, Joyce, Richard Goyder, disquiet, Alan, Goyder, Byron Kaye, Sameer Manekar, Rashmi Aich, Gerry Doyle Organizations: Qantas, Sydney Airport, REUTERS, Rights Companies Qantas Airways Ltd, Australia's Qantas Airways, Consumer Commission, High Court, Federal, Thomson Locations: Sydney, Australia, Bengaluru

☆ Qantas ex-CEO takes nearly 900% pay rise, but bonus cut amid scandals
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-20 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Most of the amount was share-based incentives that Joyce was allowed to cash in after they vested, according to the report. The company was able to recall AU$8.4 million of share-based bonuses Joyce collected in the year but is not yet allowed to sell, the report added. It could also "claw back" unvested stock bonuses for Joyce, currently worth AU$6 million, it said. Joyce's final pay packet encapsulates his decade and a half of running the company, which dominates Australian air travel. Qantas must return to the Federal Court to determine what it must pay in penalties and compensation to affected workers.

Persons: Alan Joyce, Joyce, Richard Goyder, disquiet, Alan, Goyder Organizations: Qantas Airways, Qantas, Consumer Commission, High Court, Federal

The lower-ranking Federal Court in 2021 found Qantas broke the law by outsourcing the ground handling jobs, but the airline appealed the ruling in the High Court which upheld the decision on Thursday. The matter now returns to the Federal Court which will decide penalties and compensation for affected employees. "These workers have been put through hell," said Michael Kaine, secretary of the Transport Workers Union (TWU) which brought the lawsuit. Qantas said in a statement that it accepted the High Court decision and noted the Federal Court had already ruled out forcing the company to reinstate the workers. It said it had already made an unspecified provision in its accounts for penalties and compensation for affected employees after the Federal Court decision.

Persons: David Gray, Michael Kaine, Kaine, Byron Kaye, Roushni Nair, Subhranshu Sahu, Jamie Freed Organizations: Qantas Airways Airbus, Sydney Airport, REUTERS, Rights, Qantas Airways, Australia, Qantas, Qatar Airways, Federal, Transport Workers Union, Thomson Locations: Australia, Sydney, Bengaluru

CANBERRA, Australia (AP) — Qantas Airways lost its challenge to a court ruling on Wednesday that the Australian flag carrier had illegally fired 1,700 baggage handlers, cleaners and other ground staff at the height of pandemic travel disruptions. Seven High Court judges unanimously rejected Qantas’ appeal against a Federal Court full-bench decision. That court upheld a Federal Court judge’s ruling that the sacking of Qantas staff at 10 Australian airports in 2020 was illegal. Australian Competition and Consumer Commission initiated the Federal Court lawsuit two weeks ago for what it considers Australia’s most serious-ever breach of consumer law. As travel has ramped up, outsourcing of Qantas jobs has been blamed for a slew of problems including high rates of lost and mishandled luggage.

Persons: Alan Joyce, Michael Kaine, Kaine, Vanessa Hudson, ” Kaine Organizations: — Qantas Airways, Australian, Qantas, Federal, Competition, Consumer Commission, Court, Transport Workers ’ Union, Federal Court Locations: CANBERRA, Australia, Sydney

☆ Australia says Qatar strip-searches of women in 2020 a factor in blocking extra flights
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-07 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

A view shows the Qatar Airways' airbus A350 parked outside Qatar Airways maintenance hangar in Doha, Qatar, June 20, 2022. REUTERS/Imad Creidi/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsSYDNEY, Sept 7 (Reuters) - Australia said a strip-search of women at Qatar's main airport in 2020 played a part in its decision this year to stop Qatar Airways from selling more flights to Australia, denying it was acting due to pressure from rival Qantas Airways. The claim brings a new element to a controversy surrounding the Australian Labor government's relationship with Qantas (QAN.AX) which had lobbied against a Qatar Airways request to increase its flights. It was "nonsense" to suggest that adding more Qatar Airways flights would have put downward pressure on international fares, King added. Antitrust regulator the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has said more Qatar Airways flights would have lowered fares.

Persons: Imad Creidi, Catherine King, King, Alan Joyce, Vanessa Hudson, Byron Kaye, Kirsty Needham, Michael Perry Organizations: Qatar Airways, airbus, REUTERS, Rights, Qantas Airways, Australian Labor, Qantas, Australian, Hamad International Airport, Antitrust, Australian Competition, Consumer Commission, ACCC, Thomson Locations: Doha, Qatar, Australia, Qatar's, Canberra

☆ Qantas CEO Alan Joyce to depart early as airline looks to rebuild reputation
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-05 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

Australia's Qantas Airways said its long-serving CEO would bring forward his retirement amid a publicity firestorm over an accusation of illegal ticket sales, signalling what the flagship carrier hopes is the end of a tumultuous period. Five days earlier, Australia's consumer watchdog sued Qantas alleging it sold tickets to some 8,000 flights in mid-2022 after they were cancelled, violating the country's consumer law. Qantas had issued two apologies, blaming tough industry conditions at the time. Over a decade and a half Joyce faced regular criticism for cutting jobs, including a 2011 decision to ground the entire Qantas fleet over an industrial dispute. Even before the fares-for-no-flights scandal, Qantas was facing negative headlines over reports it campaigned successfully to have Australia's federal government stop rival Qatar Airways from running additional flights to Australia.

Persons: Alan Joyce, Joyce Organizations: Qantas Airways, Qantas, Qatar Airways Locations: Australia

☆ Alan Joyce: Qantas CEO to step down early as Australian airline's reputation under scrutiny
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-04 | by ( ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

Reuters —Qantas Airways said on Tuesday that long-serving CEO Alan Joyce would exit the company two months earlier than previously flagged as a reputational turbulence engulfs Australia’s flagship carrier. Joyce’s early retirement will see CEO Designate Vanessa Hudson, the first woman to lead the century-old airline, take charge on Wednesday. Chairman Richard Goyder said the executive transition came at a “challenging time” for the airline and its staff. Qantas had announced a raft of leadership changes in June in a bid to increase focus on key areas as the airline completes its post-pandemic recovery. The airline said newly appointed Chief Financial Officer Rob Marcolina will also start early alongside Hudson.

Persons: Alan Joyce, Vanessa Hudson, Anthony Albanese’s, ”, Joyce, Richard Goyder, “, ” Goyder, Rob Marcolina Organizations: Reuters — Qantas Airways, Qantas, Qatar Airways, “, Hudson Locations: Australia

☆ Australian regulator seeks 'hundreds of millions' in fines for Qantas
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-01 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

The maximum penalty Qantas faces is 10% of annual turnover, which was A$19.8 billion in the year to June, according to Australian consumer laws. Cass-Gottlieb said the ACCC would seek a fine for Qantas that was "significantly more than" the record A$125 million ($81 million) automaker Volkswagen was fined in 2019 for breaching Australian consumer laws. "We consider these penalties have been too low, we think the penalty should be in hundreds of millions, not tens of millions", she added. The regulator has said that Qantas kept selling tickets for an average of 16 days after it had cancelled flights for reasons often within its control. ($1 = 1.5420 Australian dollars)Reporting by Renju Jose in Sydney; editing by Miral FahmyOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Loren Elliott, Gina Cass, Gottlieb, Cass, Renju Jose, Miral Organizations: Qantas, Sydney Airport, REUTERS, Rights Companies Qantas Airways Ltd, Qantas Airways, Australian Competition, Consumer Commission, Australia, ABC Radio, Volkswagen, Thomson Locations: Australia, Sydney, Francisco

☆ Australia regulator sues Qantas alleging sale of tickets on cancelled flights
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-31 | by ( Byron Kaye | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

Qantas aircraft are seen on the tarmac at Melbourne International Airport in Melbourne, Australia, November 6, 2018. REUTERS/Phil Noble//File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsCompanies Qantas Airways Ltd FollowSYDNEY, Aug 31 (Reuters) - Australia's competition regulator sued Qantas Airways (QAN.AX) on Thursday, accusing it of selling tickets to thousands of flights after they were cancelled, putting the airline at risk of huge fines and reputational turbulence. The airline kept selling tickets for an average of 16 days after it had cancelled flights for reasons often within its control, such as "network optimisation", the ACCC added. Qantas kept selling tickets to one Sydney-to-San Francisco flight 40 days after it had been cancelled, the regulator said. At the Senate hearing, Joyce confirmed Qantas had written to the federal government in 2022 asking it to deny a request from Qatar Airways, a Qantas competitor on international routes, to increase flights to Australia.

Persons: Phil Noble, Rico Merkert, Alan Joyce, Joyce, Gina Cass, Gottlieb, Byron Kaye, Poonam, Shailesh Kuber, Rashmi Aich, Gerry Doyle, Edmund Klamann Organizations: Qantas, Melbourne International Airport, REUTERS, Rights Companies Qantas Airways Ltd, SYDNEY, Qantas Airways, Australian Competition, Consumer Commission, ACCC, Sydney University's Institute of Transport, Logistics Studies, Australia, Senate, Qatar Airways, Qatar, Thomson Locations: Melbourne, Australia, Sydney, Francisco, Bengaluru

☆ Aussie regulator takes Qantas to court for selling cancelled flights' tickets
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-31 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

Aug 31 (Reuters) - Australian competition regulator has taken Qantas Airways (QAN.AX) to court, alleging the flagship carrier in mid-2022 kept selling tickets for more than 8,000 cancelled flights for an average of over two weeks after the flights were called off. "We have commenced these proceedings alleging that Qantas continued selling tickets for thousands of cancelled flights, likely affecting the travel plans of tens of thousands of people," ACCC Chair Gina Cass-Gottlieb said. "However, this case does not involve any alleged breach in relation to the actual cancellation of flights, but rather relates to Qantas' conduct after it had cancelled the flights." ACCC said it would pursue orders including penalties, injunctions, declarations, and costs against the airline for its conduct after flight cancellations. Reporting by Poonam Behura in Bengaluru; Editing by Shailesh Kuber and Rashmi AichOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Gina Cass, Gottlieb, Poonam, Shailesh Kuber Organizations: Qantas Airways, Qantas, Australian Competition, Consumer Commission, Airlines, ACCC, Qantas Group, Jetstar, Thomson Locations: Australian, Bengaluru

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