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.

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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