Qantas has said its new premium carrier in Asia will not result directly in Australian job losses, and that the company's new strategy is essential to the company's future.
"Of the 1,000 positions that will be made redundant, not a single job will be lost as a result of Qantas' plans to invest in a new premium airline in Asia," said Qantas CEO Alan Joyce.
"The new strategy we announced for Qantas International yesterday is about ensuring that Qantas as a whole is competitive and sustainable for the next 10 years and beyond," added Joyce.
Joyce also pointed out that "Qantas is the only major airline that does heavy maintenance on aircraft in Australia".
The Australian government said the job losses associated with the Qantas strategy revamp is "regrettable".
The Australian government reiterated its provisions on the Qantas Sale Act, which requires that Qantas's main operational base and headquarters stay in Australia, with foreign ownership not exceeding 49%. Other provisions require that the chairman and at least two-thirds of the board be Australian citizens.
Source: Air Transport Intelligence news
