Although Qantas is no longer filling its aircraft seat pockets with reading material, and many planes are temporarily grounded, Qantas has continued producing and printing its in-flight magazine.
But this month’s Qantas Magazine isn’t written for passengers looking to pass the time during their flight. Instead, the magazine is being mailed out to selected Qantas Frequent Flyer members.
Some Qantas Platinum, Platinum One and Chairman’s Lounge members have received the magazine in the post. It’s not exactly clear why some Platinum members have received a magazine, and not others.
The May 2020 edition of the Qantas Magazine features some of the world’s greatest natural wonders.
The magazine’s editor, Kirsten Galliott, says in her monthly address on page 16 that she hopes the magazine will offer a “brief respite from the daily news cycle”. Here’s an excerpt from her piece in this month’s Qantas Magazine:
How do you create a magazine in a time like this? A time when things are moving so quickly – light-speed faster than printing schedules – and changing so dramatically? A time when travel is off limits?
We are continuing to publish because there will always be a place – a desire, even – for inspiration. I believe very strongly that when this harrowing time has passed and life settles into some kind of new normal, we’ll want to live. Feel the sand beneath our feet on an island escape; throw ourselves into the chaos of a big city again.
In the CEO’s May address, Alan Joyce talks about the impact COVID-19 has had on Qantas’ business and its staff. Joyce also talks about the recent 12-month Qantas status extensions offered to frequent flyers and the new Points Club.
In this month’s magazine, Qantas has continued its “100 most inspiring Australians” series. And there are still plenty of advertisements (which ultimately pay for the magazine). But the airline’s route map and flight information section at the back of the magazine has been omitted.
If you didn’t receive a copy, don’t worry – it’s free to view or download the Qantas Magazine online! The magazine is also available on Pressreader.
Virgin Australia has suspended production of its in-flight magazine, with the latest edition being published in March 2020. That edition prominently featured the launch of Virgin’s new route from Brisbane to Tokyo, which sadly had to be suspended before the first flight even took off. The Virgin Australia Magazine has been produced by Hardie Grant Media since July 2019.
Join the discussion on the Australian Frequent Flyer forum: Home delivery of QF Magazine during COVID-19
