Will Qantas enter Administration?

[p--and--t]

But they have not been an innovator since their introduction of business class in 1979.

As to the debate on government assistance... didn't QF also get assistance through the waiving of landing fees etc?

I guess you missed a few along the way (according to one website - which I have not fact checked)

2001 Pioneered flying operations over the Silk Road route, saving 30 minutes’ flying time, after six years’ planning with the Civil Aviation Authority of China and Air Services Australia.

2002 – First airline to introduce Rockwell Collins Multi Scan radar on B747-400ERs to detect the ice content of storms to deliver a smoother flying experience.

2003 – First airline to introduce specialised cabin mood lighting on long haul flights to promote well-being and reduce jetlag.

2004 – First full service airline to successfully launch a budget airline, Jetstar, with the largest first day of commercial sales (100,000 fares) in aviation history.

2006 – First airline to perform a landing using the satellite technology-based Global Landing System with a Boeing 737-800.

2007 – First airline to offer a ‘degustation’ First Tasting Menu

2008 – World record for commercial engine performance with 42,019 hours on-wing (equal to 1,000 return trips to the UK) with a Qantas General Electric CF6-80C2 engine installed on a Boeing 747-400 aircraft for nine years.

2008 – Achieved a ‘perfect flight path gate to gate’ with the inaugural A380 service between Los Angeles and Melbourne using Required Navigation Performance and air traffic management to save thousands of kilograms of carbon emissions.

2008 – Only airline to offer Premium Economy with in-arm inflight entertainment.

2010 – World first Q Bag Tag.

2014 – First to fly the world’s largest aircraft (Airbus A380) on the world’s longest route from Sydney to Dallas.

2014 – First to fly an Airbus A380 into Dallas Fort Worth.

2015 – First to launch the worlds deepest recline for take-off, taxi and landing in the upgraded Airbus A330 fleet, as well as a ‘Do Not Disturb’ button.

And the list doesn't include the PER-LHR service and plans for Sunrise.

They are not perfect by any stretch of the imagination, but to suggest they never innovate is a stretch too far.

 

[Melburnian1]

And if I'm not mistaken that, not so large, largesse (when only 5% of flights are operating) included REX as well as VA and QF.

Yes, it got something out of that $715 m but the main one was that Regional Express ended up with about $70m in a separate package aimed at about 13 rural, smaller Australian airlines (from memory $198m in total).

 

[p--and--t]

Yes, it got something out of that $715 m but the main one was that Regional Express ended up with about $70m in a separate package aimed at about 13 rural, smaller Australian airlines (from memory $198m in total).

If i'm not mistaken the initial offer from the gov was a reduction/waiving of landing fees & charges which would equate to around $190M in normal times across the aviation sector. However, given hardly any passenger flights were operating, meant it was more of a hollow token.

Subsequently funds were allocated to operate some core backbone flight services. So maybe the airline that is operating the most flights (REX?) would perhaps benefit more than anyone else, depending on how the landing fees are calculated etc (of which I have zero knowledge).

 

[RooFlyer]

Qantas is also benefiting from the pile of cash they have taken for flights that have been cancelled plus the 'taxes and carrier charges' for points flights. You can bet its not sitting in a trust account somewhere.

 

[Melburnian1]

If i'm not mistaken the initial offer from the gov was a reduction/waiving of landing fees & charges which would equate to around $190M in normal times across the aviation sector. However, given hardly any passenger flights were operating, meant it was more of a hollow token.

Subsequently funds were allocated to operate some core backbone flight services. So maybe the airline that is operating the most flights (REX?) would perhaps benefit more than anyone else, depending on how the landing fees are calculated etc (of which I have zero knowledge).

As a percentage of its revenue in 'normal' times, Rex appears to be benefiting by far the most if one compared it to the 'big two' airline groups.

 

[jakeseven7]

Qantas is also benefiting from the pile of cash they have taken for flights that have been cancelled plus the 'taxes and carrier charges' for points flights. You can bet its not sitting in a trust account somewhere.

Oh you mean like the Velocity ‘trust account’ that VA1 forced them to loan to them

 

[RooFlyer]

Oh you mean like the Velocity ‘trust account’ that VA1 forced them to loan to them

Straight to the head office till for Qantas.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

They are not perfect by any stretch of the imagination, but to suggest they never innovate is a stretch too far.

I agree those may be 'firsts' in Qantas' product offering, but most aren't what i would consider to be innovations in the industry as a whole. QF might have been the first airline to have 'in-arm entertainment' in premium economy... but the innovation was arguably being the first airline to offer premium economy.

Aside from the introduction of business class in 1979, Qantas has lagged behind the leaders in terms of seating. Qantas only began installing angled lie flats when other airlines already had full flat beds in business class.

 

[samh004]

Qantas has become - under his direction - the worst customer service organisation in Australia. Ever tried calling them? Ever tried emailing them?

I don't know what it is, but whenever I email [email protected] I seem to get a reply within 24 hours with some sort of resolution. I guess I'm just lucky, but they seem to like me? Touch wood. As for the phone, I usually get through in under 5 minutes, but do realise that is likely because of my status with them. And I do note that other airlines seem to have far more prompt telephone staff, so YMMV.

Also, while I didn't quote your issue of receiving refunds, I received all of mine pretty quickly, one was even handled over the phone and I'm actually seeing my issues with Jetstar (no surprises) and SAS. It's been over 2 months for my SAS refund and all I've received was an email saying they were getting to it... soon.

 

[serfty]

I don't know what it is,

YMMV - Two awards for the June weekend were cancelled online in early April. In one the points and ¥+++ were refunded in days, the other I am still waiting for $+++, was told 60 days last week.

As for [email protected], see here:

Resolved: Double the Qantas Points you earn on the ground (up to 15,000 bonus points)

In that case, all I found it good for was to collect SR numbers for my submission to the ACA.

 

[get me outta here]

My experience over the past 24 hours is that to make a booking for next year, they answer the phone within 1 min. They are very keen on that front. And, they’ve just introduced free changes till end Oct on reward bookings so no reason to hold back.

 

[maninblack]

Pretty astounded that QF/JQ still hasn’t added any capacity in June on MEL/SYD despite many flights already full or close to capacity.

 

[jakeseven7]

YMMV - Two awards for the June weekend were cancelled online in early April. In one the points and ¥+++ were refunded in days, the other I am still waiting for $+++, was told 60 days last week.

As for [email protected], see here:

Resolved: Double the Qantas Points you earn on the ground (up to 15,000 bonus points)

In that case, all I found it good for was to collect SR numbers for my submission to the ACA.

I called up last night, got my classic reward refunded on the spot.... (previously had been waiting for about 3 weeks I think). Didn't really care just wanted to test the theory shared by someone on here if you speak to them you get bumped up the processing queue.

 

[The Flying Brick]

I agree those may be 'firsts' in Qantas' product offering, but most aren't what i would consider to be innovations in the industry as a whole. QF might have been the first airline to have 'in-arm entertainment' in premium economy... but the innovation was arguably being the first airline to offer premium economy.

Aside from the introduction of business class in 1979, Qantas has lagged behind the leaders in terms of seating. Qantas only began installing angled lie flats when other airlines already had full flat beds in business class.

I cant imagine why anyone would want to brag about the launch of DeathStar

 

[Melburnian1]

Pretty astounded that QF/JQ still hasn’t added any capacity in June on MEL/SYD despite many flights already full or close to capacity.

Traditionally Victorians (apart from Byron Bay) don't go to NSW/Sydney for winter holidays. They largely go overseas or to Queensland. That may be one of many factors crimping demand, but like you I'd have though a few more flights each day might be added.

QFd would know there's a lead time between individuals booking and travelling, except for businessmen with urgent meetings. So it can't assume if it delays in putting on extra flights that many will instantly book.

 

[jakeseven7]

Traditionally Victorians (apart from Byron Bay) don't go to NSW/Sydney for winter holidays. They largely go overseas or to Queensland. That may be one of many factors crimping demand, but like you I'd have though a few more flights each day might be added.

QFd would know there's a lead time between individuals booking and travelling, except for businessmen with urgent meetings. So it can't assume if it delays in putting on extra flights that many will instantly book.

Trust me, its going to be the biggest sales day QF probably have ever had when the borders reopen....!

Add to that, not many people will probably fly VA1/2 for a while either - people will suffer a bit of 'will they last' syndrome so will probably pick QF or JQ.

 

[BNEFlyer]

Trust me, its going to be the biggest sales day QF probably have ever had when the borders reopen....!

Add to that, not many people will probably fly VA1/2 for a while either.

No doubt QF will benefit when all the border restrictions are eased, but there's also no reason VA won't either once they are operating again.

And for both carriers it also depends on the capacity and network they make available post-lockdown.

 

[timmy1234]

Still the worst customer service org in Oz - regardless of how much a fanboy one might be...
I collect the points & take their free seats but always fly a different airline - Cathay, FIJi, Japan, Latam et al.

I would support your case however, if you have used other airlines e.g. LATAM, BA, AA etc. then Qantas is quiet superior. Qantas have improved their game. However, I am a platinum with Qantas so I guess I get looked after.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

However, I am a platinum with Qantas so I guess I get looked after.

I think that is a key difference (being platinum).

I would be arguing that any government assistance would have to fully cost status benefits, and not use tax payer funds to subsidise those benefits. Flying on a $69 Jetstar international tag flight SYD-MEL could net a platinum a hundred dollars more than the cost of the fare just in food, beverage and spa treatments in the first class lounge.

 

[jakeseven7]

I would support your case however, if you have used other airlines e.g. LATAM, BA, AA etc. then Qantas is quiet superior. Qantas have improved their game. However, I am a platinum with Qantas so I guess I get looked after.

American carriers in general are also awful having dealt with the 3 big ones a lot.
Alaska is slightly better.