Qantas Airways' aircrafts returned to the skies yesterday after an Australian court ruling put an end to 48 hours of travel chaos ensuing from the airline's decision to ground its entire fleet.
Qantas, one of the world's largest airlines, said all of its flights were operating on time and as scheduled. The remaining backlog of travellers affected by the fleet grounding is likely to be cleared by Tuesday afternoon, as per the airline.
Qantas Airways grounded its entire fleet on Saturday as a response to a string of strikes by unions that represent pilots, aircraft mechanics, baggage handlers and caterers. This sudden and massive move by Qantas caused havoc to the travel plans of thousands of travellers, putting them into a state of confusion. This impelled the government to interfere and order an emergency court hearing.
On Sunday, an arbitration court ordered to put an end to the strikes and also to cancel the staff lockout. The airline started operating flights some 12 hours after the court order. The court has given the carrier and unions 21 days to arrive at an agreement. If the two parties are not able to do so within the timeframe, they will be forced into an obligatory arbitration.
As per reports, the rolling strikes have forced the cancellation of 600 flights in past few months, disrupted travel plans for more than 70,000 customers and cost Qantas Airways 70 million Australian dollars ($75 million).
"The question is whether the parties can now act in a mature way," Federal Transport Minister Anthony Albanese told reporters in Canberra on Tuesday. "We've called upon both Qantas and the unions to get down to business and to get this deal done."
Australia's flag carrier, Qantas Airways created a flutter among union workers in August when it said it would develop its loss-making overseas business by initiating an Asia-based airline with its own name and brand. The five-year restructure plan will cost 1,000 jobs.
President of Australian and International Pilots Association, Barry Jackson said the union negotiators are working hard to come up with an agreement with the airline.
Qantas CEO Alan Joyce defended his decision to ground the airline's entire fleet.
"I'll make whatever tough decisions are needed to be made in order to ensure the survival of this great company," Alan Joyce was quoted on Monday.
On Tuesday morning trading on Australia's stock exchange, Qantas Airways' shares were up 3.6 percent to AU$1.67.
Qantas to Slash Airfares?
Travellers with cheap flight tickets on their mind might just get what they seek as reports of Qantas Airways plans to cut fares do the rounds. With the airline's image taking a beating after it grounded its entire fleet on Saturday, industry experts feel that the carrier has the big responsibility of restoring faith in its brand.
As per Australian Financial Review report, the Australian carrier is set to trim down prices and dole out special promotional deals for grounded passengers to restore customer confidence in the lead up to Christmas, which is a peak holiday season during when thousands of vacationers look for cheap flight tickets.
Other Qantas Airways News:
