Update at 0630GMT 29OCT11 – QANTAS Suspends Mainline Operation

Update at 0630GMT 29OCT11

QANTAS CEO Alan Joyce has announced it is grounding entire mainline operation effective 1700AEDT 29OCT11. The oneWorld member is grounding all of its 108 International and Domestic mainline aircraft. JetStar, JetConnect (operating Trans-Tasman Service), QANTASLink operating flights (flight number range QF1400 – 2699), QANTAS Freighter as well as Codeshare service by partner airlines will continue their operation. These can be identified on travel itineraries as required by law.

Employees represented by the ALAEA, TWU and AIPA Union will be locked out from 2000LT 31OCT11. They are responsible for aircraft operation and maintenance, and has launched a series of job action since early-October, forcing the airline to cancel selected flights. In short press release statement, these union members will not be required to be at work and will not receive salary payment. Those who are not represented by any of the unions mentioned above will continue to receive salary payment and will be required to work. Overseas employees will continue to receive payment.

All flights that are currently airborne will continue to fly to their destination. Passengers are advised not heading to the airport and only those who are travelling within the next 24 hours should call the airline. Full refunds will be issued to passengers.

According to Joyce, the mainline operation will be grounded “for as long as it takes for unions come to terms.”

Most of the information above are reported by Will Horton, under twitter handle @winglets747. For QANTAS official statement, click here.