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November 7, 2011

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Qantas says sorry with free flights offer

QANTAS Airways is offering free flights to passengers affected by the airline's decision to ground its entire fleet over a labor dispute, in the first of a number of measures to regain customer loyalty.

Passengers who were unable to fly last weekend are eligible for a free return economy flight within Australia or to New Zealand, the company said yesterday, an initiative that will cost the airline about A$20 million, (US$20.7 million), a spokeswoman confirmed.

Qantas grounded its fleet to force a resolution to a dispute with trade unions over pay, conditions and job security.

The shutdown stranded tens of thousands of passengers and angered the federal government. It intervened to refer the dispute to the workplace arbitrator, FairWork Australia, which then ordered an end to the industrial action.

The airline's chief executive, Alan Joyce, said: "Throughout the long period of industrial activity we have been acutely aware of the impact on our customers. This ticket offer is one of a range of initiatives we will be launching as a way of saying sorry as we move forward into this period of stability."

The airline said it will make further announcements shortly in relation to customers based outside Australia and for members of its frequent flyer program.





 

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