Qantas and subsidiary Jetstar have informed two thirds of their 30,000 staff members to take leave until the end of May, due to the sharp decline in travel demand as of late.
The airline will be stopping 90% of international flights from late March until May.
More than 150 aircraft will be temporarily grounded, including all of Qantas’ A380s, 747s, and B787-9s, as well as Jetstar’s B787-8s.
This comes after the Australian government suggested people should not travel overseas for the time being, as the country tries to control the worsening health situation.
Domestic flights have also been reduced by 60% as well.
“We’re in a strong financial position right now, but our wages bill is more than $4 billion a year. With the huge drop in revenue we’re facing, we have to make difficult decisions to guarantee the future of the national carrier.”, mentions CEO of Qantas, Alan Joyce