Qantas has insisted the travel trade should not feel any negative impact of its ongoing transformation, as it underlined its commitment to its industry partners.
The company is undergoing its biggest transformation since being privatised, with $2 billion in costs to be removed over the next three years partly through the axing of 5,000 jobs by mid-2017.
Speaking at the National Travel Industry Awards in Sydney on Saturday night, Qantas Domestic chief executive Lyell Strambi said it was not appropriate to “crow” about its achievements in light of the Malaysia Airlines MH17 tragedy. But he briefly outlined the airline’s positive strides over the last year.
“Things like investing in product, great innovation that we’re driving, stuff we’re doing to turn our company around and make it a successful and sustainable business."
Strambi referred to the massive changes underway at the airline, thanking the industry for its support and assuring agents that their interests are protected.
“Our team of professionals is working very hard so you don’t see the effects of that change in a negative way,” he said.
“You have our assurance that Qantas will continue to do all we can to support your clients, your firms and your businesses to be every bit as successful as we can make them so we can remain a key partner, a partner you can trust,"
His comments are in stark contrast with those of Qantas’ group chief executive Alan Joyce who in March risked alienating the trade by suggesting it is cheaper and better to bypass travel agents and book direct with the airline – a remark delivered in jest, according to the airline.
The airline, which is a major sponsor of the NTIAs, took out the award for Best Domestic Airline at the event on Saturday.
