Qantas Advice for Travel on Friday 2 August

31 July 2002

Qantas today issued the following advice to customers scheduled to travel on Friday, 2 August.

The advice follows notice from the Australian Services Union that it will take industrial action around the country for up to 12 hours on Friday.

1. International flights

All Qantas international flights will operate on Friday. Most are expected to operate on time, although there may be some delays.

Passengers travelling internationally are advised to arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before their flight is scheduled to depart.

2. QantasLink flights to regional Australia

All QantasLink flights to regional Australia are currently scheduled to operate on Friday. Due to the industrial action taking place, some disruption and delays are expected.

QantasLink passengers are advised to arrive at the airport at least 11/2 hours before their flight is scheduled to depart.

3. Domestic flights on major routes

Domestic flights on major routes will be affected while the industrial action is taking place - that is, up until about 5.00 pm AEST. As a result of the industrial action, many flights will be rescheduled or cancelled.

A new Friday schedule for domestic flights will be available from 8.00 pm today.

Passengers booked to fly on Friday are encouraged to change their travel plans, if possible. They can do so without penalty for travel up to 9 August.

People wanting to change their travel plans should contact their travel agent or call Qantas on (Australia) 13 13 13.

People who are travelling domestically on Friday should also contact their travel agent or call Qantas on (Australia) 13 13 13 to check their new travel time.

Qantas Executive General Manager Human Resources Kevin Brown said: "We are very disappointed that the ASU has decided to take industrial action aimed at disrupting customers' travel plans on one of the busiest days of the week and at the beginning of what is a long weekend for many people in NSW.

"We have offered the ASU a bonus payment of 3%, and potentially 4%, for the year to 30 June 2002 plus a 3% wage increase each year for the next two years - an offer that has been accepted by three other Unions.

"Qantas believes this offer is fair and reasonable."