Qantas, Jetstar announce changes to manage COVID-19 risks
Qantas boss Alan Joyce says he could have up to half the airline’s domestic fleet back in the air by July if states ease travel restrictions, as major changes that will impact the way passengers fly were announced.
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Qantas chief executive Alan Joyce said the company was preparing for the resumption of domestic travel within the next few months.
“There is a possibility that we might have nearly all the states opening up as early as July and we’re planning for that,” Mr Joyce told reporters on Tuesday.
“We don’t think we’ll go back to 100 per cent honestly in July but we have the capability to easily add 40 to 50 per cent of the capacity that we had before COVID-19 in that month and then a ramp up even further every other month”.
The airline announced a series of new measures on Tuesday, including improving cleanliness both on-board their flights and before passengers enter an aircraft.
The measures include many of the safety procedures Qantas used on repatriation flights from virus hot spots including Wuhan in China.
In a move that will be enforced on Qantas and Jetstar flights it includes the following:
• Contactless check-in can be completed online or via the app and customers are also to use self-service bag drop.
• Hand sanitising stations at gates on departure and arrival.
• Enhanced cleaning of seats, seatbelts, overhead lockers, air vents, kiosks and toilets.
• Physical distancing at airports and in lounges.
And while on-board passengers will be notice these changes:
• Face masks will be provided to all customers.
• Sanitising wipes will be provided to passengers to wipe down seat belts, trays and armrests.
• Passengers will be asked to stay in their seats as much as possible.
• There will be limited food and beverage options available.
The new changes will begin from Friday, June 12.
Mr Joyce said the measures will help manage the risk of coronavirus on both airlines.
“We’re relying on the co-operation of passengers to help make these changes work for everyone’s benefit and we thank them in advance for that,” he said.
“Given the great job Australians have done at flattening the curve we’re confident they’ll respond positively to these temporary changes to how we fly.”
Qantas medical director Dr Ian Hosegood said social distancing on an aircraft was not practical and data showed the risk of catching COVID-19 on an aircraft was “extremely low”.
“That’s due to a combination of factors, including the cabin air filtration system, the fact people don’t sit face-to-face and the high backs of aircraft seats acting as a physical barrier,” he said.
“Social distancing on an aircraft isn’t practical the way it is on the ground, and given the low transmission risk on board, we don’t believe it’s necessary in order to be safe.”
“The extra measures we’re putting in place will reduce the risk even further.”
Mr Joyce said leaving the middle row of seats empty on a Jetstar domestic flight would increase airfares by 50 per cent only to provide passengers with an extra 60cm of space.
To implement a 1.5 metre gap would result in airfares being eight or nine times higher than what they would be under the measures Qantas will use, he said.
“If it’s not needed – and it isn’t needed on medical advice – it definitely economically will not be justified and you won’t have a tourism industry reinvigorated with cheap airfares,” he said.
The airline has also made changes to its booking arrangements.
Customers can book any Qantas or Jetstar domestic flight between May 21 and June 30 this year for travel between June 12 and October 31 2020 and the airlines will waive the change fee once if passengers change their date of travel down the track.
However customers will have to cover any fare increase – if it applies – for the new booking.
As for international flight customers with existing overseas bookings for travel between August 1 and October 31 2020, customers who wish to change their plans can cancel their booking and get a full credit.
The credits must be requested by June 30 and are valid for booking on both domestic and international services until December 31 2021.
Jetstar credit vouchers allow up to two years to travel from the date of use.
But if a flight is cancelled by Qantas or Jetstar customers will be rebooked on the next available flight at no additional costs.
Alternatively customers can choose a flight credit or refund.
Mr Joyce said safety “is absolutely core” of how Qantas operates and people could fly with confidence on the airline.
“From the early rescue flights we operated right into Wuhan and then more recently bringing Australians back from places like the US and Europe, we have a lot of experience at creating a safe cabin environment for passengers and crew,” he said.
Originally published as Qantas, Jetstar announce changes to manage COVID-19 risks
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