Qatar Airways CEO’s dig at Qantas over more flights

Akbar Al Baker argues the airline served Australia at a loss during Covid while Qantas cut its flights and doubled prices, as his bid to double flights is opposed.

Qatar Airways CEO Akbar Al Baker. Picture: Supplied

The Qatar Airlines CEO has taken a swipe at Qantas after they applied to double the number of current flights into Australia to 21 flights per week.

Akbar Al Baker said on Sky News Business Weekend the airline had been applying to the Australian authorities for a long time and continuously had their application blocked, but hoped this time the “Government realises the commitment of Qatar airlines at difficult times”.

Qatar submitted the application for more flights to Australian cities to the federal government on Tuesday and Qantas replied to a government request for feedback on the proposal, attempting to quash the submission claiming it would be unfair and could risk Australian jobs.

“We are waiting to have bilateral air services negotiations with the government of Australia,” Al Baker said.

“Why we are being stifled getting additional rights into Australia … the largest operator in Australia has cut its flight to 50% of pre-Covid level, more than doubling the price of the fares to the Australian people, in the benefit of the shareholders.”

“In addition, getting billions of dollars of state aid during the pandemic period in 2020 and 2021. And at the same time even their large international partner has also cut their flights to only 50% to pre-Covid level while we are offering an alternative to the Australian people who we always like to serve.”

Qantas is attempting to stop Qatar Airways from being granted permission to have more flights to Australian cities claiming it would be unfair and could risk Australian jobs. Qantas CEO Alan Joyce is pictured. Picture: AFP

Australian passengers were currently facing a lack of seating capacity and competition between airlines.

“We connected Australian people to the world during the most difficult period in aviation history. We continued uninterrupted at the peak of the Covid, serving the three main points in Australia – Sydney, Perth and Melbourne. We also added during the pandemic Brisbane to the network,” he said.

“We made sure at huge losses we continued serving the Australian people and the Australian trade during this difficult period.”