Qatar Airways axes highly discounted upgrades for Qantas staff amid blocking controversy
The Government’s decision to block additional capacity for Qatar Airways into Australia has become the drama that never ends as political division and corporate animosity have festered into one of the year’s biggest stories.
Adding to the bonfire of this controversy is Qatar Airways’ recent decision to slash its highly discounted business class upgrades for Qantas staff.
The Middle Eastern carrier previously (and up until 18 September) allowed staff members with the Flying Kangaroo to upgrade themselves to business class for a 10th of the advertised price, according to the Australian Financial Review.
Qatar Airways long haul Business Class
But an alert from Australia’s national carrier has warned its staff that this scheme has been rescinded, with the coming Monday the last day Qantas staff can enjoy the offer.
The offer has been taken up by many Qantas staff every year, but it looks like full-fee economy or business class tickets will have to be the standard from Monday.
Qatar Airways had its bid for additional capacity blocked by Transport Minister Catherine King earlier this year. The Government sought the opinion of Qantas as part of Qatar Airways’ application process for bilateral air rights and Qantas opposed the bid on the grounds that it would cause Australian job losses.
Qatar Airways has refused to comment on this.
Travel Weekly awaits comment from Qantas.
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