Author: Matt Graham
Qantas Frequent Flyer is Keeping the Airline Afloat
There has long been a joke that frequent flyer programs make more money for airlines than flying planes. In the current climate, it couldn’t be more true! Last week Qantas revealed a $2.7 billion statutory loss for the 2019-20 financial year. After a profitable first half to the financial year, the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in … Continued
Qantas & Virgin’s Best Products Have Sadly Disappeared
Amid the current downturn in international air travel, many planes have been retired, returned to lessors or placed into deep storage – perhaps never to fly again. Larger and older aircraft are particularly affected, and Qantas & Virgin Australia have been no exception. Sadly, one of many unintended consequences is the indefinite loss of Australia’s … Continued
Podcast #43: Kangaroo Island
It has been a tough year for most Australian businesses, especially those involved in the tourism industry. But for the people of Kangaroo Island in South Australia, the coronavirus pandemic came right on the back of a nightmare summer of bushfires. After visiting Kangaroo Island this fortnight, Matt takes a close look at how these … Continued
Kangaroo Island – AIR043
2020 has been a tough year for many Australian tourism businesses. But few parts of Australia have been affected as badly as Kangaroo Island in South Australia. The island was still recovering from a disastrous summer bushfire season, which destroyed almost half the island, when the coronavirus crisis hit. With borders now closed, the … Continued
Qantas International Flights Unlikely to Restart Before July 2021
Qantas today revealed that it does not expect international flights to resume until at least July 2021. The grim outlook came as Qantas announced a $2.7 billion statutory loss before tax for the 2019-20 financial year. In today’s announcement, the national carrier said that its international network was “unlikely to restart before July 2021; possibly … Continued
Qantas 2019-20 Financial Results a Mixed Bag
Qantas has made a small underlying profit but a large statutory loss in the 2019-20 financial year. The results demonstrate a very strong first half but a disastrous second half, as the COVID-19 outbreak worsened and progressively harsher travel restrictions were introduced. Qantas estimates that it took a $4 billion revenue hit in the previous … Continued
Amex Scraps $400 Travel Credit for Platinum Reserve Card
American Express is removing the $400 annual travel credit that comes with its Amex Platinum Reserve credit card in Australia. The change will apply to new Amex Platinum Reserve cardholders that are approved on or after 26 August 2020. From this date, new Platinum Reserve card members will no longer receive the current $400 travel … Continued
Great Food & Service at Reopened Qantas Lounges
Last month, Qantas began reopening many of its domestic airport lounges as states eased their COVID-19 restrictions for indoor venues. With fewer people travelling, a need to control costs and government-mandated health restrictions, it was always going to be a challenge for Qantas to reopen its lounges while still offering an excellent experience to guests. … Continued
Qantas Frequent Flyer Quietly Ends Air Niugini Partnership
Qantas Frequent Flyer members can no longer earn or redeem points on Air Niugini flights. The change quietly came into effect on 6 August 2020. A notice on the Qantas website states: Effective on and from 6 August 2020, Qantas Frequent Flyer members can no longer earn Qantas Points or use points for Classic Flight … Continued