But Turkish airlines got more flights, so it didn’t influence that?
But Turkish airlines got more flights, so it didn’t influence that?
Turkish airlines to Qatar is Bonza to Qantas… not even close.
I mean it’s not amazing but at the end of the day, the guy is the Prime Minister of Australia. That’s such a minor thing in the grander scheme. I’m not going to blame any PM for getting themselves upgrade on travel, especially considering how much travel they do (unless they travel to a certain island in a national emergency). He even declared every single point of travel he was upgraded in.
I meant giving them access generally and a shit load of flights to Turkey.
While i’m not sure n the situation, Qatar getting more flights into Australia would be a bigger hit to Qantas than Turkish airlines doing the same. I don’t think Qantas would have fought THAT hard to stop Turkish airlines from coming in. It could have even used that as a way to look like they’re being good about it all.
And that’s my point - no one is really sure of the situation. Arm chair speculation and outrage.
I would be surprised if Qantas havent had the same arrangement with every Prime Minister in the last 25 years
It’s more the optics of it.
Labor/Albo went to the last election saying that the Libs were out of touch with everyday Australia.
He was put up as the Housing Commission battler, man of the people.
He’s just gone and bought a $4.5m cliff top mansion in the middle of a cost of living crisis while there’s a debate on CGT and negative gearing.
Now he’s getting free upgrades off an airline who’s just been found guilty of unfairly sacking workers and uses their size to quash any competition.
Had he done anything wrong? No.
It’s pretty out of touch with the everyday Australian though.
Just something worth pointing out, Qantas legally has to be majority Australian owned. Essentially means they have a limit on foreign investment. When they compete against airlines that are 100% subsidized/owned by governments with oil backing and almost non-existent workplace laws, you probably want some sort of competitive edge. If Qatar had huge access to Australia, you’re going to see more and more cost cutting or eventual bailouts.
As much as I love Albanese bashing, it’s 100% a non story. Guarantee every single Prime Minister gets the exact same treatment. They’re the national airline. In terms of metrics, I’d actually expect our Prime Ministers/leaders to be flying business or first class. Yes it’s more expensive etc. but there’s a level of gravitas that should be held in our highest office.
There was this a few years ago
Yep, he should be flying business. He (the government) should also be paying for it.
It’s not just about not being corrupt, but also avoiding the perception.
He was also getting shit for private flights for him and family members. This wasn’t just on flights for official duties.
He got private flights upgraded for non government work
The issue is that he got the upgrade for free.
Everyone else has to bid and pay for an upgrade. It certainly doesn’t look good when he’s directly involved in the Qtar Airlines decision and the bailout of Rex.
I know it may not be a good look, but at the end of the day, do we want to favour Qantas, or Qatar Airways?
It can easily be argued Dutton is looking bad by not siding with the Aussie airline. I know its a bit nationalistic but I think it would still matter to many people.
If you’re flying? Qatar every time.
Qatar. The more competition the better.
Qantas have been trading on a reputation from 20 years ago, while the service has gone down and the cost gone up. They are utterly shit.
Are you guys actually fucking kidding me? Qatar airways is fully owned by the Qatar government. How many of you were complaining about the Qatar World Cup???
The alternative is we keep getting gouged by Qantas while their service keeps getting worse?
Or their service improves, and they raise the prices even further - costing us more again.
Unless you have another solution?
Don’t fly either. Sorted.
Disagree. More competition doesn’t just make a difference to Qantas’ prices, it’ll impact Etihad, Emirates and Singapore airlines.
Everyone wins, except the Qatari slave labour (and women).