To replace its baggage handlers, the Australian airline Qantas has launched an emergency appeal to its executives. At least 100 people are needed to cope with the shortfall in ground staff, the airline’s chief operating officer, Colin Hughes, said in an internal memo.
Executives ready to roll up their sleeves “will be trained” to integrate Sydney and Melbourne airports, particularly sorting, scanning and transporting baggage. This call for volunteers comes when the Australian company decided after Covid-19 to lay off its ground staff, almost 1,600 people, and then move on to a subcontractor.
This subcontracting decision was considered illegal by a court, but Qantas has announced that it is appealing.
Cancellations and delays
The Australian carrier has faced numerous flight cancellations, delays, queues and lost luggage. A situation that has largely scratched the image of the group, which still enjoyed an excellent reputation in the air world.
The personnel and logistics problems are not limited to Australia. In the United States and Europe, airport mishaps have multiplied this summer. According to air passenger rights organization AirHelp, which analyzed flight data from January to July, 66 million travellers, or a quarter, were affected by delays or cancellations in Europe during this period.
Source: BFM TV
