QF & NZ slash more routes

QANTAS and Air New Zealand have both announced a fresh round of major capacity cuts, to be phased in from later this month (TD breaking news).

Qantas Group, including Jetstar, revealed it would be axing 90% of international capacity, while domestic flights, would be reduced by around 60% until the end of May.

The massive reductions will see the grounding of approximately 150 of its aircraft, constituting almost all of QF’s wide-body fleet.

Qantas said that it would release more details of affected routes “in the coming days”, stating the changes were needed as it faced a “massive labour surplus” and battled to respond to the travel restrictions brought on by the COVID-19 crisis.

“Travel demand is unlikely to rebound for weeks, or possibly months, and the impact of this will be felt across the entire workforce of 30,000 people,” the airline said in a statement.

Wide-ranging booking waivers have been issued for customers wanting to suspend their travel plans, with clients who have existing bookings for flights until 31 May able to cancel bookings and receive a travel credit.

The offer is valid for customers who make changes by 31 Mar, with QF enquiries best directed HERE, and Jetstar enquiries HERE.

Qantas’ joint business partner on the Pacific, American Airlines, has also confirmed the suspension of all flights from the USA to both Australia and NZ.

MEANWHILE, Air New Zealand this morning released details of further cuts to its Tasman network, after yesterday announcing an 85% reduction in its long-haul network.

NZ will cut its flights between Australia and New Zealand by 80%, reducing services to just five routes - Auckland to Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne; Christchurch to Sydney; and Wellington to Sydney.