Qatar Airways boss backs support for Qantas, lifting cap on returned travellers | latikambourke
The chief executive of Qatar Airways says the Australian government should be prepared to offer national carrier Qantas financial support if the coronavirus pandemic keeps borders closed and international flights grounded., Qatar CEO Akbar Al Baker warned that if there is no coronavirus vaccine, all global airlines would either fold or be nationalised in some form.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has launched an inquiry into claims of price gouging on these flights, but Mr Al Baker said his airline had nothing to fear from the probe. "We are an airline, we are not a charity so we have to make sure that we cover our cost of operation at least," he said. "We are not cheating anybody nor are we overcharging anybody; we are not taking advantage of anybody in this difficult situation."
In July, the federal government began using $240 million to underwrite "elements" of commercial flights operating out of Australia in what it said was support for exporters by keeping international freight routes and flights operating.Qatar Airways claims its decision to stay open during the pandemic to service essential travel has made it the largest airline in the world.
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