Qantas could resume flying at some stage today (Monday), after a marathon Fair Work Australia hearing ruled that industrial action at the carrier be terminated.
The move was announced at 2.20am AEDT, with the arbitrator saying one of its prime considerations was the effect that the grounding of the Qantas fleet was having on tourism.
Earlier in the evening Qantas used its official Twitter account to advise that the fleet remains grounded until at least midday on Monday, with a decision on afternoon flights to be made this morning.
CEO Alan Joyce said the decision provides certainty for Qantas passengers.
“We will be getting our aircraft back up in the air as soon as we possibly can. It could be as early as Monday afternoon on a limited schedule with the approval of the regulator,” he said.
“I apologise to all Qantas passengers that have been impacted by the industrial action by unions over the past few months and in particular the past few days,” Joyce added.
More information in tomorrow’s Travel Daily.