Qantas Airways Ltd. said Tuesday it plans to cut up to 1,000 jobs as part of a major shakeup of its international business that will include the launch of a new Asia-based airline.
The flagship Australian carrier, which is struggling to offset losses from its international operations, will buy between 106 and 110 Airbus A320 aircraft, and retire older planes as part of the five-year plan.
It will also defer the delivery of six Airbus A380 superjumbo planes for up to six years.
The changes are expected to affect around 1,000 jobs, Qantas said.
Qantas International has forecast a loss of $210 million US for the 2011 financial year due to competition and costs that the airline says are 20 per cent higher than its key competitors such as Emirates.
CEO Alan Joyce said the changes were needed to ensure the airline's profitability.
"Qantas International is a great airline with a proud history," Joyce said in a statement. "But it is suffering big financial losses and a substantial decline in market share. To reverse that decline, we need fundamental change."
Under the plan, Qantas will invest in a new premium airline in Asia that will operate under a different name. It will also launch a budget airline in Japan to be called Jetstar Japan in partnership with Japan Airlines Co. and Mitsubishi Corp.
Unions immediately condemned the move, with the Australian Council of Trade Unions accusing the airline of showing "blatant contempt for its loyal work force."
"This is one of the darkest days in the history of Qantas," ACTU secretary Jeff Lawrence said in a statement. "Today, Qantas management has turned its back on Australia and on Australian jobs to head down the path of a race to the bottom that would see a large section of its workforce employed on the pay and conditions of developing countries."
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