URGENT UPDATE: Qantas has announced it will pay a $90 million fine using an astonishing 3,376 billion Frequent Flyer Points following a ruling by the federal court regarding the illegal sacking of baggage handlers. The airline plans to send a 14-digit code for redeeming these points to the judge next week.
A spokesperson for Qantas emphasized that utilizing Frequent Flyer points is a preferred method for Australian taxpayers, citing their flexibility compared to cash. “These points can be redeemed for any Rewards Flights available between Townsville and Kabul during January and February 2047, excluding weekends, public holidays, or flights after 5 PM. So there’s a lot of choice,” the spokesperson stated.
While it may raise eyebrows that Qantas does not currently operate flights between these two locations, the airline insists this is irrelevant to the validity of their offer. “It is conceivable that a plane could fly between those two destinations, and the fact that we don’t is not materially important in assessing the validity of this offer. That is very clearly explained in the fine print,” the spokesperson added.
Qantas claims this unusual payment method is a direct response to customer feedback. “Our customers are telling us that, more than anything, they want the opportunity to fly to a landlocked Middle Eastern conflict zone in 2047. We’re just delivering on that,” the spokesperson concluded.
This unprecedented move has stirred conversations across Australia, raising questions about corporate accountability and the ethics of using loyalty points to settle fines. As Qantas navigates this unique situation, observers are eager to see how this decision impacts the airline’s reputation and public trust.
WHAT’S NEXT: The airline is expected to provide further details about the redemption process and any potential repercussions from the court ruling. As the story develops, industry experts will be watching closely to assess Qantas’s next steps in addressing both the fine and customer concerns.
Stay tuned for more updates on this unfolding situation.
