QLD:Qantas changes mixed for Qld: Bligh

AAP General News (Australia)
08-16-2011
QLD:Qantas changes mixed for Qld: Bligh

Queensland Premier ANNA BLIGH says the Qantas announcement to base more activities
in Asia will mean more tourists for her state, but she doesn't like the idea of jobs being
cut in the airline.

Qantas chief executive ALAN JOYCE says the airline has to make fundamental changes
to ensure the international business is profitable, with its current cost base 20 per
cent higher than that of its key competitors.

He's announced the changes will cost one-thousand jobs.

Ms BLIGH says for Qantas to have a footprint in the fast growing markets of China and
India is good news for Queensland's tourist destinations like Cairns and the Gold Coast.

But pilots, engineers and others working for Qantas are dismayed, with one pilots union
accusing Mr JOYCE of spitting in the face of Australian families, and flushing safety
standards down the toilet.

AAP RTV bart/crh/wz

KEYWORD: QANTAS BLIGH (BRISBANE)

� 2011 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.