Australia's aviation sector is experiencing significant updates, marked by changes in major airlines and service expansions as we move toward 2025. A combination of historic legal rulings and new international air routes revitalizes the aviation industry.
Recently, Qantas announced it would pay over 1,800 illegally terminated ground workers AUD $120 million ($76 million) following a ruling from the Federal Court of Australia. The ruling found Qantas had unlawfully dismissed these workers across ten airports back in November 2020. This decision allowed the airline to replace its ground staff with contractors, leading to intense backlash from the Australian Transport Workers Union (TWU), which fiercely contested the move.
Three test cases awarded to the impacted employees included compensation amounts of AUD $30,000 ($20,000), AUD $40,000 ($27,000), and AUD $100,000 ($67,000). TWU representatives projected total compensation for all affected employees would exceed AUD $100 million ($67 million). The fund is set to be established by early 2025, ensuring workers receive their deserved payouts.
Qantas Group CEO Vanessa Hudson issued a statement apologizing to those affected, expressing, "This is an important step in bringing closure to these individuals... we know this has been a difficult period for those affected." Hudson highlighted the airline's cooperation with the TWU to wrap up this process before the holidays.
The Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) welcomed this decision as the largest case of illegal terminations within the country's industry. ACTU Acting Secretary Joseph Mitchell referred to it as, "a historic win for union members. We congratulate the Transport Workers Union for achieving justice for the 1,800 illegally sacked workers and their loved ones. After years of Qantas fighting the Transport Workers Union, these union members will now finally be compensated.” The TWU complemented the announcement with their own congratulatory statement, asserting, “That’s union power.”
On another front, Qatar Airways announced it would resume daily flights from Doha's Hamad International Airport (DOH) to Canberra Airport (CBR), starting no later than December 2025. Passengers will travel via Melbourne Airport (MEL), marking the sixth Australian destination for the airline.
The Qatar Airways flights, operated by Boeing 777 aircraft, will feature the new QSuite Business Class cabin and complimentary high-speed Starlink connectivity. Qatar Airways had initially launched services to Canberra back in 2018 but paused them due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer, expressed delight at re-establishing services to the country's capital, noting, "The nation’s capital... rightly expects to be served by international airlines, and I am proud we can play our part." He emphasized their commitment to Canberra and the wider Australian market, saying this move will introduce healthy competition and greater passenger choice.
Canberra Airport CEO Stephen Byron echoed this sentiment, labeling the return of Qatar Airways as “an exciting and pivotal moment” for the region. He remarked, “The service... invites the world to rediscover Canberra’s unique cultural, educational, and tourism offerings.” Byron added, “Providing greater choice... opens up boundless opportunities for our community, connecting our city to the rest of the world.”
Contributing to the enhancements within the Australian aviation sector, Skytrans has celebrated the arrival of its first Airbus A319. This marks a significant milestone toward their vision to grow its fleet and reinforce its ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, and Insurance) services.
The new A319 was transported to Brisbane, Australia, after complex travel from Kaunas, Lithuania, including stops at three international airports along the way. This strategic addition emphasizes Skytrans’ intention to offer flexible and efficient aviation solutions for passengers and cargo across the region.
Skytrans CEO Alan Milne described this moment as the beginning of their ambitious fleet expansion plan, with several more Airbus aircraft expected to join within the year. Milne reinforced their commitment to meeting diverse client needs, focusing on safety, innovation, and reliability as they advance their operations.
Skytrans recently became part of the world's largest ACMI provider, Avia Solutions Group, marking another step forward by becoming the first ACMI operator within the Australian group. This partnership positions Skytrans to effectively manage the seasonal challenges within the industry.
Overall, the Australian aviation sector is poised for transformative change—embracing legal accountability, restoring international services, and enhancing operational capabilities as we head toward the end of 2025. These developments signal not only stronger market competition but also improved options for travelers and a reckoning of corporate responsibility.
