Qantas And Jetstar Suspend All International Flights From March 2020

Qantas has told two thirds of their 30,000 staff members to stand down until May as the coronavirus pandemic grinds travel to a halt

The airline released a statement to the ASX saying they are cutting scheduled international flights from late March until May 2020

It comes after the government's recommendation that Australians do not travel overseas due to the COVID-19 outbreak

Essential domestic, regional and freight connections will be maintained as much as possible

The stand down applies to baggage handlers, catering staff, flight attendants and pilots

More than 150 aircraft will be temporarily grounded, including all of Qantas' A380s, 747s and B787-9s and Jetstar's B787-8s.  

During the stand down, employees will be able to draw down on annual and long service leave, including leave at half pay and early access to long service leave

Employees with low leave balances at the start of the stand down will be able to access up to four weeks' leave in advance of earning it

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