Airlines around the world, including domestic rival Virgin Australia, face similar issues, but Qantas had attracted significant negative local media coverage given its position as the dominant carrier.
In response, the airline said on Sunday it would send members of its frequent flyer program an email and video message from its longtime chief executive, Alan Joyce, whose home was bombarded with eggs and covered in paper on Monday. toilet last month, following harsh criticism from customers on social media.
“On behalf of the national carrier, I want to apologize and assure you that we are working hard to get back to our best,” Joyce said in the video message, which was also posted to YouTube.
Qantas said it was putting in place a series of initiatives to improve punctuality and mishandled baggage, while dealing with high numbers of staff sick leave and a labor shortage across the country. sector.
The carrier, which cut thousands of jobs during the pandemic and put most of its staff on unpaid leave for long periods, said it had hired 1,500 new people since April, with more to come.
Qantas is due to release its full year financial results on Thursday.
($1 = 1.4552 Australian dollars)