Airlines

Etihad Airways and China Eastern Airlines strengthen strategic Partnership

By signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on strategic cooperation today, Etihad Airways and China Eastern Airlines made it clear that they intended to deepen their cooperation and improve their operational and commercial relationships.

The agreement signifies a dedication to investigating a more profound collaboration that will offer passengers more options, better services, and more value, all while supporting environmentally friendly aviation.

The airlines intend to expand their codeshare, establish reciprocal loyalty programmes, handle cargo, maintain, repair and overhaul, ground handling, provide catering, grant staff access to lounges, train staff and undertake various sustainability initiatives, all while building on their current successful partnership. This all-encompassing strategy will increase productivity without sacrificing world-class hospitality.

China Eastern’s goal to start offering services to Abu Dhabi should be made easier by the Memorandum of Understanding, which will be discussed with Abu Dhabi Airports, the Department of Culture and Tourism of Abu Dhabi, and other important parties in the UAE capital.

Combining China Eastern and Etihad services with the recently opened Terminal A at Abu Dhabi International Airport will establish an ideal launchpad for connections between China, the Middle East, and Africa, as well as a strong platform for China-UAE air traffic.

Airlines

Federal Court Imposes $100M Fine on Qantas for “Ghost Flights” Scandal

In a major ruling, the Federal Court has confirmed a hefty A$100 million penalty against Qantas for its involvement in the “ghost flights” scandal. As reported by FlightGlobal.

The court found that Qantas misled consumers by offering and selling tickets for flights that the airline had already decided to cancel. Adding to the controversy, Qantas failed to promptly notify ticket holders about these cancellations.

The penalty follows Qantas’ admission of violating the Australian Consumer Law (ACL). The airline agreed with the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) on the penalty amount, aiming to deter Qantas and other businesses from similar breaches in the future.

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The ACCC emphasized that this substantial fine sends a clear message: misleading customers will lead to serious consequences, regardless of a company’s size. In addition to the penalty, Qantas has committed to paying approximately A$20 million to affected passengers who unknowingly purchased tickets for canceled flights.

This compensation comes on top of any refunds or alternative flight arrangements already provided. ACCC Chair Gina Cass-Gottlieb praised the penalty, underscoring the importance of robust compliance programs red energy qantas in large corporations like Qantas.

She pointed out that Qantas has since made changes to its operating and scheduling procedures to prevent similar issues in the future.