Airlines

More than 200 passengers escorted off Qantas flight by armed police at Melbourne Airport after security screening issue

After a plane landed, police removed more than 200 people off after discovering that at least one of them had not gone through security.

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After a plane landed, police removed more than 200 people off after discovering that at least one of them had not gone through security.

Before being brought to the arrivals hall, travellers on Qantas flight QF487 from Sydney to Melbourne had to wait 15 to 20 minutes both onboard and in a gate lounge. The Australian Federal Police and airport security then led the passengers off the aircraft to be rescreened.

As travellers waited to go through the usual security checks, some passengers posted images to social media showing police officers carrying large guns.

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A Qantas spokesperson said the incident was triggered by a passenger who “inadvertently” bypassed screening at Sydney Airport.

“As a precaution, all passengers on QF487 were escorted from the plane when it landed in Melbourne and taken through the screened part of the airport into the unscreened area. By doing this, we avoided compromising the secure section of the Melbourne terminal, which would have required all passengers who had already been through security to be rescreened.

We will investigate to understand how this incident occurred and we apologies for any inconvenience to passengers on the flight.” The passengers were permitted to leave Melbourne Airport once being screened.

Airlines

German Carrier Lufthansa Plans for 20% Job Cuts in Administration

Lufthansa Airlines is reportedly planning significant job cuts in its administrative workforce. According to Manager Magazin, the German carrier intends to reduce administrative positions by 20% as part of its cost-cutting measures amidst an anticipated decline in earnings.

This reduction could impact approximately 400 jobs, the report revealed. While Lufthansa has not directly commented on the layoffs, the airline confirmed its goal of cutting administrative costs by 20% by 2028.

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The strategy involves leveraging digital technologies, including artificial intelligence and automation. “A hiring freeze is currently in place for administrative roles at Lufthansa Airlines,” said a company spokesperson.

The staff reduction is expected to occur through natural attrition and age-related turnover, rather than forced layoffs. The internal projection cited by the magazine warns that Lufthansa could face an operating loss of €800 million ($843.92 million) by 2026 if no corrective measures are taken.

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The report highlights the challenges companies face in aligning workforce requirements with current and future demands. Failure to adapt could necessitate drastic actions, such as restructuring and layoffs, which carry significant repercussions for both the organization and its employees.

As Lufthansa navigates these challenges, the airline appears committed to balancing cost efficiency with digital transformation to maintain its competitiveness in a rapidly evolving industry.