
The airline’s chief executive, Alan Joyce, has insisted the payment was made to acknowledge the sacrifices employees have made during COVID.

The announcement came alongside news many employees would be eligible for a $5,000 bonus following a two-year wage freeze.

It comes after the AIPA voted through a deal on working terms to allow its members to fly the airline’s forthcoming fleet of Airbus A321XLRs. However, the group suggested the yes vote came under the duress of a “looming threat” roles could go elsewhere.

In a previously unthinkable turnaround, the Qantas CEO has said the WA Premier is, “one of, if not the best, politicians easily in the country”.

Pilots’ union AIPA has claimed Qantas threatened to outsource roles if its members didn’t agree to a new enterprise agreement. The deal, which was eventually accepted, was required so that pilots could transition from the airline’s 737s to its upcoming new fleet of Airbus A321XLRs. Qantas strongly denies the accusation. “While it is pleasing to

Evans was seen as a key contender to eventually replace Group CEO Alan Joyce, and the news of his departure comes months after the business hinted Joyce would continue in the role for some time to come.