More punishing cost-cutting measures are in the pipeline at Qantas.
The airline is cutting up to 6,000 staff and will ground 100 planes for up to a year in an effort to save about $10 billion over the next three years.
"We have to position ourselves for several years where revenues will be much lower. And that means becoming a smaller airline in the short-term," CEO Alan Joyce said.
About half of the workforce will remain on leave possibly until the end of the year.
Qantas’ remaining operational Boeing 747s will be retired with immediate effect.
"This year was supposed to be one of celebration for Qantas. It’s our centenary. Clearly, it is not turning out as planned."
Qantas has been slammed by the Australian Council of Trade Unions and called for the government to extennd the JobKeeper scheme to safeguard jobs.
Qantas has cancelled nearly all international services until at least October, although domestic schedules are gradually increasing.
Qantas said they should be at about 40% of normal levels by July.
