QANTAS: Political gift stocked half bar trolley Outrage!

Apparently, Qantas, in an attempt to curry favour with a range of influential politicians – or maybe to thank the government for its generous subsidies including JobKeeper for its staff, has gifted a AU$947 stocked 747 Half Bar Cart to a variety of infulential parliamentarians, including Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese and Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack. The Prime Minister (Scott Morrison) is considering the offer – according to the SMH City Life column.

The carts have also been offered to the general public, but sold out within hours. It’s not just the carts, they are stocked with a range of Business Class items, including champagne, mini red and white wine bottles Tim Tams, and Qantas pyjamas.

2PAXfly Takeout

The aviation industry has a difficult road ahead when it comes to sustainability. It’s going to require a relative revolution in technology, with ‘electric planes’ or hydrogen planes, or some form of jet engine that doesn’t require a carbon based fuel. And that is going to require the development of an alternative to jet engines probably.

It’s a big ask. It will take time to develop.

This move to home grown and manufactured SAF is a first step – maybe even a baby step in a very long road of innovation. In the long run, US$200 million won’t even touch the sides.

Obviously yours truly does not wield enough power and influence to attract such a gift – more’s the pity.

Will the gift make ‘Albo’ stop attacking Qantas for sucking at the teat of government support, while at the same time sacking staff? We shall see. Michael McCormack – also leader of the rural based National Party, and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development, apparently was delighted with the gift. Is our deputy leader a quiet AvGeek?