Qantas to ramp up domestic flights without social distancing

Qantas Airways could restart 40-50% of its domestic capacity in July if states relax border controls, and expects to offer low and flexible fares without social distancing measures to stimulate travel demand, its CE said Tuesday. The airline will introduce measures on board from June 12 such as providing masks and cleaning wipes to ensure safe travel and give passengers peace of mind during the pandemic, but will not leave middle seats empty. "Social distancing on an aircraft is impractical," Qantas CE Alan Joyce said. "It only gives you 60 centimetres between passengers." He said to meet Australia's standard for social distancing of 1.5 metres on the ground, an Airbus A320 operated by low-cost arm Jetstar could fill just 22 seats, rather than the normal 180. "That means airfares are going to be eight to nine times more than they are today," he said. "It economically will not be justified." Instead, Qantas will simplify catering, step up aircraft cleaning and ask passengers to limit movement around the cabin once seated. Masks will not be mandatory but Qantas will recommend passengers wear them in the interest of everyone's peace of mind, in a measure that is unlikely to be needed over the longer term, Qantas Group Medical Director Ian Hosegood said.<br/>