Examiner newspaper.
JETSTAR'S decision to change its passenger service contract at Launceston Airport could cost another 20 jobs, it was revealed yesterday. While Jetstar confirmed that four of its staff could be impacted by the decision, it emerged that about 15 Qantas staff and a handful of labour hire workers could also be affected.
Jetstar has appointed Hobart- based company Air Trade Pty Ltd to conduct its ramp and passenger services. The services - including baggage handling and on-ground aircraft assistance - are now provided jointly by Jetstar and Qantas, under subcontract from Express Ground Handling.
Qantas media spokesman Joe Aston said it was too early for the airline to say what would happen with job losses.
"We made a submission to keep the work but our bid wasn't successful," Mr Aston said.
"Even though we are related airlines it didn't mean we had any favourable treatment."
It is understood some Qantas staff would be kept to assist with daily QantasLink flights but this could not be confirmed by Mr Aston late yesterday.
Air Trade managing director Scott Cleary confirmed that he could not guarantee all jobs would be absorbed by his company, which has 22 staff in Launceston operating freight handling services for companies such as Air Express.
A meeting will be held with Jetstar staff today but Mr Cleary said he was unaware that Qantas staff were involved.
"I haven't had any discussions with Qantas," Mr Cleary said.
Interesting times for the boys ahead.