Flight Centre has warned that job losses are “inevitable” as a result of COVID-19 pandemic and is seeking government support.
Chief executive Graham “Skroo” Turner said “the conditions that our industry is facing are unprecedented,” as the company is scrambling to review operations to find ways to save money.
“As part of the review, Flight Centre will hold further discussions with stakeholders including landlords, suppliers, vendors, insurers and banks on way to manage the financial impact of a precipitous drop in travel activity in the near term.”
The company is talking to the government about an assistance package, given the airlines have been helped, but warned “job losses across the industry and within the company are inevitable”.
“Management is determined to overcome the significant challenges that it currently faces and, with the support of our stakeholders, is ready to prosper when conditions eventually normalise,” Turner said.
“Unfortunately, one of the consequences is that we have to cancel this year’s Global Gathering, an event which has been running annually for well over 30 years.”
The company’s 2020 Global Gathering was scheduled to take place in Brisbane in July.
