‘Never Called Joyce’: PM Defends Qantas Flight Upgrades

Albanese says his delayed response was due to a full review confirming no calls or upgrade requests were made in 30 years.

A Qantas Airlines Boeing 737-800 plane travels down the runway as a Qantas Boeing 717 plane lands at Sydney International Airport on June 7, 2024. DAVID GRAY/AFP via Getty Images

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has denied allegations that he sought upgraded flights from former Qantas CEO Alan Joyce, following days of scrutiny and accusations from the opposition.

In a statement on Oct. 30, a spokesperson for Albanese said he “never called Joyce seeking an upgrade,” pushing back against reports questioning his integrity over potential private benefits from Qantas.