Shares of Qantas Airways (ASX:QAN) edged lower in recent Wednesday trade after the Australian Financial Review reported late Tuesday that the airline is considering closing its bases in Hobart, Canberra, and Mildura, affecting around 70 pilots and cabin crew.
The three regional bases are not expected to grow and consolidating staff and aircraft into larger hubs in Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, would improve reliability and reduce inefficiencies, the report said.
Staff and unions will be consulted before any final decision, the report added.