The following statement by Perth Airport is in response to comments by Qantas CEO Alan Joyce on Tuesday, 5 May 2020:

'Even by Qantas's standards, this is extraordinary corporate spin.

'There have been 10,155 Qantas flight movements through Perth Airport since 1 February 2020.

'Qantas has not paid airfield and terminal charges to Perth Airport for these flights.

'We think Western Australia - which is so heavily reliant on FIFO flights in this time of crisis - deserves better.

'On April 7 Qantas dictated its terms to Perth Airport stating that it was granting itself an indefinite 100% waiver of all payments on its 39 leases at the airport, backdated to February 1. Qantas also stated it would not pass on the airport charges it had already collected from passengers and FIFO companies in February and March.

'There was no consultation and no negotiation. It was a take it or leave it directive from Qantas.

'Mr Joyce is correct to say Perth Airport has 'more flying' than any other airport in Australia. What Mr Joyce neglects to mention is that Perth Airport is not being paid by either major airline for any of these flights.

'Qantas demands that Perth Airport provides the full range of terminal and airfield services so that it can generate cash flow and profit from these FIFO flights.

'Mr Joyce's idea of 'a deal' is that Qantas should be allowed to pay nothing to Perth Airport for these services.

'Qantas is profiting from these flights, accepting money from passengers and FIFO companies for the airport's charges, but refusing to pass this money on.

'In essence, Perth Airport's shareholders - superannuation funds who represent the retirement savings of around 8 million Australian workers - are being used as a short-term debt facility for Qantas.

'Despite Qantas's behaviour, Perth Airport has written to the airline offering to consult and negotiate with them. To suggest Perth Airport has not been open to consultation is disingenuous, to say the least.

'We have been approached by around half of our airline partners since the outbreak of the coronavirus and on each occasion, we have been willing to consult, listen and look for ways to assist.

'In relation to the Terminal 4 issue, on 24 April 2020 Qantas released a statement saying the terminal was 'valued at well over $150 million'. Just 11 days later and Mr Joyce wants everyone to believe it's now worth 'up to $200million'.

'To balance the record, we believe the terminal value is closer to $50million.

'An independent valuer has been appointed to help resolve this. Qantas is fully aware of the situation as they have agreed to the process which they are now seeking to undermine by linking it to settling its own debts and inappropriately commenting publicly on the issue while it is being independently determined.'

(C) 2020 Electronic News Publishing, source ENP Newswire