Qantas jobs must stay in Australia for bid to get nod

SYDNEY - Qantas must keep jobs and maintenance facilities in Australia if a consortium bidding to buy the airline is to win federal government approval.

Deputy Prime Minister Mark Vaile told The Australian newspaper the Macquarie Bank led-consortium must provide guarantees on a range of issues for the A$11 billion ($12.6 billion) deal to get the nod.

This could also include the bidders committing to maintain its existing flights to regional areas.

"Obviously we can't be too interventionist but this business, particularly post-Ansett, is in a very unique position in the Australian economy and therefore we need to move forward with great care," Mr Vaile said.

Mr Vaile also said the government would not open the lucrative trans-Pacific route for several years to airlines other than Qantas and Virgin Blue.

- AAP