Qantas under fire over duty-free cigarettes
Now, coincidence or otherwise, it plans to resume sales at a time when a former high ranking executive at British American Tobacco has joined the Qantas board.
Quit Victoria executive director Fiona Sharkie describes the move as "incredibly retrograde".
She says in 1999 Australia was leading tobacco control, just as it is now, and Qantas's move was a tremendous sign of support.
Ms Sharkie says Qantas's decision to reverse that move is a blow for anti-smoking campaigners.
"One of the main interventions in tobacco control that we know is the most effective in reducing smoking rates is by increasing the price of cigarettes," she said.
"We've now had research over 10 years that shows us that increasing the price of cigarettes through tax brings smoking rates down more than anything else."
The anti-smoking lobby is not alone in being upset at Qantas's decision. Federal Health Minister Nicola Roxon has described it as a "backward step for public health".The World Today understands flight attendants don't want to be selling cigarettes again and believe they're being asked to do something that's out of step with public opinion.
Qantas management has written to attendants directing them to display the cigarettes prominently on the in-flight duty-free trolley carts.
The airline wouldn't answer questions from the ABC but in a statement said it was selling products similar to those offered at airports and by other carriers.
Above all, Qantas says it's simply responding to customer demand.
