AUSTRALIAN AIRLINE QANTAS has resumed flights following a ruling by an independent tribunal to end a bitter labour dispute that saw the airline ground its entire airplane fleet on Saturday.

Fair Work Australia ruled that the parties involved in the industrial dispute must hold negotiations for up to 21 days and no industrial action can take place during this period.

If no agreement is reached during the discussions, binding arbitration will take place under the control of Fair Work Australia.

Qantas CEO Alan Joyce said the decision would provide certainty for passengers and employees.

“This is a good outcome,” he said, adding that the airline’s focus was not on resuming a normal schedule.

The industrial process has now passed into the hands of the independent umpire. All parties will be treated equally and we will respect the decisions that are made. We have new and existing agreements with 12 unions. We now anticipate the conclusion of agreements with the remaining three.”

The drawn-out dispute between Australia’s flag carrier and trade unions representing its pilots, aircraft mechanics, baggage handlers and caterers, has led to the cancellation of 600 flights in recent months, disrupting the travel plans of about 70,000 passengers.

On Saturday, the airline grounded its entire fleet of 108 planes – a move that angered the Australian government because it was harming the country’s economy.

The emergency court hearing was called by the Government to end the staff lockout for the sake of the national economy.

Rival airline Virgin Australia has tried to benefit from the strikes by scheduling extra flights and offering fare discounts to help stranded Qantas passengers.

-Additional reporting by AP

Read: Australian court orders an end to the Qantas dispute>