The federal government's steely resolve to make Australian businesses fend for themselves faces its next test when Qantas chief Alan Joyce visits Canberra.
In December, Qantas flagged a $300 million underlying loss for the six months to the end of 2013, which prompted ratings agencies Standard & Poor's and Moody's to downgrade its credit rating to junk status.
In response to the loss, the airline is cutting costs and has been lobbying the federal government for assistance.
Mr Joyce's visit to Canberra on Wednesday is expected to include a renewed push.
"We'll see what Alan Joyce has to say," Industry Minister Ian Macfarlane told the ABC on Tuesday when asked if the government would offer Qantas a debt guarantee.
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The airline will move some of its aircraft maintenance services overseas, which will result in Australian job losses.
Mr Joyce is expected to meet federal politicians while he is in Canberra to deliver an address.
