Qantas has cut the number of points customers flying on its cheaper fares can earn as it overhauls its frequent flyer program.

The airline has reduced its minimum points guarantee for members flying on economy and discount economy fares from 1,000 to 800 as part of the new “fairer, more simplified program”.

Under the new program customers will earn points based on their ticket class, rather than the distance they fly.

For instance, a customer flying from Australian to London on a discount economy fare, which includes sale tickets, will receive 6,200 points, while those travelling on a more expensive flexi-saver will receive 12,400 points.

The changes were announced in an email to the airline’s nine million frequent flyer members on Thursday night.

It comes as the airline makes drastic changes to its operations, including cutting 5,000 staff, in the face of a record $252 million first half loss.