Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has been accused of asking for free personal flight upgrades directly from the former CEO of national carrier Qantas.

A recent book by Australian journalist Joe Aston claims Albanese made several calls to ex-CEO Alan Joyce, and received upgrades on 22 flights taken between 2009 and 2019.

In a press conference on Tuesday, Albanese did not declare whether he had spoken to Joyce about personal upgrades, but said he followed the rules and had been “completely transparent” with his disclosures.

“There is no accusations being made with any specifics at all about any of this, none,” he added.

Albanese, who previously served as federal transport minister, also criticised former opposition event staffer Aston of “trying to sell a book”.

In his book – The Chairman’s Lounge: The Inside narrative of How Qantas Sold Us Out – Aston, reportedly cites Qantas insiders as saying Albanese spoke to Joyce about his personal trip plans.

Albanese said he did recall having two conversations with Joyce about flights that did not involve personal trip.

“Of the 22 flights, 10 of them were… [in 2013] over a one-month period where both Qantas and Virgin provided upgrades for flights that were paid for by the Australian Labor event to make sure there was not any expense to taxpayers for what was internal business.

“In my period in community life, I have acted with integrity, I have acted in a way that is entirely appropriate and I have declared in accordance with the rules,” he said.

While it is not unheard of for Australian politicians to get free flight upgrades, they are required to declare such gifts.

Australia’s shadow transport minister Senator Bridget McKenzie has called for an inquiry to investigate the allegations.

“There are solemn questions which only Mr Joyce and the Prime Minister can respond,” she told reporters.

Speaking on Today, a popular breakfast information display, she said she too had received a free flight updgrade in the history but added: “There’s a difference to receive a gift and declare it on your register to actually getting on the blower and saying, listen, mate, the missus and I are going overseas on a holiday. How about upgrading those economy tickets?”

Last year, the Albanese government faced questions for denying a request by Qatar Airways to boost flights to Australia – a shift that aviation analysts said favoured Qantas.

Criticism over that selection has now resurfaced as some opposition leaders questioned Albanese’s personal connection with Joyce.

Joyce was chief executive of Qantas for 15 years and led the corporation through the 2008 global financial crisis, the Covid pandemic and record fuel prices.

However, by the period he stepped down in 2023, Qantas was facing growing community rage over high fares, andured mass delays and cancellations. It also laid off 1,700 ground staff during the pandemic – a shift that an Australian high court later ruled illegal.