Pilots working for the Qantas Group are pleased to see the airline’s continued recovery signalled by today’s announcement of new aircraft orders.
President of the Australian and International Pilots Association (AIPA), Captain Tony Lucas paid tribute to pilots working for Qantas and Jetstar who had sacrificed so much during the past two years during stand down.
“Many of our members were unable to work due to the pandemic. Pilots who were working flew domestic flights or repatriation and freight flights to keep Australians and their businesses moving but were subjected to continual isolation rules which kept them apart from their families,” he said.
“Today’s announcement of significant new aircraft orders is a moment of renewal for Qantas which our pilots welcome.”
“Pilots and Qantas reached agreement on Project Sunrise in March 2020 and now our pilots can look forward to flying a new generation of ultra long-range aircraft, non-stop from Australia’s east coast to London, Paris and New York.”
“We are looking forward to working with Qantas on the further development of fatigue safety rules to operate ultra long-range flights.”
Capt Lucas said negotiating teams from AIPA and Qantas reached in-principle agreement on changes to working conditions for the introduction of the new Airbus A321XLR fleet last week. This proposed agreement will now be considered by AIPA’s Committee of Management and short haul pilots.
“The order for new Airbus A321XLR aircraft is a significant event in the airline’s history. It is subject to approval by AIPA and our members and will provide them with new opportunities
