Qantas long-haul pilots to receive 25% pay rise

Long-haul international pilots for the national carrier have reached a pay deal with the Flying Kangaroo, after two and a half years of wrangling.

As reported by HR Leader’s sister brand, Australian Aviation, the new enterprise agreement was supported by 61 per cent of pilots across the Australian and International Pilots Association (AIPA) and the Australian Federation of Airline Pilots (AFAP), and follows the rejection of a previous AIPA-backed offer in April.

Under the deal, around 1,700 Qantas 787, A330, and A380 pilots will see a 25 per cent pay rise, with 11.1 per cent coming between now and July next year, as well as other improvements to rostering and conditions.

“The proposed agreement delivers the largest pay rises in the history of the Long Haul Enterprise Agreement,” said AIPA president Captain Andrew Marshall.

“There are significant increases for the next generation of pilots which is particularly important because they’re often at the stage of life when they need some extra help.

“We are pleased to have secured three ‘golden leave days’ for pilots which will help improve work-life balance and deliver roster stability.”

Despite threats of industrial action, no strikes occurred during the extended negotiations over the new agreement, which follows the expiration of the previous deal in 2024. Qantas has welcomed the result, which will provide stability during its ongoing fleet renewal.

“We’re pleased our long-haul pilots have voted to support an agreement that delivers significant pay increases and rostering improvements,” a Qantas spokesman said.

“The agreement also provides greater certainty for our international operations as we continue the largest fleet renewal program in our history and move one step closer to making Project Sunrise a reality.”

The news comes as Qantas prepares to launch its ultra-long-haul Project Sunrise flights to London next year and New York in 2028, with flight testing continuing on the specially-designed A350-1000ULR aircraft that will operate the non-stop services.

Around 40 Qantas A330 pilots were in the initial training cohort for the A350-1000ULR alongside their existing duties, with more than 360 pilots and 1,200 cabin crew to be trained to operate the 12 specially designed A350-1000ULRs by the time the final aircraft arrives.

Qantas short-haul pilots approved a deal last year that increased pay by 9 per cent over three years after a two-year freeze.

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