QPC Briefing No 15 2025
Consultation - Beard Requirements for Pilots
You will have seen the email from the Head of Base Operations earlier this week advising that the Qantas Group has commenced a so called consultation process on a proposed policy change that would prohibit beards for all pilots across Qantas Group airlines.
While a no-beard policy has long been in place at Qantas Mainline and Jetstar, the Company is now seeking to extend this requirement across all Qantas Group airlines, citing a purported “independent review” conducted by aeromedical consultants QinetiQ. This existing policy is already outdated and based on obsolete science. The AFAP holds serious concerns about the independence and integrity of the QinetiQ process. We will be submitting a detailed response outlining the scientific flaws in QinetiQ’s approach and presenting the most up-to-date, peer-reviewed evidence on this issue. This submission will be shared with members once finalised.
We also note that Virgin Australia permits tidy beards among its flight crew, as do Emirates, Etihad, and Cathay. The Royal Australian Air Force also lifted its ban on facial hair in late 2022, as long as beards were kept neat within a minimum bulk of 4mm and a maximum of 5cm.
Stakeholders Left Out
At no stage was the AFAP, HSRs or any other pilot body consulted in the formation of this policy, the selection of consultant or the conduct of the study. This lack of transparency suggests the QinetiQ process may have been designed to legitimise a policy decision already made rather than guide policy using contemporary, independent science.
Take Action – Participate in the Consultation
The consultation period runs from Tuesday 15 July to Tuesday 12 August. This consultation period presents an opportunity for all pilots to challenge a policy based on outdated science and questionable motives.
We strongly encourage you to engage with the consultation process and make your views known by completing the consultation form (available here).
In completing the form we recommend you are clear, constructive, and solutions-focused. If you’re comfortable, share personal or professional impacts. We also suggest you advocate for a more evidence-based, inclusive, and practical approach.
Please forward your submissions to qpc@afap.org.au for collation.
What’s Wrong with the QinetiQ Review?
QinetiQ’s original report was completed before the 2025 Embry Riddle Aeronautical University study was released. A copy of this study is available here.
This is the most contemporary, peer-reviewed research on this issue. Rather than reassess its conclusions in light of this new evidence, Qantas commissioned QinetiQ to conduct a review of the Embry Riddle study. That review is flawed and, along with the original report, appears designed more to provide a pre-determined outcome than to meaningfully engage with the Embry Riddle study.
In your submission, we encourage you to call on Qantas to:
- Reconsider the basis of this policy in light of the robust, peer-reviewed 2025 Embry-Riddle study, which found no loss of oxygen mask efficacy in bearded participants - even at simulated altitudes of 30,000 feet.
- Avoid relying on outdated research or legacy standards (e.g. OSHA criteria or 1970s military studies) that don’t reflect modern equipment or airline operating conditions.
- Rely on a study that provides evidence of mask leaks and oxygen deficits (or lack thereof).
- Engage meaningfully with staff, unions, and diverse perspectives to explore reasonable alternatives, such as:
- Beard-length guidelines to ensure compatibility with mask performance;
- Flexible mask options or alternative mask types suited to individual fit;
- Fit-testing protocols to assess mask integrity on a case-by-case basis, rather than enforcing a blanket ban.
What Else You Can Do
In addition to submitting your views via the consultation form you can:
- Attend the upcoming company webinars – ask questions, challenge assumptions, and seek clarity from Qantas Medical, Safety, and QinetiQ.
- Talk to your Base Manager or Health and Safety Representative (HSR) – let them know where you stand and encourage others to do the same.
Summary
This isn’t just about personal grooming choices, it's about the principles that underpin our profession:
- Science-based safety policy,
- Proper consultation with workers, and
- Respect for diverse workforces.
A rigid, one-size-fits-all policy, especially one built on questionable data and selective interpretation, risks undermining all three.
Qantas prides itself on being an inclusive, evidence-led employer. Let’s hold them to that standard. It is important that every member has their say.
Questions and Feedback
For further information or if you have any questions or feedback please contact your AFAP Qantas Pilot Council at qpc@afap.org.au, or the AFAP Safety and technical team at technical@afap.org.au.
Regards,
AFAP Qantas Pilot Council
Michael Egan – Chair
Mark Gilmour – Vice-Chair
Rob Close – Secretary
Michael Armessen – Committee Member
David LaPorte – Committee Member
Josh Chalmers – Committee Member