To All Qlink Members – Consultation on Flight Crew Facial Hair - The AFAP Response
Further to our last brief on this matter, Qlink members will recall that the Safety and Technical Section of the AFAP was to provide a review of the consultative information and report provided by Qantas in relation to proposed changes surrounding Flight Crew Facial Hair.
That task has been completed and today both Qantas Mainline management and the respective Chief Pilots of the Qlink Subsidiaries have now been provided with the AFAP's position.
While one of the conclusions is printed below we encourage all members to read the full report which can be found via this link. In particular we urge members to read the piece authored by John French PhD, who was originally co-author of the 2025 Embry-Riddle Study and whose direct analysis resulted in the following conclusion tabled by the AFAP:
"It is our firm view that the QinetiQ report and associated study review do not withstand scientific scrutiny, as they misrepresent key facts, disregard contemporary evidence, and selectively cite outdated studies in support of what appears to be a predetermined conclusion. The AFAP believes that the proposed facial hair policy, if implemented, could also undermine Qantas’ stated values and inclusive employment culture."
As members will see the AFAP is encouraging ongoing dialogue with Qantas on this topic and we continue to urge all members to continue to raise concerns/comments with either your respective Council members or AFAP staff members Chris Aikens on chris@afap.org.au, Lachlan Grey on lachlan@afap.org.au or Simon Lutton on simon@afap.org.au or (03) 9299 5737. The AFAP Member Assistance Program (MAP) can be contacted via Freecall 1300 307 912.