Updates AFAP Correspondence & Chartair Response
The AFAP was contacted by Chartair CEO, Paul Lister regarding the recent AFAP correspondence provided in the previous member’s update.
Chartair have also provided the following response (see attached Chartair letter dated 4 Dec 2025).
The AFAP and Chartair discussion also lead to an agreed approach to work on issues in an informal manner, and timely resolution(s), i.e. via emails, phone calls where possible.
AFAP matters raised over a period of time have been reduced by the ongoing steps by Chartair to improve the approach to a number of workplace conditions. For example, Chartair has provided clarification on the expected work hours (pilots under the Air Pilots Award work 38-hour week, as confirmed by courts) and the day rate of pay when applicable will be based on 5 work days per week (not divided by 7 days as previous calculations).
For Noting: Chartair correspondence has referred to off-setting principles, it is important to note this is not a feature of your Award or the Fair Work Act, but a legal defence to an alleged underpayment. The AFAP view, as per the courts that off-setting has limited in application (i.e. limited to above award amount in each pay period to only certain entitlements, can not off-set for an unpaid expense allowances (payments of differing character), and relative to contract terms and allocation of amounts. In the case there is a concern about your pay, the AFAP can review on a case-by-case basis.
Award - Piston Engine Commuter Allowance
The AFAP and Chartair remain on different positions about the piston engine allowance in schedule A of the Award. The AFAP are preparing a Fair Work Commission application on this matter, which will allow for the parties in the first instance to explore this issue in a confidential conference with the assistance of a Fair Work Commissioner. We will provide more updates in due course.
If you have any concerns on other Chartair matters in the attached response provided, please do not hesitate to contact the AFAP to discuss.
AFAP - 2025 Chartair Pilots Survey - Close 18 Dec 2025
The AFAP has extended the existing Chartair Pilots Survey (due to releasing prior to recent cyclone).
Your responses are confidential, to be summarised, and to assist in reviewing matters and engagement with Chartair in 2026.
*Please find a quiet place and about 10mins to complete the survey, and to close on 18 Dec 2025.
Clink on link to Chartair Pilot Survey
If you have specific queries on your pay, please email your query to Industrial@afap.org.au along with copies of your employment contract and recent pay slips – with subject line “Chartair Pilot Survey”.
If you have any feedback, queries, and/or updates please contact the AFAP via AFAP Senior Industrial Officer, Jason Newell via email on Jason@afap.org.au.
Yours sincerely,
AFAP Industrial Team