QPC Briefing No 4 2026
Long Haul EA Drafting and Voting Update
The AFAP has been advised by Qantas that drafting of the proposed EA11 agreement reached between AIPA and the Company in October last year is still ongoing, and that delivery of the completed draft has been delayed by at least a further two weeks.
We understand this news will be frustrating for many pilots, given EA10 expired almost two years ago. Bargaining has been protracted, complex and, at times, fatiguing for everyone involved. Members are understandably eager to finally see the complete detail of the proposed agreement and move to making an informed decision as to how to vote.
However, while the delay is disappointing, the most important point remains unchanged - when the final version of the proposed EA is released, it is critical that pilots review it carefully, methodically, and with a clear head.
Decisions of this magnitude should not be influenced by frustration with timelines or bargaining fatigue. They should be based solely on the substance of the agreement: what it delivers, what risks remain, and whether it meaningfully improves pay, protections, and working conditions in exchange for concessions being asked.
Fatigue can create a natural urge to simply “get it done.” That is entirely human. But enterprise agreements shape our careers and quality of life for years. They deserve deliberate, unemotional assessment.
While the AFAP has been excluded from drafting, Qantas has committed that the AFAP will have 7 days from the receipt of the final draft to:
- conduct a detailed technical review;
- identify key changes and impacts;
- provide comment to the Company;
- provide clear updates to the explanatory material; and
- support members with questions so everyone can make an informed choice.
As always, the decision ultimately rests with pilots. Our role is to ensure you have the information and clarity needed to exercise that choice confidently.
We will provide further updates as soon as the draft is received.
Questions and Feedback
If you have any questions or feedback please contact your AFAP Qantas Pilot Council representatives at qpc@afap.org.au, or the AFAP legal and industrial team of Senior Legal/ Industrial Officer Pat Larkins (patrick@afap.org.au), Senior Industrial Officer Deanna Cain (deanna@afap.org.au) or Executive Director Simon Lutton (simon@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
Rob Gilmour – Committee Member