AFAP - Chartair Members Update February 2026
Dispute - Piston Engine – Addition to Salary
As per last months update the Australian Federation of Air Pilots (AFAP) has applied to the Fair Work Commission (FWC) for assistance regarding the Chartair Pty ltd (Chartair) application of clause A.1.3 (a) of the Air Pilots Award 2020 (the Award), the piston engine commuter addition to salary (an amount of $1956.20 per annum forming part of the minimum salary).
The FWC Case matter is C2026/548 - Australian Federation of Air Pilots (282V) v Chartair Pty Ltd, and has been assigned to Commissioner Riordan.
The AFAP ‘s dispute is focused on AFAP members employed at Chartair, regarding the minimum salary for flying piston engine aircraft. However, we acknowledge outcomes may have broader application with pilots employed with other operators.
The AFAP agreed to vacate a planned FWC conciliation with Commissioner Riordan on the basis the parties look a options and a resolution. FWC agreed to allow the parties to explore outcomes and report back to the FWC on progress.
In place of the FWC process the AFAP has held meetings with Chartair CEO, and coordinated with the Regional Aviation Association of Australia (RAAA) to explore options for a conciliation outcome of the application of these conditions (including who, what, when the addition to salary applies).
The AFAP will report back to the FWC early March, this may result in seeking extension to report back later or there remains an option to call the FWC process back on (if required).
Currently the steps include that the AFAP, Chartair and the RAAA are working on positive steps to explore ideas that may result in mutual agreement (via without prejudice discussions). The RAAA are consulting with other operators and providing feedback to Chartair and we intend to meet again in the coming weeks.
The AFAP position has been that the reference to commuter operations is not defined and as per the ordinary meaning of those terms refers to all piston engine commuting operations more broadly, therefore the minimum salary component should apply to Chartair pilots on piston engine aircraft. Chartair have argued the minimum salary wasn’t applicable to their operation.
In addition to this dispute, the AFAP have further (and separate to the Chartair Dispute) made an application to the FWC for an award variation to this award clause (prospective, applied from date of a FWC change). The AFAP application seeks that the salary component applies to all the piston engine operations by removing the wording commuter operations. At this time the AFAP await this matter to be assigned within the FWC, and waits on the next steps in the FWC (which can take time to progress).
In summary, for Chartair pilots there are a few moving pieces here to be aware of surrounding this dispute. It is the AFAP's intention to go over options and what this means for Chartair pilots as the matter (and related matters) progress.
At this time the AFAP will continue to engage further with Chartair (and RAAA), and report back to the FWC.
Ideally in the near future, the discussions with Chartair may lead to some ideas (or offers) regarding the options to resolve this matter. At that time it will be a good opportunity for the AFAP to discuss with the Chartair pilots.
The AFAP will be in touch with Chartair pilots on the next steps in due course.
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