QPC Briefing No 18 2026
Initial Survey Closed
The initial no vote survey has now closed. Thank you to the 386 Pilots who completed the AFAP QPC Initial Survey following Thursday’s No Vote. The number of responses provides a robust sample size, and your QPC representatives are currently reviewing the responses.
The purpose of the this first survey was to identify the themes, concerns and issues that pilots themselves identified from the proposed EA11, without directing or influencing those responses through pre-selected categories.
The QPC have been very impressed with the constructive nature of the survey results, including some excellent solution focused responses.
These responses will be used to formulate a further survey. This feedback will then guide our negotiating position moving forward, which we will update you on in due course.
As always, the survey will be made available to both members and non-members to ensure the QPC can gauge the most accurate sentiment of the entire pilot body and leave no room for the Company to play the Unions against each other.
Membership of the AFAP
We know that many pilots who are not yet members of the AFAP read these updates and we would like to take a moment to speak directly to you.
Now is the most important moment in recent history for Qantas pilots to decide how they are represented.
Over the last 12 months, across both Short Haul and Long Haul, we have seen that when pilots organise, apply collective pressure, and stay engaged, things can change for the better. Movement from the company on key issues will not come from goodwill alone. It will come from sustained, visible pressure from the pilot group.
The AFAP approach for Qantas mainline pilots is to provide representation shaped by direct member input and direction and supported by expert AFAP staff. This approach allows the AFAP to apply pressure to consistently achieve positive outcomes. We believe a union is strongest not when it speaks at its members, but when members are active participants in shaping strategy, applying pressure, and owning outcomes.
Growth in AFAP membership has changed the industrial landscape at Mainline and created real opportunities for pilots to push for better outcomes. But this leverage depends on continued growth and, critically, active member involvement.
Right now, the key issues in play includes the Long Haul EA and pilots’ terms and conditions for the next 4 years, as well as ongoing matters like fatigue, rostering and compliance, and the long-term welfare and direction of the pilot group.
Joining the AFAP at this point not only gives you access to representation, but also allows you to contribute to a collective effort that has already demonstrated its ability to influence outcomes.
The QPC has put together a short explanatory document about the AFAP and joining here. Questions are always welcome to qpc@afap.org.au
When you are ready, click here to join.
Council Nominations: An Opportunity for Members to Step Forward
Later this year, we will hold elections for Council positions. Following significant growth in membership, we will have the maximum number of Qantas Pilot Council Committee positions available under the AFAP Rules for the next two-year term, more than doubling the Committee in size.
This is an opportunity to strengthen the representation of Qantas pilots.
Unions, unlike businesses, are collective organisations of their members. The strength of the AFAP, its strategy, culture, and outcomes, is determined by the level of pilot participation. A full Council Committee of 15 representatives allows for strong decisions to be made, work to be shared and a range of experiences and ideas to be put forward.
The Council Committee members play an important role. They help shape bargaining strategy, engage directly with pilots, identify workplace issues, and use union resources to advocate for improved conditions. The most effective way to influence outcomes is to be a part of the team.
This expansion comes at an important time. Strong representation requires a broad cross-section of pilots who bring varied operational experience, judgment, and perspectives to decision-making.
Many pilots who would make effective representatives hesitate. The common concerns are a lack of time and a perceived lack of experience. However, what actually matters is simply a desire to make a difference and to contribute positively by listening to pilots to understand what is important to them so as to represent the membership.
In practice, the Council Committee operates as a collective. Work is shared, decisions are made as a group, and support is provided. As volunteers, we take on a workload appropriate to our circumstances, which may change over a term as life changes. We have experienced representatives and staff who can help bring less experienced reps up to speed.
Council roles extend beyond bargaining. They include:
- Working with the AFAP scheduling team to assist members with roster queries and compliance;
- A variety of safety and technical matters alongside AFAP specialists, including FRMS and Safety Interview Support;
- Acting as welfare representatives, with training provided, to connect members to support services
These roles allow pilots to contribute in areas aligned with their skills and interests.
Since its establishment just a few years ago, the QPC Committee has worked to build a positive culture grounded in collaboration, mutual respect and honesty, one that encourages healthy debate, active participation and creative solutions. Members contribute with varying levels of availability, but collectively we act in the best interests of the membership.
We maintain that no individual voice carries greater weight than another, and we are deliberate in ensuring our communications reflect the majority-supported position of the committee.
We are asking members to step forward. Nominations for Council will occur in the coming months. If you are interested, please speak with a current representative to learn more about the role, or contact qpc@afap.org.au.
Your involvement helps ensure the union remains representative and responsive to the needs of the pilots it serves. No matter your rank and experience, active involvement makes the collective stronger.
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