Notice: Important AFAP Members Meeting
Chartair Dispute (Addition to Salary)
The Chartair members meeting is planned for Wed 6 May 2026.
Following on from previous updates the Australian Federation of Air Pilots (AFAP), we provide the following update on the dispute before the Work Commission (FWC) regarding the Chartair Pty ltd (Chartair) application of clause A.1.3 (a) of the Air Pilots Award 2020 (the Award).
The AFAP has continued in discussions with Chartair, who have proposed a way forward with a without prejudice approach to settle this matter – this is an important time to be involved in the AFAP discussions if you are a Chartair pilot.
An important reminder, is that the piston engine commuter allowance is an Award addition to salary in the amount of $1956.20 per annum (forming part of the minimum salary), as per the current Award rates.
AFAP Chartair Pilots Meeting
The AFAP seek to meet via MS Teams with relative members to discuss the potential way forward and potential resolution.
AFAP Chartair Pilots Meeting
Microsoft Teams meeting
Wednesday 6 May 2026
16.00 ACST
Join: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/44611670099144?p=pejZ8N1VvOMaFhH90Q
Meeting ID: 446 116 700 991 44
Passcode: Zk6iX9Tf
What is in the Chartair Without Prejudice Offer?
- That the piston engine commuter operations additional to salary does apply within Chartair but as per an agreed application (see proposal and how it is defined in the Chartair proposal below).
- The AFAP understood the proposal would mainly capture Chartair Cessna 402 pilots (as minimum salary increase would exclude pilots already paid above Award minimum salary, such as checked and remunerated as turbo-prop or larger aircraft).
- Application is limited to particular operations, including how regular they occur (see details in the Chartair proposal below, on operations and regular basis).
- The Chartair proposal is also an application that the addition to salary is applied prospective only (thus no backpay and will only be paid to agreed pilots moving forward from the resolution).
- Chartair’s offer also includes how this may interact with other Award variations, approach to settlement within the FWC, and the AFAP approach to industry consistency to avoid Chartair having a competitive disadvantage.
Chartair Proposed Definition of “Commuter Operations”
For the purposes of this agreement, the Parties agree that “Commuter Operations” shall mean:
a) A flight between the same two locations; and
b) That carries a person or persons travelling to work or is a scheduled passenger service generally available to the public; and
c) That operates for the same client on a regular basis.
For the avoidance of doubt, the Parties agree that the following do not constitute “Commuter Operations”:
ad-hoc charter flights;
Tourist flights;
Freight flights;
Airwork;
Aeromedical flights; and
Any other flight that does not meet the strict definition of commuter operations including ad-hoc flights or charter activity
The Parties further agree that examples of “Commuter Operations” include:
a) Regular scheduled passenger services generally available to the public; and
b) Fly-in fly-out (FIFO) operations, including crew or workforce rotations.
Chartair Proposed Definition of “Regular Basis”
The Parties agree that “Regular Basis” shall constitute:
a) A frequency of at least twice per week; and
b) For a period of not less than twelve (12) consecutive weeks (3 months).
AFAP Notes for Chartair Pilots - Preparation for next weeks AFAP Meeting
- The AFAP view there are some issues in the proposal such as relating to the interaction FWC award variation matters, an FWC order, and some details in the approach but importantly we view those details can be addressed and want to review general principles.
- The AFAP view that any application of the condition must also follow consistently to the Award structure, such as application of the higher duties applied as per other conditions when working a higher classification or category.
- Reviewing the who, when and what should apply in Chartair. Your input can assist to review if this proposal limit pilots receiving the addition to salary due to operating a piston aircraft not aligning to the proposed definitions.
- Please consider the benefits and challenges for a negotiated outcome, when we meet we can explore what are the options available.
- The AFAP at the meeting will provide Chartair members with information, our recommendations, and seek your input. We would like to discuss what you support, agree/disagree with in the proposal, and/or do you have counter offers to propose, etc.
- We look forward to seeing you next week – if you can not attend, please contact the AFAP on the details below so we can ensure you are included in steps moving forward.
- You are welcome to send feedback to the AFAP via contact below before next week’s meeting.
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