QPC Briefing No. 25 2026
Blank Line Workshop
The strength of the no vote and the volume of direct pilot feedback has placed blank line reform at the centre of bargaining discussions with Qantas.
We reiterated the strong view among pilots that the current system places a disproportionate burden of operational flexibility on crews in Qantas’ favour. Pilots have made three things clear:
- The current system is unsustainable;
- Immediate relief is required;
- EA11 must deliver real reform, not future promises.
Qantas acknowledged this was the clear sentiment from the pilot group and stated that the business was open to permanently replacing the current blank line system. However, it indicated that any replacement model would require operational trials before implementation.
The AFAP confirmed that replacing the blank line system remains the preferred long-term outcome for pilots. However, we emphasised that pilots expect immediate improvements during any transition period.
The AFAP presented a range of options in a discussion paper, which are discussed below.
Qantas is now showing serious engagement and commitment on blank line reform because pilots demonstrated they were prepared to reject an agreement that failed to address core issues. The AFAP have also made it clear that deferring meaningful reform until future EAs is unacceptable to our members.
Next Steps
As outlined in our previous briefing, Qantas confirmed that following the meeting with the AFAP last week, it had invited AIPA to participate in joint blank line discussions with the AFAP. Qantas advised that AIPA declined this invitation, despite the AFAP’s support for this approach.
Qantas reiterated that it remained open to joint union discussions on blank lines. The AFAP confirmed that we have no objection to participating in joint discussions, as our focus is on achieving better outcomes for pilots. If any party had alternate proposals that meet our members objectives, we will consider those on their merits.
The AFAP Executive Director has written to the AIPA President proposing that future blank line workshops be conducted jointly.
The AFAP and Qantas have also agreed to hold regular meetings - ideally weekly - to progress both blank line reform and the broader EA package.
AFAP Discussion Paper
The AFAP presented a discussion paper based on survey responses and direct member feedback. The paper separated reform options into:
- Immediate measures capable of delivering relief within the existing blank line framework; and
- Longer-term structural reforms informed by reserve systems used by both Australian and overseas unionised Long Haul operators.
The AFAP approached discussions collaboratively, presenting proposals for consideration rather than formal claims. The objective was to identify reforms that could improve pilot rosters within Qantas’ operational requirements.
Ultimately, the AFAP position remains that meaningful reform - both immediate and structural - will be a major factor in determining whether any proposed agreement can be recommended to members.
Immediate Reforms
The AFAP emphasised that these proposals were not presented as isolated or mutually exclusive solutions. Rather, meaningful reform is likely to require a combination of measures.
Qantas reiterated its preference for reforms that are operationally simple and capable of being implemented quickly under a new EA.
The AFAP outlined three broad areas for immediate reform within the current blank line system:
- Predictability and stability – improving the ability of pilots to plan their lives during a roster
- Frequency – reducing both the prevalence of blank lines and repeated allocation to individual pilots
- Remuneration – introducing genuine financial recognition and incentives for voluntary blank line uptake
Predictability and Stability
As outlined previously Pilots have described the current blank line system as making it impossible to reliably plan family time, rest, commutes, appointments and life outside work.
The AFAP proposed introducing guaranteed days off within blank lines. Once rostered, these days would only be able to be infringed with pilot agreement.
Qantas agreed to examine how protected days off could be implemented within the existing system.
Frequency of Blank Lines
The AFAP challenged Qantas’ blank line data, identifying that the Company had by providing percentages that included carers, trainers and supervisory pilots. Qantas has now agreed to provide revised figures to show how concentrated blank line allocations are among eligible pilots
Qantas acknowledged that pilots in some categories are repeatedly rotated back onto blank lines multiple times within a single year.
A number of proposals were discussed to reduce the frequency and concentration of blank lines. The proposals explored included:
- Expanding the available pilot pool to include more carers, where dedicated carers’ and parental lines are implemented to support their caring responsibilities while providing some coverage;
- Utilising trainers, administrative and supervisory pilots for reserve coverage during part of a bid period to reduce reliance on blank line holders;
- Introducing limits on blank line allocation, including:
- a hard cap of 15%;
- penalties for exceeding the 15% threshold; and
- a maximum of one blank line allocation per pilot in any 12-month period.
The AFAP made clear that any such limitations would need to be accompanied by protections preventing assigned leave and/or low lines being used as substitute mechanisms.
Monetary Solutions
Qantas acknowledged that the proposed EA11 5/8 passive credit was not regarded by pilots as either meaningful financial recognition or an effective incentive to volunteer for blank lines.
The AFAP outlined the key financial proposals emerging from member survey feedback, including:
- Element 5 plus an additional passive payment;
- Increased passive payments for second and subsequent blank lines within a 12-month period; and
- Additional payment where scheduling seeks to infringe protected days.
Permanent Reform
The AFAP outlined a number of alternative reserve systems examined through the recent member survey, including systems used by:
- Air Canada
- Jetstar Australia (B787)
- Virgin Australia (B777)
- Air New Zealand (B777/787)
The AFAP also discussed the British Airways reserve system, which had not been confirmed by BALPA representatives prior to the survey’s release.
Rather than “reinventing the wheel”, the AFAP reviewed established reserve systems operating successfully across unionised Long Haul carriers. As a founding member of IFALPA, the AFAP has access to representatives who have negotiated and operated under these systems internationally, as well as AFAP representatives with direct experience in the Jetstar and Virgin systems.
A common feature across all of these systems - and one absent from the current Qantas Long Haul EA - is the protection of at least some rostered days off from infringement without pilot agreement. This provides significantly greater roster stability and predictability.
Qantas expressed openness to considering alternative reserve structures, including the British Airways model of dedicated 10-day reserve blocks, limited to three per year. Qantas reiterated its priority was crewing its flights and that as part of its review of these systems it will need to consider open time priority changes that support this goal.
As the AFAP outlined in our previous update, all parties must be prepared to move beyond historical limitations and seriously examine alternative models capable of delivering materially better outcomes for pilots.
Overall, Qantas has now acknowledged the scale of pilot dissatisfaction with blank lines and the Company engagement has improved significantly. However, the key question remains whether the Company is prepared to deliver meaningful change in EA11.
Questions and Feedback
If you have any questions or further feedback, please contact your AFAP Qantas Pilot Council representatives at qpc@afap.org.au, or the AFAP Legal and Industrial team:
Executive Director Simon Lutton – simon@afap.org.au
Senior Legal/Industrial Officer Patrick Larkins – patrick@afap.org.au
Senior Legal/Industrial Officer Deanna Cain – deanna@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