QPC Briefing No. 49 2026
Short Haul Consultation – B737 Pilot Numbers
The AFAP met recently with Qantas flight operations and IR representatives to commence consultation regarding the management of the forecast temporary surplus on the B737.
As outlined by Qantas at the announcement of its results, due primarily to the confirmation of the delivery timing of the next 7 A321s starting in December this year, and the progressive retirement of the 737 fleet in FY27, Qantas is forecasting a short-term temporary surplus of B737 pilots in the first quarter of 2027.
Based on its initial forecasts, the Company expects FO rosters to sit around MGH from earlier next year. As outlined in the Head of Base Operations communications, in addition to the release of additional leave slots for FOs in the bulk leave allocation, the Company is considering the following options to manage the forecast FO surplus:
- Opportunities for promotion on to other fleets
- Fleet and network changes
- Voluntary Reductions in hours (e.g. Flexi Lines)
- Increased access to paid Annual and Long Service leave
- Leave without pay (LWOP)
Pilots interested in any of these options should contact their base manager.
Qantas outlined that it expects to have a more precise measure of its forecast FO surplus in the coming weeks. At this time it will also be able to consider the impact of the above measures on the surplus.
Qantas has indicated if a FO surplus remains, it will consider using the reserved vacancy process in the SHEA for A321 positions prior to the annual allocations next year.
Qantas has planned a further meeting with AFAP representatives to review the outcome of the options above and to discuss the reserved vacancies process if required. The AFAP will update members following this meeting.
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 and 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