QPC Briefing No.59 2026
LH EA11 Ballot Outcome
Today the external independent voting organisation, Elections Australia Pty Ltd declared the results of the ballot for the proposed Qantas Airways Limited Pilots (Long Haul) Enterprise Agreement 2026 (EA11):
Approximately 90% of eligible pilots participated in the ballot, with the following result:
The proposed EA11 has therefore been endorsed by a majority of pilots who voted.
We thank all pilots who participated in the ballot. The strong turnout reflects the high level of engagement across the Long Haul pilot group throughout this process.
What happens next?
With the proposed EA11 having received majority support, the next step is for the agreement to be submitted to the Fair Work Commission (FWC) for formal approval.
Qantas is responsible for preparing and lodging the application and supporting documentation, which must be submitted within 14 days of the agreement being made. The AFAP will provide supporting material to facilitate the approval process as efficiently as possible.
We will keep members informed of the progress of the application and confirm the commencement arrangements once the agreement has been formally approved by the FWC.
Review of EA Outcome
While the proposed EA11 has received the support of approximately 61% of pilots, the AFAP does not regard this as an emphatic endorsement.
We are conscious that the prolonged bargaining process, with a new agreement being voted on almost two and a half years after the nominal expiry of EA10, will likely have influenced the decisions of many pilots.
The AFAP believes it is important that the QPC now takes the opportunity to critically and objectively assess both the outcome and the process that led to it.
Over the coming weeks, we will undertake a thorough review of the EA11 negotiations, including the factors that contributed to the extended bargaining period, the effectiveness of our bargaining strategy and the lessons that should inform our approach to EA12.
AFAP representational rights
The AFAP's growing membership and expanded network of elected QPC pilot representatives provide a strong foundation for representing members and protecting their interests throughout the life of EA11.
Importantly, the new agreement formally strengthens the AFAP's representative role, providing a direct voice on key consultative and scheduling committees, as well as the Fatigue Risk Management System (FRMS) governance committee.
The newly elected QPC will shortly appoint pilot representatives to these committees and portfolios, ensuring dedicated AFAP representation and oversight of important operational, rostering and fatigue-related matters.
These arrangements provide an opportunity for the AFAP to play a more active and constructive role in the implementation and operation of EA11, including progressing matters that remain important to pilots, particularly the longer-term reform of Blank Lines.
Thank You to Members
Finally, we wish to sincerely thank all pilots who have contributed throughout the past two and a half years of negotiations. Whether through participation in surveys, providing detailed feedback, raising concerns with elected representatives or engaging directly with AFAP industrial staff, your input has been invaluable.
In particular, the strong rejection of the April proposal and the extensive feedback that followed were instrumental in securing the improvements contained in the final package.
We also acknowledge the differing views expressed throughout the process. Regardless of how individual pilots voted, the AFAP's responsibility remains to represent the interests of all our members and ensure the new agreement is properly implemented and enforced.
The conclusion of EA11 bargaining is not the end of our work. Our focus now shifts to ensuring the agreement delivers its intended benefits, progressing the reforms that remain outstanding and positioning pilots for a stronger and more effective bargaining process next time.
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, Senior Legal/Industrial Officer Patrick Larkins – patrick@afap.org.au, Senior Legal/Industrial Officer Deanna Cain – deanna@afap.org.au, Executive Director Simon Lutton – simon@afap.org.au.
Regards,
AFAP Qantas Pilot Council LH EA Team