Wet Lease Arrangement – Consultation Meeting Summary
Further to our last brief, several council representatives met with the management team at the end of last week to review the company's current approach involving wet leasing Air North EJets and utilizing a 717 for additional Network flying.
In attendance were company representatives Trevor Wogan, Evan Bartlett, and Philip Gregory, and pilot representatives Stephen Maughan, Ben Walmsley, Mark Levitt, Eman Zimmerman, Josh Sheldon, and Matt Atkinson.
The company explained that the decision to wet lease an E190 and operate the 717 was primarily driven by a prolonged unavailability (AOG) of three F100s and delays in the entry-to-service timeline for multiple A319s. These issues have placed additional strain on the current fleet, necessitating increased maintenance and downtime. Consequently, the company sought supplemental flying capacity, which could not be sourced from any other Qantas fleet.
Leading up to this meeting, the AFAP requested member feedback on the Air North wet lease arrangement. We appreciate the extensive input provided. This feedback enabled us to formulate a set of questions and capture the sentiment for discussions.
Your Council reps were able to directly raise the following points (in no preference):
- Ongoing viability of Fokker Fleet to meet current schedule
- Projected lifespan of Fokker fleet
- Fokker replacement and Airbus projections
- Maintenance issues and reassurances for Fokker flight crew re levels of maintenance
- Potential loss of earnings due to reduced flying
- Reduced flying resulting in reduced career prospects
- Reduced flying and its effect on overtime thresholds
- Rostered hours and impacts of increased reserve and A-Days
- Potential compensation arising from the above
- Expected length of current arrangements
- Necessity for greater transparency
With regard to the future of the fleet, management confirmed that no decision has been made to replace the Fokker fleet, but simulations on replacements have been conducted. Any decision to do so would require board approval, and, to date, no such decision has been forthcoming. When pressed for further details, the company indicated that no fleet changes would be feasible before the end of 2025. Additionally, Fokker certification is set to expire in 2030, effectively setting a deadline for any replacement decision. Based on this timeline, we can anticipate that a decision will need to be made and implemented within that window.
The council conveyed in detail the maintenance concerns raised by pilots on behalf of the members. The company acknowledged that maintenance issues began to escalate around four months ago—a timeframe that did not go unnoticed by the council, as it coincides with the departure of a significant number of experienced engineers, an issue raised by members. The company assured that, since then, it has strengthened its engineering workforce and expertise.
With respect to compensation for pilots potentially affected by reduced flying, the company indicated that it would consider its options and provide a response this week. We will, of course, keep you informed as soon as we receive any updates.
The council highlighted a "catch-22" scenario: pilots aiming to log the necessary hours to meet FAM requirements for fleet changes and career advancement may face challenges if flying hours are reduced, potentially delaying command upgrades and fleet transfers. The company appeared receptive to this issue and indicated they would explore solutions.
With a potential reduction in flying on upcoming rosters, the company noted that we may also see an increase in A-Days and reserve coverage. Additionally, the company mentioned that access to additional leave lines may be possible and committed to providing an update on this.
When asked about the expected duration of the E190 and 717 arrangements, the company indicated that a reassessment of the need for these aircraft would occur at the end of the month. The council also emphasized the importance of improving the flow of information and transparency regarding the maintenance of aircraft we rely on.
The council’s first formal meeting with the company is scheduled for early December. For any information, feedback, or questions on this or other matters you would like raised, please reach out to a council member. We also anticipate meeting with the company again in two weeks to receive updates and convey any additional questions or member sentiments. We aim to provide another update following that meeting.
As always please keep engaging with your new Council of Stephen Maughan; Ben Walmsley; Sasha Leavy; Matt Atkinson; Joshua Sheldon, Emanuel Zimmerman; Mark Levitt; Geoffrey Aro.
In addition, the AFAP Senior Industrial Officer Chris Aikens is contactable on chris@afap.org.au