On Friday 14th February the Pilot Consultative Committee (PCC) convened its quarterly meeting with Jetstar management at Head Office in Collingwood.
Attending on behalf of the pilot group were AFAP pilot representatives Chris Gibson, Dom Corcoran, Darren Fielder, Dan Blakemore and Paul Hogan along with AIPA pilot representatives Harold Boyd and Nicholas Chetelat.
Attending on behalf of Jetstar was Michael Porch, Leah Everton, Tim Faulkner, Alex Coha and Alisha Lavea-Williams.
The items that were raised and discussed at the PCC meeting are summarised below.
DIL Balance
The DIL balance continues to decrease steadily, with 78 DILs acquitted in December, 27 in January, and 52 in February. As of 31 January 2025, the remaining balance stands at 1,298 (907 NB and 391 WB).
We encourage pilots with a DIL balance to continue bidding for DILs via JBid. Failure to do so may result in DILs being allocated at Jetstar’s discretion. As previously advised, if a pilot does not submit any DIL requests for at least three months within a six-month period, Jetstar may allocate outstanding DILs using reverse seniority within the relevant cohort.
Sick Leave Pool Balance
Jetstar advised the Sick Leave Pool Balance was sitting at 900 days as of 10 February 2025, noting that the Sick Leave Pool was topped up by 1125 days (1 day per pilot) on 5 December 2024 consistent with clause 54.2.1 (b) of the EA.
Individual Flexibility Arrangements (IFA) and Flexible Working Arrangements (FWA)
It is a requirement of the EA that Jetstar disclose to the PCC and AFAP the number and content of IFAs that have been entered into under clause 11 of the EA, without identifying the pilot/s. We were advised that there is currently 1 Pilot with an approved IFA.
The PCC was also advised there are currently 19 Pilots on a Flexible Working Arrangement (FWA).
Voluntary Flexi-Line (VFL) Waitlist
Jetstar advised that there are 118 pilots currently on the Voluntary Flexi-Line (VFL), representing just over 10% of the total pilot establishment (1,117 pilots). There are 205 pending VFL applications, with wait times for pilots transitioning to VFL or seeking to extend their existing VFL terms ranging from 12 to 26 months. This timeframe may vary/reduce significantly due to the high rate of pilots who end up declining their start dates due to changing circumstances.
Hotel Update
Aleks Coha (Commercial Manager - Cabin Crew) provided the PCC with the latest updates on crew accommodation across Jetstar’s network:
- Several ports currently have an open Request For tender (RFP) for a new crew hotel, including Gold Coast (OOL), Osaka (KIX), Christchurch (CHC) Bangkok (BKK)
- Negotiations have been finalised, and crew accommodation will transition from the Kennigo to Voco/Indigo Hotels in Brisbane CBD from 1 March 2025.
- The final contract review is underway with Courtyard by Marriott Phuket Town, with potential F&B discounts/benefits expected once ratified.
- Tokyo Narita (NRT) and Singapore (SIN) – Contracts have been renewed with current hotels.
- Melbourne (MEL) – Stamford on Collins St has been added effective 1 February to support overflow / adhoc requirements in the MEL and for longer stays, including ground school, training and Check Captains.
- Following concerns raised about mosquitoes and dengue fever risks at the Sakala Hotel(DPS), Qantas Medical and Security conducted an assessment. The review confirmed that the hotel maintains strong mosquito control measures, making it safe for crew use. Additionally, Jetstar has arranged for mosquito repellent to be provided as an extra precaution. Reports of food poisoning were also investigated. The hotel has provided a detailed response outlining its food hygiene and handling practices, which has reassured Jetstar of its commitment to food safety.
Meals and Snack Draw
Jetstar has confirmed that the new snack box items will be phased in from 10 February 2025, with the full rollout expected to be completed by the end of the month. During this transition, old supplies will be gradually replaced. New additions include seasonal fresh Australian fruit, a variety of nut and chip mixes and other small treats.
The contents will be reviewed every six months, and a feedback form will be available on JEN for crew to share their thoughts on meal and snack options.
Staff Travel
The PCC has previously raised a request for Group A companions of Jetstar operating pilots to be classified as “accompanied” passengers, ensuring they receive a higher onload priority, similar to the system in place at Qantas.
Jetstar escalated this request to the Staff Travel Governance Board but was advised that, unlike Qantas flights, there is currently no platform to confirm or update the onload/upgrade priority of Jetstar bookings. This means the staff travel team cannot automatically verify if a pilot is operating a duty at the time of travel.
Jetstar has committed to continuing to explore a more seamless solution with the Remuneration & Benefits team.
Qantas Club Access for Commuters
Again, we raised with Jetstar the ability for commuting pilots to purchase Qantas Club access when using leisure travel solely for the purpose of traveling to and from their place of residence. This is in line with arrangements in place for Qantas pilots and would obviously assist with making the “commute” slightly more bearable!
Jetstar is supportive of this initiative however it is still sitting with the Lounges and Remuneration & Benefits teams at Qantas for approval.
Adjustment to 787 Captain’s Seat Recline
Jetstar updated the PCC on an issue relating to left hand seat recline on the B787. Boeing has recently issued an Engineering Authority (EA) directing all B787 operators to implement a restriction in the recline angle of the left-hand seat. This directive addresses potential safety concerns, specifically the risk of head strikes against the decompression panel located behind these seats.
In alignment with Boeing’s directive, Jetstar will commence modifications across its B787 fleet commencing from the end of February. The recline angle of all left-hand seats will be adjusted to a reduced setting to enhance safety.
Further details regarding this adjustment, including compliance requirements in accordance with the Boeing EA, will be provided in an upcoming FSO.
AFAP and Jetstar Meeting
Following the PCC meeting, AFAP representatives, including Senior Industrial/Legal Officers Deanna Cain and Pat Larkins, met with Jetstar representatives to discuss several industrial matters impacting Jetstar pilots. These matters, which are more appropriately addressed at a union level, are summarised below:
Upcoming EA Negotiations
The AFAP has formally notified Jetstar of the composition of the AFAP Negotiation Team and has held preliminary discussions about the upcoming bargaining process, which must commence no later 21 May 2025 (6 months prior to the nominal expiry date of the current EA).
As previously advised the AFAP Negotiating Team will comprise a mix of experienced pilot representatives, selected to ensure a diverse representation across fleets (A320 and B787) and ranks (Captain, First Officer, and Check & Training) including:
- Chris Gibson (Chair, PER A320 Captain)
- Dom Corcoran (Vice Chair, SYD B787 Captain)
- Dan Blakemore (Secretary, MEL A320 Captain)
- Paul Hogan (CCB, BNE A320 Captain)
- Jake Gainger (SYD B787 First Officer)
- Ben Bollen (PER A320 Captain)
These representatives will be supported by AFAP’s professional legal and industrial team, which includes Deanna Cain, Pat Larkins, and Andrew Molnar, all of whom have extensive experience negotiating airline agreements.
AFAP EA Survey
The AFAP will be shortly releasing a comprehensive EA survey to gather important feedback from members on their key priorities in bargaining. This survey will ultimately shape the log of claims that will be presented to Jetstar as part of bargaining.
In the spirit of a joint union approach, the AFAP will invite AIPA and the TWU to distribute the same survey to their members. This will provide all bargaining representatives with valuable data to help align claims and find common ground during negotiations.
Further updates will be provided as the process progresses.
WDO Assignment Priority
The AFAP was recently made aware that Jetstar has implemented a priority system for assigning Work on Days Off (WDOs). This came to light after pilots were advised by crewing of the new process.
Following inquiries, Jetstar confirmed that this new priority system was introduced due to several issues with the previous approach, where pilots would call or email crewing directly to request WDOs or mark their rosters as ‘keen.’ These issues included:
- Pilots who followed the nomination process being bypassed for WDOs.
- Inequitable distribution of WDOs.
- Crewing making on-the-spot allocation decisions rather than a more considered approach factoring in all available pilots.
As such, Jetstar advised that it had updated both the user interface and the back end of the ‘Nominate to work on non-Duty day’ form on CWP, resulting in the following changes:
- New User Interface: Pilots can now select their preferred type of flying when nominating for a WDO.
- New Priority System: Pilots are now prioritised based on the least amount of WDOs assigned in the past three months, ensuring a more equitable distribution.
- Assignment Process: When crewing requires a pilot for a WDO, they will work down the priority list while also considering operational factors (e.g., avoiding WDO assignments that could cause displacement from another duty).
We have encouraged Jetstar to communicate this new WDO assignment priority to pilots to address concerns around the inequitable allocations of WDO, noting that there is no requirement for crewing to investigate or address pilot grievances related to WDO allocation.
BNE-BKK Block Time Adjustment & EFA Reconciliation
Jetstar has recently adjusted the initial block time for the BNE-BKK sectors, which were previously identified as being approximately 20 minutes short.
The AFAP raised potential EFA implications and whether Jetstar would recognise this discrepancy by reconciling total credit hours for affected pilots.
Jetstar has confirmed that there would be an EFA reconciliation for pilots who operated this sector in December and January, before the block time adjustment. Back pay for December is expected in the February pay run.
BKK-PER Block Time Review
Additionally, the AFAP has requested Jetstar review the BKK-PER sector block time, noting that while PER-BKK was recently adjusted to 7:05, BKK-PER remains at 6:35, which has been identified as unachievable.
Qantas Hold File and Internal Promotions
Jetstar pilots on the Qantas hold file are currently ineligible for internal promotions at Jetstar. This is due to a Qantas Group-wide policy requiring a minimum 24-month return of service for pilots who upgrade internally at any subsidiary before being released to Qantas.
Below is an extract from a previous AFAP update in November 2023:
Jetstar allocations and QF hold file
Following the last FSO where a number of pilots were required by Jetstar to choose between their latest FSO bid (Jetstar promotion) or remaining on the Qantas hold file, the AFAP has advocated the need for a more consistent and transparent approach around treatment of pilots on the QF hold file who are offered (or in the running) for JQ promotional opportunities. In particular we sought clarity regarding what length of service Jetstar would be seeking from a pilot allocated an upgrade prior to being released to Qantas.
Tyrone advised that this issue had been discussed at a Group level (given many pilots at subsidiary companies are also on the QF hold file) and that Jetstar would be seeking a minimum of 24 months return or service from pilots who upgrade internally prior to being released to Qantas. This is expected to be applied across all Qantas Group entitles and Qantas will also be making it clear to all applicants on the hold file that if they take an internal group opportunity, they will not be able to transfer to Qantas within 24 months.
Jetstar has committed to releasing 2 pilots a month to Qantas in order of seniority and pilots who will be released to Qantas between now and July 2024 have been notified of their likely start date. Jetstar is still waiting for Qantas to confirm the course dates for the second half of 2024 and then it will be in a position to advise Jetstar pilots on the QF hold file and not yet allocated a course when they can expect to be given a start date at Qantas based on the release rate of 2 pilot per month and their relative seniority. These pilots will not be considered for promotional opportunities at Jetstar during this time (unless their start date at Qantas is greater than 24 months away) unless they were to remove themselves from the hold file.
Understandably, there has been some frustration expressed about the lack of definitive timeline around when pilots would be released to Qantas, meanwhile not being considered for internal promotions at Jetstar.
The AFAP requested an update on the number of Jetstar pilots currently on the Qantas hold file and their projected release dates. Additionally, we sought clarification on whether pilots with an expected release beyond two years could be considered for internal promotions.
Jetstar confirmed that:
- Approximately 40 pilots are currently on the Qantas active hold file.
- Based on the two-per-month release rate, none of these pilots would meet the minimum 24-month return of service requirement.
- As a result, all Jetstar pilots on the hold file remain ineligible for internal promotions at Jetstar unless they remove themselves from the hold file.
JQ MRO Clearance Following 21+ days Leave of Absence.
The AFAP previously sought clarification from Jetstar regarding whether pilots returning from an absence exceeding 21 days are now required to obtain Jetstar MRO (Medical Review Officer) clearance before resuming duty. This inquiry was prompted by feedback from pilots who reported being subjected to this clearance process upon returning from extended leave.
Jetstar has confirmed that:
- This clearance process is already in place at Qantas and will be implemented at Jetstar in due course.
- However, it is not currently a requirement for Jetstar pilots returning from extended absences.
- Once this process is formally introduced, Jetstar will notify pilots via an FSO and update OM
The AFAP will continue to monitor this development and provide updates as further details become available.
Your pilot representatives are on hand if you have any questions regarding above. Alternatively, you can contact your AFAP industrial officers Deanna Cain, Pat Larkins or Andrew Molnar via email deanna@afap.org.au, patrick@afap.org.au, or andrew@afap.org.au or call (03) 9928 5737.
Regards,
AFAP Jetstar Pilot Federation Committee
Andrew Ward, Ben Bollen, Chris Gibson, Christo Hailes, Clinton Baxter, Daniel Blakemore, Darren Fielder, Darren Davis, Dominic Corcoran, Ed Greenidge, Jake Gainger, Jordan Moras, Paul Hogan and Raj Krishnan