SYDNEY – Qantas has confirmed reports that its cut-price offshoot Jetstar is employing foreign pilots to supplement its ranks of Australian flight crew.
The move has angered Qantas mainline pilots who argue that Qantas is attempting to establish a separate airline with lower benefits for pilots.
The airline has confirmed that Jetstar is recruiting pilots at a rate of 15 per month, with 200 employed in Australia since January last year. Cabin crew from overseas are also being targeted.
Qantas said most of the new pilots were domestically trained, while it added “some pilots from overseas” would be employed under temporary 457 work visas.
Qantas chief executive Geoff Dixon also said Qantas had separately recruited 170 new pilots this financial year.
“Nearly all the Qantas Group of pilots are recruited in Australia, despite piloting being very much a global profession,” Dixon said.
“Indeed, many Australian pilots choose to fly with overseas airlines throughout their careers.”
