Qantas has begun seeking buyers for three Boeing 787-8s currently used by Jetstar on “loss-making” routes, in a move that could prove very costly for pilots.
Although there had been speculation Qantas would retain the Dreamliners for its own use, the six-year-old jets are being touted by Qantas aircraft sales manager Martin Schembri to *potentially interested parties.
A Jetstar spokeswoman confirmed they were “currently assessing the market to complete the business case” for the sales. The removal of the aircraft from the Jetstar fleet was flagged by chief executive Gareth Evans late last year after a review of the airline’s fleet and network was undertaken as part of contingency planning ahead of industrial *action by pilots.
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At the time it was proposed that jets “serving loss-making and marginal international routes” could be sold to protect Jetstar’s ongoing profitability.
Brand new, the 787-8s are worth about $180m each.
The low-fares carrier has not identified the loss-making international routes referred to, but they are thought to include Melbourne and Sydney to Honolulu, and Gold Coast to Tokyo.
It is understood cuts to services and a reduction in the fleet size from 11 to eight 787-8s could result in up to 50 pilots being axed, and another 50 demoted.
The 787-8s are considered *unsuitable for Qantas long-haul operations because they were never fitted with a dedicated crew rest area. Instead, two business class seats are set aside for breaks.
Australian Federation of Air Pilots executive director Simon Lutton said a reduction in fleet size was always of concern to members.
The federation is continuing to negotiate with Jetstar on a new enterprise agreement for its 830 pilots, who the union claims are the lowest-paid of any major commercial airline in the country.
Further talks are scheduled next week, with Jetstar also hopeful of finalising a new deal with baggage handlers.
A new offer was presented to the Transport Workers Union this week, which included a proposed pay rise of 3 per cent a year and about $2000 worth of back pay and roster benefits.
https://www.theaustralian.com.au/bus...Y8oArker7uMPRQ