Unfortunately, as Jetstar has had an incredibly rapid expansion, it is difficult for many of the pilots there to understand the broader macro narrative at play here.
Steady declines in remuneration have been the observed pattern from "bargained" outcomes for pretty much 30 years.
Living standards right across the board have declined too. To maintain parity many people from many industries have borrowed impressive amounts of money to keep up.
If one has been fortunate enough to have entered JQ in the rapid expansion period, it is easy to imagine thinking that such expansion and promotion is the normal.
Jetstar suited all sorts of QR IR objectives. Suited (past tense) is the operative word as their cost base has migrated, the penetration of their constant growth strategy has found natural limits and Low Fare Airlines are notoriously hard work.
Mr Evans is rightly sweating on operating margins as they are tight. Axiomatically, he is sweating out of self-interest: His ascent to QF CEO is dependent on maintaining the approval of the King Maker sitting in the big chair in Coward Street.
To actually understand what is at play in the industry requires a little more understanding of the industry ebbs and flows, well before Jetstar's formation.