Jobs Boost For Avalon.
Jobs boost for Avalon
John Masanauskas, aviation reporter
29mar06
Qantas converts jets
AVALON will get an extra 60 jobs when Qantas sets up a new operation to convert passenger jets into freighters.
The move follows a decision last month to shift its Boeing 747 heavy maintenance section from Sydney to Avalon, creating 71 jobs at the site near Geelong.
It will boost the Avalon workforce to about 950.
Qantas CEO Geoff Dixon yesterday said the freighter conversion work would give Avalon good growth prospects.
"The engineering skills and facilities we have available at Qantas Engineering's Avalon base make an onshore option viable for this project," he said.
Mr Dixon said four Boeing 737-300 planes, used by Qantas in New Zealand, will be turned into freighters for Australian air Express.
AaE is owned by Qantas and Australia Post. Work is to start next month and finish by January next year.
It is the first time such work has been undertaken in Australia.
The 60 workers will be employed on six-month contracts through labour hire firm Forstaff.
Qantas has been under pressure from unions after announcing the loss of up to 480 jobs with the closure of the 747 maintenance base in Sydney.
The airline is also reviewing the future of 450 jobs at its 737 maintenance base at Melbourne airport.
Qantas had threatened to send thousands of maintenance jobs overseas to compete with lower costs achieved by some foreign carriers.
While ruling out the move last month, Mr Dixon said it would be considered after two years if cost savings were not met.