"The Federation needs your help to identify any Australian pilots who have applied and hold Command on an Airbus type such as 320/330/340.
We need to know that the pilot has applied is prepared to return and work under the Jetstar Enterprise Agreement 2008."
Isn't this precisely the point some are trying to make here; that there are probably very few or no Australian pilots overseas that are 320/330/340 rated and prepared to come and work for the present remuneration. The Federation, confirming this, is only furthering the cause for 457 visas.
On the other hand there are probably scores of potential applicants that would command a 320 for AUD220K. This is why I and many others have left for better paid jobs.
With the cost of oil where it is now the percentage of operating costs attributed to pilots wages has fallen dramatically. Paying real world salaries would only add a few dollars to each ticket and ease for the forseeable future the supposed pilot shortage. That shortage, if it is real, starts at the flying schools and GA level. If your average school leaver sees a real prosect of a career in aviation, because of competetive salaries, versus one in IT, advertising, law, medicine etc then we wouldn't be having this discussion.
I suspect however that the labour government would go to extrordinary lengths to see that pilots didn't get significant pay rises as it would go against their manifesto. Thus the 457s could be a done deal.
Last edited by Maisk Rotum; 30th May 2008 at 07:36.