Downturn
Like most airlines Qantas Keeps an eye on its forward bookings and the allocation of its aircraft.
The classics have gone therefore reducing capacity.Eventually there will be a net increase in fleet size as the A380s arrive in numbers.
All this impacts on manpower levels.Each A380 requires approx 120 crew to be operational
LWOP will never be offered to QCCA nor will CR ever be offered.The principals for CR are enshrined in previous EBAs...last on ,first off.Qantas is not about to CR its newest cheapest employees.
Forward bookings are beginning to soften although pricing initiatives in the states have seen bookings climb.This also reflects Virgin Australia and Delta entering the route.
Offer leave without pay and temporary part time to your most expensive employees:QAL.
Dont be surprised to see future opportunities for QCCA employment and possibly a VR for QAL.Although VR is now seen as being generally ineffective in removing the Mohicans
Takeup for the last VR was low.Most who want to leave have left and most who want PT have taken it.
Qantas also needs a core of experienced staff.There are some problems with the A380 in that you have a new a/c type being operated by new inexperienced crew.Some meal times are nudging 5 hours for completion.
Punters are not happy.
While being new and enthusiastic counts for something a 5 hour meal service is not acceptable to premium travellers