QANTAS have difficulty retaining pilots due to deteriorating terms and conditions as the airline battles domestically against low costs and internationally against middle eastern and asian full service.
Difficult position as its overheads are too high to compete against low costs on price and its full service competitors CX/SQ/EK etc are very strong. Middle east/Asian hubs offer better connections, highly attractive fares and excellent service.
Job is seen as a good place to get an endorsement and 1000hrs on type before heading overseas. Direct entry captains hired from CX/EK, older pilots well cashed up who want to return home and fly for a few years before retiring. Lifestyle appeals to some who simply want to remain in Australia and accept the reduced terms and conditions as the price of living at home. Pilot recruitment can't be as picky as before. Length and amount of bond is a consideration for new joiners.
A,B,C,D scale pilot pay, 3 star hotels, other benefits reduced.
Reduced network, main trunk routes only domestically. Internationally retreats back to the traditionally well performing routes.
New aircraft acquired, essential to compete with the competition. Geriatric 767s and 744s retired. Smaller long range twins used to cater for reduced loads.
Industrial relations problems, everyone realises some thing must be done, as long as it doesn't involve any sacrifice on their part.
Jetstar grows its network as QFs shrinks. QF finds its place in the market, smaller, leaner and hopefully profitable.