Eastern -> Qantas progression

[adam210]

I understand that there was union conflict in the 90.s that currently prevents Eastern pilots from geting a job at Qantas mainline.

I was interested to know why that is so, and if this is still happening.

On average, if any, how many EAA pilots manage to go into mainline? What background do they have? i.e are they 89ers, or pilots in their mid 20s who would have been around 10 years old in 1989 and thus have nothing to do with the conflict

Thanks

Adam

[blueloo]

i was under the impression qantas, not the union decides who it wants to employ.

[drshmoo]

There has been a token few who have made the switch but they seem to be an exemption rather than the rule. At moment it doesn't matter where you are...its pretty damn hard to get into mainline. They haven't had a new course in 18 months:ouch:

[Oliver Klozof]

Adam210,

There is no formal progression arrangement from Eastern or Sunstate into the Mainline operation. Any pilot wanting to go to mainline goes through the exact same application and screening process as someone applying off the street.

There are various issues that occured in the past that are partly to blame for this, and i'm sure other PPRuNer's more clued up on these issues will no doubt post the reasons here later.

I understand that within the last two years there have been but two Eastern pilots go into mainline. As to how many actually applied, I don't know.

At the end of the day, like it or not, fair or not, they are separate operations with a separate AOC and that's not changing anytime soon. And as Dr Shmoo said, there's been little recruitment at Mainline irrespective of where you're from.

[grrowler]

I can think of 3 that have gone across to mainline in the last 2 years, and a handful to J*. All younger guys.

However, compared to people going to Cathay, Dragon, VB, etc (non-QF group) the percentage is incredibly low (we have lost something like 50 pilots in the last 2 years - rough guess). Take that how you will.

If you want mainline, I would suggest getting a job elsewhere.

[spirax]

The sad truth is that back in the very early '90's career progression was on the table for the regional pilot group (EAA,SSA & SAA) to move into QF mainline. However the very hard line (read that as: asked for too much and would not back down) taken by the then EAA pilot reps resulted in the QF CP slamming the door in their face. End of story, the rest is history.

And if you don't believe that, then check out the arrangements that were put in place for the regional F/As. They HAVE progression.

Shows what can happen and the long term effects of getting it wrong!:(

The best way into QF now is not to work for the regionals - get a job with Rex or someone similar will usually improve your chances.:ok:

[adam210]

Are you saying that Sunstate has progression prospects to mainline?

Just looking at the options thanks

[Hugh Jarse]

In a word, no.

No pilot in Qantaslink has any chance of career progression. You have a better chance if you work for Rex or any of the non-Qantas group airlines. :)
Sorry if that appears cynical, but that's the way it is.:E

[Poto]

QF employed approx 26 pilots last financial year, I know six who were from EAA/SSA. I am sure that is not all of them, just the the pilots I have met.:rolleyes:
Not a bad average when you consider they have all of GA, all the the non QF regionals, and the RAAF to choose from plus 350 odd Qlink pilots. Infact one course of twelve had 3 (25%) from their regionals:hmm:
Are they being fair I don't know but the figures and pessimistic crap promoted here is a little hard to believe

[Keg]

I think Jarse would call that an aberration. I reckon he'd be right. :ok:

There is one other explanation for it though......the numbers of suitable applicants are a bit thinner on the ground then they used to be and so QF is taking their own kind more and more. I can only hope!

[Capt Claret]

Jarse,

As it was in the beginning, and now, and into the future.

When I joined Skywest Avn in 1994 they said there was a promotions protocol into Ansett. The reality was that one had a better chance of getting into Ansett if one didn't work for one of their subsidiaries (training costs and all that). A few made it but not many.

I have little doubt that it's the same for the Qantas group.