I’m wanting a mainline SO role. Wondering, if I applied for qlink will that stop me from getting an interview for mainline?
if I did go qlink, what are the times/chances of an internal transfer?

Internally will only help if you are the fairer sex if you catch my drift. Personally, it took me 9 years of being “in the group” before I was allowed to take a demotion to go to mainline. In that time I’ve had friends leave the group only to return and jump the hold file, whilst I accept that’s part of the game. I do warn youngsters going down the same path that Q does not reward/value loyalty what so ever.

depends where you want to be when the music stops. Qlink is a great place to be stuck, as is anywhere in the group.

Mate, everyone took a demotion to join an airline (apart from the cadets). Best damn demotion I ever had! :ok:

Take whatever comes up first. When the music stops, you will have a great job in the group somewhere. Some jobs are better than others, but they’re all awesome fun and well remunerated. Get amongst it while you can!

Are they maintaining the hold file from 2018 or will they start over from scratch?

For Eastern and Sunstate at least, there is no contract that states a return of service once you join. Some went to mainline in just over 12 months, others took much longer. There were plenty of intakes that had a lot more than 2 former QLink crew. Usually it was at least double that.

There is no way to say exactly if being in the group helps your chances or not. Make your choices based on what matters to you. Most AOC’s in the group would offer a pretty good place to hang out while you applied to mainline. You’ll also get the benefit of exposure to QF Group SOP’s and C&T. Keeping your nose clean in that regard goes a long way in where you ‘rank’ on the hold file.

You can either try your luck in the smaller internal pool or the much bigger external one. One isn’t exactly better or worse than the other.

Depends on your experience levels and how competitive you think you'd be with QF recruitment. If you have airline or comparable experience, maybe direct into QF makes more sense. Most SOs I know have had some sort of airline experience (or military) before Qantas. If you're coming out of GA you could roll the dice on waiting for mainline and may well get lucky. But personally, I'd be getting into the group wherever you can. The days of QLink being a dead end are gone, but I'd rather be in the group somewhere when the music stops.

I do have airline experience. But by the sounds of it, mainline could hire tomorrow off the street or take ages getting through the old file.
I think I’m best to go for QLink whilst it’s open, defiantly still an enjoyable gig for me just SO lifestyle is what I’m all about.
thanks everyone for your input.

You should definitely say that at your mainline interview! :ugh:

What does that even mean?

I like to live regional, commuting is easier with plenty of days off in between trips. Can have a holiday with your days off instead of waiting for crap times to use annual leave.
I wouldn’t mind QLink it’s just not viable long term for the lifestyle I enjoy. If you get past the pilot ego, an SO can be a very enjoyable job with a great work/life balance.

No sitting in a control seat below FL200. No full type rating on the aircraft, co-pilot IR. Only rostered for LH flights so generally less sectors than a Capt/FO depending on type.

Given all 380s should will be back within time there’ll be plenty of opportunities to get promoted onto that aircraft or recruited directly onto it. If so the salary can be quite lucrative, comparable to 330 or 787 FO and with some ability to control rosters well if senior.

For those who don’t mind not sitting in a control seat remaining an SO for the long term can be quite a tempting prospect. Hence why the seniority of a lot of SOs is senior to other LH types as FO or even SH Capt.

I know what the SO role entails but the attitude that that is all one would aspire to is a bit odd and certainly isn’t what an airline is seeking. However reading the rationale, I must admit aspiring to an SO position based on work/life balance actually sounds very fair, especially when airline management views us as a commodity or a consumable. Maybe this is the beginning of the wave where the career is seen by many of us as a road to ruin.

All the best mate!

I think people are getting me wrong. I’d take a international captain gig on the 380 at mainline. However everyone starts as an SO (or changes after start) I want international for the lifestyle, not just an SO. I would possibly be happy to sit for a long time as an S9 whilst waiting for a LH FO slot or my circumstances change.
my original question was (before everyone changed it into something bigger like always on pprune)
And I’ll make it a bit more clearer.
I am ok with a qlink position. However, I would be a lot happier at mainline as an SO. If I have applied, on the hold file or take a start date at qlink. How much does each position stop a chance for mainline?

You're asking a question that nobody has a true answer for. The only real answer I can provide, is that as a QF Group employee, even if you interview successfully and are added to the hold file, your start date at the new entity is entirely controlled by your current AOC and their willingness to release you. As previously mentioned, this has nothing to do with loyalty, but more your usefulness to the AOC. Eg. you are a Training Captain, Sim Instructor or flying a fleet in a base below establishment numbers, you will most likely be held back until a suitable time for the company (which could be months, years or never - yes, it's happened.)

Well, it begins. Got an email this morning asking me to confirm I still want a job as an SO at Quantas.

Did quantas also ask for your driver licence number and credit card details? :}
Good to hear. Hopefully the worst of all this is behind us.

If you seriously want to work for them you need to know how to spell your employer's name!

Its amazing how well that bait works. Precious, precious quantas pilots. :E