ABC article is here:
Jetstar to hire pilots on 457 visas - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)
Jetstar to hire pilots on 457 visas - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)
There does appear to be a significant shortage of experienced commercial pilots in Australia. QantasLink recently reduced its schedules due to having insufficient qualified pilots to operate the services.Whilst I wouldn't have the first clue about whether or not there's enough pilots to go around...
There does appear to be a significant shortage of experienced commercial pilots in Australia. QantasLink recently reduced its schedules due to having insufficient qualified pilots to operate the services.
I expect the majority of foreign pilots may be sourced from places like the USA where the airline industry is going through a consolidation phase. I do not believe this is a push for cheap labour, but a push to obtain the experienced pilot resources needed to support the growth plan of the airline.
I think they would be happy to train experienced MD80, 737, 757 etc pilots. There are no experienced/certified 787 pilots yet, so have to start somewhere.Re: the USA, I wonder if there are many type rated A320/330 pilots available? I guess if the NW/DL merger goes ugly or UA/US have issues, then it'll be quite a rich selection for JQ!
mt
I think they would be happy to train experienced MD80, 737, 757 etc pilots. There are no experienced/certified 787 pilots yet, so have to start somewhere.
Given the value of the $A it would be a great 'seachange' for some older US crew..no more flying in extreme WX.There's no 787 yet either.
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QF has Crash 8s parked due lack of pilots.There does appear to be a significant shortage of experienced commercial pilots in Australia. QantasLink recently reduced its schedules due to having insufficient qualified pilots to operate the services.
I expect the majority of foreign pilots may be sourced from places like the USA where the airline industry is going through a consolidation phase. I do not believe this is a push for cheap labour, but a push to obtain the experienced pilot resources needed to support the growth plan of the airline.