JQi Crew Fatigue

[hardya]

In previous years when I have flown from Japan (Nagoya or Osaka) to Sydney (via Cairns or Brisbane) on QF, the former Australian Airlines (AO) or even the former Ansett International, there would generally be a crew change (pilots/FAs) in CNS or BNE, with a fresh crew flying on to Sydney.

However, I note that Jetstar International's crew (pilots and FAs) now make the entire trip Osaka-Brisbane-Sydney. They apparently have one overnight layover in Osaka then leave the following evening for Brisbane/Sydney. One of the FAs commented to me that they try to stay up as late as possible after their flight to Osaka, so that they can sleep through the next day prior to the night flight back.

Is anybody aware of what regulations apply to crew rosters etc relating to fatigue?

I was extremely concerned as I noticed two of the FAs who were starting to fall asleep just prior to landing at Sydney. I was just hoping the pilots were feeling a bit more refreshed than the FAs.

 

[Commuter]

There are standard CAO 48 or 'CAO 48 exemption', and they might have the Fatigue Risk Management System in place. Not sure which one they have in place at JQ off the top of my head.

But FAs don't have any CASA regulations on working hours as far as I know.


CAO= civil aviation order

 

[Platy]

In fact I was on a QF flight CNS-SYD one time, the one that starts in Japan (NRT?) and the aircraft made an unscheduled stop in BNE to change crews cos the pilot hours were up having had a delay at the Japan end.

Pilot hours are strictly regulated but who knows what JQi has managed to arrange...

 

[ANstar]

I did MEL-HNL last month and the crew mentioned they had a 24 hour lay over and were on the flight to SYD the following day. I thought this was quite rough given the length of flight etc