Qantas maintenance facilties under pressure

Consolidation options and drastic labour cuts look to be a certainty for the Australian carrier.

Last week Australian Licensed Aircraft Engineers Association (ALAEA) federal secretary, Steve Purvinas warned of the airline’s unsustainable maintenance facilities.

Qantas have become more transparent regarding these difficult issues, it was reported in The Australian.

“The problem we are trying to solve is an anticipated 60 per cent reduction in labour demand over the next five years,” Head of Heavy Maintenance for Qantas, Tony Lowery said.

There is a very real possibility that the airline may shut down two of its three maintenance facilities, consolidating business and culling jobs.

“The criteria we are examining to help us make the best choice include: ongoing operating costs in the context of keeping existing heavy maintenance on shore, capital costs, and ability to support new systems of maintenance,” Mr Lowery said.