Qantas has reached a new pay agreement with its long-haul international pilots, bringing an end to more than two-and-a-half years of negotiations.
The deal includes a 25% pay rise, three additional leave days and improvements to rostering and working conditions.
According to media reports by Australian Aviation, the agreement received support from 61% of pilots represented by the Australian and International Pilots Association (AIPA) and the Australian Federation of Airline Pilots (AFAP).
The outcome follows the rejection of an earlier AIPA-backed offer in April 2026.
Around 1,700 pilots flying Qantas' Boeing 787, Airbus A330 and A380 aircraft will benefit from the agreement.
Of the total pay increase, 11.1% will be delivered between now and July 2027, with the remaining increase covered under the agreement's terms.
Higher pay and additional leave
The new enterprise agreement includes salary increases, three additional leave days and changes to rostering aimed at improving work-life balance and providing greater schedule stability.
AIPA president Captain Andrew Marshall said, “The proposed agreement delivers the largest pay rise in the history of the Long Haul Enterprise Agreement,” said AIPA president Captain Andrew Marshall.”
“There are significant increases for the next generation of pilots which is particularly important because they’re often at the stage of life when they need some extra help,” Marshall added.
“We are pleased to have secured three ‘golden leave days’ for pilots which will help improve work-life balance and deliver roster stability,” Marshall also said.
The additional leave days are expected to give pilots more time away from work while helping address concerns around scheduling and work-life balance.
End of two-and-a-half years of negotiations
The agreement follows prolonged discussions after the previous enterprise deal expired in 2024.
Negotiations also saw the possibility of industrial action, with pilots considering strike action in July amid disagreements over the proposed terms.
However, no strikes took place during the negotiations.
Qantas welcomed the outcome, saying the agreement would support its international operations and provide greater certainty as it prepares for a major fleet renewal programme.
“We’re pleased our long-haul pilots have voted to support an agreement that delivers significant pay increases and rostering improvements,” a Qantas spokesman said.
“The agreement also provides greater certainty for our international operations as we continue the largest fleet renewal program in our history and move one step closer to making Project Sunrise a reality.”
The agreement comes as Qantas prepares to launch Project Sunrise, its ultra-long-haul flight programme connecting Australia directly with major international destinations.
The new agreement marks a key step in securing workforce stability as Qantas prepares to expand its long-haul international operations.