Qantas delays Project Sunrise decision

Qantas has extended its timeline for a final decision on ‘Project Sunrise’ flights.

Qantas pilots prepare for a Project Sunrise test flight from London to Sydney

Qantas has extended its timeline for a final decision on “Project Sunrise” flights, but pilots will only have until March 30 to commit to a new deal to operate the 20-hour-plus missions.

Chief executive Alan Joyce revealed on Tuesday that Qantas had asked Airbus for more time to lodge a firm order for A350-1000s, because of the disruption caused by the coronavirus crisis. Airbus confirmed they were in discussions with Qantas but would not comment further.

With the aircraft order up in the air, pilots could face a more difficult decision next week when they are asked to vote on a new long-haul enterprise agreement.

The deal includes flying the A350s, but Qantas has warned that a “no” vote would see this ­element removed from the package and a separate group of pilots established to conduct the flights.

Australian and International Pilots Association president Mark Sedgwick said the Committee of Management (CoM) had considered a challenge to the timeline but decided against doing so, due to “the low prospects of success”.

“Certainly, given the rapidly changing economic climate, I am not of the view that Qantas delaying the vote would result in better outcomes for members regardless of any outcome at the ballot box,” Mr Sedgwick said in an email to members.

Rather than tell pilots how to vote, a marathon meeting of the CoM decided members should make their own minds up about the offer. A further meeting is set to be held on Friday in Sydney, where pilots will consider the offer and review the performance of AIPA executives.

The voting period for the new deal is expected to run from March 20 to March 30.