Qantas Joins the Crew-Curfew Club: Vaccinations Now Mandatory for All Staff
In a move that brings the airline into the same league as its global competitors, Qantas declared that every crew member, from pilots to baggage handlers, must be fully inoculated against Covid‑19 by November 15. Remaining lanes of the workforce will face a lighter deadline of March 31, 2022, giving a grace period for those still navigating health protocols.
What’s the Reason?
Chief Executive Alan Joy‑e exclaimed, “Vaccines are the fastest ticket out of the lockdown loop.” The strategy pivots on a staff‑survey revealing that 89 % of the workforce had already received shots or were keen to get one. Around 75 % of the crew agreed they’d prefer a blanket requirement.
The Edge of Compassion
Doctors flu‑shielding territory is left intact: department managers will accept official medical exemptions for legitimate health concerns, though the airline predicts such cases will be seldom.
Pay‑Slide to Surge — The 2,500-Employee Pause
- Qantas has temporarily suspended 2,500 staff from wages for a minimum of two months.
- The pause is a strategic buffer against Australia’s frosted‑edge travel restrictions.
- On the bright side, vaccinated crew members can return to the skies faster once borders lift.
Parallel Trains: The Global Airline Ramp Up
- United Airlines announced the same mandate for all domestic employees, becoming the first U.S. carrier to do so.
- Hawaiian Airlines followed suit, freshening the Hawaiian traffic hub.
- Cathay Pacific signed off on a similar requirement for Hong Kong‑based pilots and flight attendants by August 31.
All flights heading out of Australia will eventually carry the RFID push—once the borders reopen, Qantas will insist every passenger be vaccinated.
Bottom Line
With vaccine pledges rolling out across airlines, Qantas aims to spread more than just travel vibes—though, if it ends up with a “no vape” check‑in, that’s a win in any case.
