AIPA - Australian & International Pilots Association

About AIPA

The Australian and International Pilots Association (AIPA) is a professional association that represents Qantas Group pilots in airline operations within Australia and around the world.  Our 2,400 pilot members are employed by Qantas Airways Limited, Jetstar Airways Pty Limited, Eastern Australia Airlines Pty Limited, Express Freighters Australia Pty Limited, Network Aviation Australia Pty Ltd and Sunstate Airlines (QLD) Pty Limited.

 

Established in 1981, AIPA plays a vital role in advocating for its members' interests. AIPA’s core functions are:

AIPA's Core Functions are:

Industrial Representation & Advocacy 

  • Enterprise Bargaining Agreements (EBAs): Negotiates terms and conditions of employment for pilots, including salaries, rosters, and benefits.
  • Dispute Resolution: Acts on behalf of members during disputes with airlines, providing representation in workplace disagreements and legal matters.
  • Regulatory Advocacy: Engages with government bodies, regulatory agencies (like CASA), and airlines to influence aviation safety standards, workplace conditions, and policies.

Safety and Operational Standards

  • Aviation Safety Leadership: Promotes high standards of aviation safety through collaboration with pilots and industry stakeholders.
  • Fatigue Management: Works to ensure flight schedules align with safe operational limits and addresses fatigue-related risks.
  • Incident Reporting and Investigation: Provides support in incident investigations to maintain transparency and enhance flight safety protocols.

Member Services & Support

  • Legal Assistance: Offers legal support for members in cases involving employment issues, licensing, or other disputes.
  • Welfare and Well-being: Supports pilots’ mental and physical health, focusing on areas such as stress management and access to counseling.
  • Career Development: Provides training, career guidance, and networking opportunities for members.

Community and Engagement Events

  • Networking Events: Organises events to bring members together, celebrate achievements, and foster professional connections.
  • Communication and Member Engagement: Regularly updates members through newsletters and meetings to keep them informed on industry developments.

AIPA is both a union and a professional body dedicated to protecting pilots' rights, enhancing aviation safety, and fostering a sense of community within the industry.

WHAT WE DO

  • 24-hour Scheduling Advice
  • Industrial & Legal Assistance
  • 24-hour Accident & Incident Assistance within Australia & abroad
  • 24-hour Pilot Welfare Assistance
  • Safety & Technical Assistance

MISSION, VISION & VALUES

 

Vision

Our vision is to advocate for the piloting profession in Australia and to provide support and guidance for our members whilst developing aviation safety to its highest standards.

Mission

Our mission is to serve our members and their interests, whilst advancing the profession and aviation industry.

Values

Our Values play a crucial role in shaping the culture, behaviour, and identity of the Association.

The Australian and International Pilots Association (AIPA) is governed by a Committee of Management (CoM) that has the power to do all things necessary to achieve AIPA’s objectives. The CoM is comprised of 40 Qantas Group airline pilots elected by and from the Association’s pilot membership.  Duties and responsibilities of CoM members are outlined in AIPA’s registered rules.

 

The CoM operates within strict governance principles and systems to ensure that as a pilots’ union AIPA: achieves its objectives, is financially accountable, complies with applicable laws and regulations and is operationally effective and efficient.

  • Captain Tony Lucas

    President

    Tony grew up in the southern suburbs of Sydney and was educated at Endeavour High School graduating in 1988. Subsequent to high school Tony was employed at the Regent of Sydney in the security department whilst funding his Unrestricted Private Pilots License through the Scouts Air Activities Centre.

    Tony was lucky enough to be selected as a Qantas Flying Training Scheme Level 1 Cadet in 1991 graduating in September 1992 before commencing employment with Qantas Airways as a Second Officer on B747-400 aircraft in January 1995.

    In 1997 Tony completed First Officer promotional training on the B767 and then in 2006 completed a type transfer returning to the B747-400 as a First Officer. Tony was a Human Factors facilitator from 2004 to 2006.

    In September 2008 Tony completed command training on B767 aircraft and was a Captain on that aircraft until it was retired from Qantas service at the end of 2014. In 2015 Tony spent a short time on the A380 as a First Officer before returning to Command on the A330 in late 2015. Tony completed his Check and Training Captain accreditation on the A330 in October 2016.

    In 2004 Tony completed a Bachelor of Aviation, a Certificate IV in Workplace Training and Assessment, and a Certificate IV in Business (Frontline Management).

    A member of the Australian and International Pilots Association (AIPA) since joining Qantas in 1995, for a number of years in Tony coordinated the AIPA/ UNSW Mentoring program for aviation degree students pursuing the flying stream. Tony joined the AIPA Committee of Management in February 2021 and was appointed as AIPA’s President in February 2022.

    External to Qantas, Tony served as an airman and officer in the Australian Air Force Cadets from 1990-2010 rising from Aircraftsman (AAFC) through to the rank of Wing Commander (AAFC) and holding the role of Officer Commanding Ground Training Wing.

    Tony is married to Kayleen and they have three children aged 24 to 15. They attend an Anglican Church in Caringbah and reside in the southern suburbs of Sydney. Tony attends as many Sydney Swans matches as possible.

  • TBA

    Vice President Long Haul

  • Captain Steve Cornell

    Vice President Short Haul

  • Captain Simon Gould

    Vice President Group Airlines

    I learnt to fly in Albury then moved around Australia during my time in General Aviation. Here I gained flying experience doing, amongst several experiences, night freight, Geophysical survey, and single pilot RPT. I was then employed by Impulse Airlines flying the B1900D as both Captain and First Officer.

    After the acquisition of Impulse by Qantas I flew the B717, then as we morphed into Jetstar, I have had the privilege of command on the A320, A330 and B787.

    The opportunity to represent group airline pilots at AIPA is a great privilege and this position allows for the continued opportunity for those members to have a voice in their industrial affairs.

     

     

     

     

  • First Officer Glen Hunter

    Treasurer

    ABOUT: 
    Born in Brisbane, I moved to Sydney when I was young. After finishing university, I moved around the country for a few years chasing flying work before settling back in Sydney when I started with Qantas. During the Covid stand down I took the opportunity to move back to Brisbane with my partner where we now live in the inner city with Bill Murray and Jeff Goldblum, our two rescue kittens. When I’m not working, I enjoy spending time with friends and family, staying fit and active at my local CrossFit gym, and enjoying everything life in Queensland has to offer.

    CAREER:
    After starting my flight training at high school, I completed a Bachelor of Aviation (BAv) at the University of New South Wales. I worked in general aviation for four years before starting with Qantas in 2008 as an A380 Second Officer. I was assigned to the A330 for a few years before returning to the A380 in 2017 where I am currently a Sydney based Second Officer. In 2021 I obtained my Queensland Real Estate licence and worked as a buyers’ agent where I honed my negotiating skills. I have previously served on the AIPA Committee of Management from 2013 to 2019. During part of that time, I served as Treasurer and as a member of the Long Haul EA10 negotiating team.

     

     

  • First Officer Cory Beer

    Secretary

  • Captain Andrew Taylor

    Assistant Secretary

    I was a country kid from Moree NSW and spent my teens in Newcastle, going on to study BSc (Aviation) Dip in Aviation Science at University of Newcastle. I fell in love with the idea of flying as a small child, as my parents had a fuel business right under the approach to Moree airport.

    My first role was in GA back in Moree, then onto NT, NZ, WA, Torres Strait and onto Qantas. I have flown B767, B747, LWOP to JALways, B744, A320 MOU to Jetstar, B737, A330 and now fly B787 in Perth.

    I’ve been on LWOP twice, flown all types in the group, apart from the 380, and worked under the Jetstar and Qantas Short Haul and Long Haul contracts.

    This is my second time on the AIPA CoM after periods in the early 2000s. I am married and we have three girls, the eldest, Allegra, is a pilot and AIPA member as well.