Perth Gains New Aviation Jobs in Latest Qantas Results

Qantas has announced it will launch a new local Jetstar cabin crew base in Perth, creating new opportunities for aviation workers in Western Australia. 

The announcement comes as Transport Workers’ Union (TWU) members continue to apply pressure on the company, raising serious concerns about internationally-based Jetstar cabin crew being paid as little as $10 an hour. 

Following sustained action from members, Jetstar has now agreed to meet with delegates for critical talks on pay and conditions. 

The company revealed in its 1H26 half-year results that the new base will create around 90 new roles in Perth. Qantas also reaffirmed its ambition to create 8,500 jobs across Australia by 2030, reporting it is currently on track to meet this target. 

Of these, 3,500 roles are expected to be in cabin crew, alongside more than 1,000 new pilot positions. 

While these announcements present new opportunities, the TWU is clear: job creation must go hand in hand with fair wages, safe and secure conditions, and strong industry standards. 

“This is a huge opportunity for aviation workers in Western Australia, but it must be done right,” said TWU WA State Secretary Tim Dawson. 

“We know this company has the capacity to deliver secure jobs, fair pay and strong conditions and that’s exactly what workers deserve. 

The TWU will be standing shoulder to shoulder with cabin crew to make sure these new roles lift standards across the industry, not drive them down. When workers are union strong, we win safer jobs, better pay and a future we can rely on.” 

The airline reported $1.46 billion in underlying pre-tax profits for the first half of this financial year, an increase of $71 million on the previous year, highlighting the capacity for investment in the workforce that keeps the industry moving. 

The TWU will continue to stand union strong, ensuring that all aviation workers, including those entering the new Perth base, have access to secure jobs, fair pay, and protected conditions. 

We will not accept a race to the bottom. Every worker deserves industry-leading standards and a genuine pathway to superannuation and long-term security. 

The closure of Jetstar Singapore and the establishment of a local base in Perth marks a significant shift for aviation workers in WA.

As new roles open up, the TWU is calling on workers to stand together to lift standards across the industry.