Cabin Crew on SYD-MEL

[(Mike)]

Hi all,

Have just completed a return SYD - MEL on VA for the first time and noticed that there were only 4 cabin crew on board the 737. Was just wondering if that's the norm? The crew seemed a little rushed to get their service done (particularly on the evening flight) compared to Qantas.

 

[docjames]

I believe it varies, 4 or 5 is "norm" IME.

 

[Travelqueen]

Hi Mike,

interesting, as i just heard a rumour that qantas is dropping its 737 crew from 5 to 4

TQ

Hi all,

Have just completed a return SYD - MEL on VA for the first time and noticed that there were only 4 cabin crew on board the 737. Was just wondering if that's the norm? The crew seemed a little rushed to get their service done (particularly on the evening flight) compared to Qantas.

 

[(Mike)]

Interesting TQ!

 

[Mwenenzi]

Interesting, as I just heard a rumour that Qantas is dropping its 737 crew from 5 to 4

Source of the rumor?

Crew numbers are by Government regulations

 

[markis10]

Source of the rumor?

Crew numbers are by Government regulations

QF do hold an exemption for the 1:36 rule along with all the others.

 

[Clivem]

How does that exemption work ..... when and how does it kick in / apply ?


Back in 2011 there was a parliamentary committee that recommended the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) cease providing exemptions to the long-established ratio of one cabin crew to every 36 passengers until it can be demonstrated that using fewer staff won't reduce safety or security levels.
Moveover, CASA should not extend beyond existing expiry dates the exemptions that allow one to every 50 passenger seats that it's already granted.

Where did that go , if anywhere ?

 

[docjames]

I thought QF were maintaining 738 crew ratios (ie. 5) on east coast for "service delivery" but could reduce them to 4 in event of illness/ unusual circumstances (to prevent the flight being cancelled). Not sure if that's been extended to "off peak" (ie. non "meal") flights.

 

[markis10]

How does that exemption work ..... when and how does it kick in / apply ?


Back in 2011 there was a parliamentary committee that recommended the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) cease providing exemptions to the long-established ratio of one cabin crew to every 36 passengers until it can be demonstrated that using fewer staff won't reduce safety or security levels.
Moveover, CASA should not extend beyond existing expiry dates the exemptions that allow one to every 50 passenger seats that it's already granted.

Where did that go , if anywhere ?

According to the unions the recommendations are being ignored by CASA, as evidenced by refreshed approval for QF:

CASA 158/13 - Direction - number of cabin attendants in Boeing 737-800 series aircraft, Qantas Airways Limited

 

[Mwenenzi]

Moveover, CASA should not extend beyond existing expiry dates the exemptions that allow one to every 50 passenger seats that it's already granted.

IIRC most world airlines, apart from Canada & Australia have 1:50 ratio. Power to the unions

 

[ash.1111]

[referring to Virgin only] Attempts are made to put 5 crew on certain short flights operating with J class and on 737-800 aircraft. Due to crew shortages and disruptions this may be reduced to 4 crew.