The reporter has raised a safety concern in relation to fatigue management options post 'back of clock' and long-distance flight duties.
The reporter states, [Operator] has a fatigue policy for flight crew however this policy does not apply to cabin crew. The reporter further states, on return from an international duty to a port other than their home port, cabin crew are required to then 'passenger' back to their home port on another flight. This additional flight further adds to the crew members fatigue rather than being given the option to overnight in a hotel prior to returning to their home port. The [Operator] fatigue policy allows flight crew to stay in a hotel away from home port if they are fatigued but not cabin crew.
The reporter has raised a further concern for cabin crew who utilise public transport to commute between home and the airport when rostered for long international flights and/or 'back of clock' duties. The reporter states, [Operator] does not offer the option for cabin crew to use a taxi to travel home on completion of a long international duty if they are feeling fatigued. The reporter further states, they have chosen not to drive to the airport from home when conducting 'back of clock' or long international duties, as they are concerned about safety with the potential for an accident when driving fatigued after the return flight without rest. The reporter queries why [Operator] does not provide the option for cabin crew to use a taxi to travel home post 'back of clock' or long-distance flights if feeling fatigued in the same way that partner airline [Operator 2] does.
The reporter has reported this concern to [Operator] however has received nil response.
Thank you for the opportunity to respond to REPCON RA2024-00205.
[Operator] has a Fatigue Management Policy (FMP) for cabin crew which is documented in [manual relating to cabin crew policy], as well as resources and guides on sleep and fatigue on the intranet page.
Post duty fatigue provisions
[Operator] has a range of fatigue risk mitigations available to crew following completion of their duty. These include:
- Post duty, cabin crew should contact Crewing on arrival at home port and request accommodation to rest. Crewing will book accommodation at a hotel close to the airport and advise the details to the crew member.
- Cabin crew can request transport to their home address registered with [Operator] by contacting Crewing on arrival at home port.
- Crew can request preliminary approval for expenses to make their own arrangements for transport home with their preferred provider, such as taxi, shuttle bus or public transport. The crew member retains the receipt provided and submits an expense claim.
This policy is applicable to all international and domestic crew.
[Operator] will issue a reminder of the post duty fatigue provisions available to all crew and direct to our current [policy relating to cabin crew fatigue].
CASA considers the matters contained within the REPCON to be a valid concern that may impact safety and acknowledge the Operator's immediate actions. CASA would like to highlight the requirements of CASR 91.520 regarding that crew members should not carry out any duties for a flight where they are, or likely to be, unfit to perform a duty on the flight or a duty that is related to the safety of the aircraft, persons or cargo on the aircraft. CASA will include the information provided within the REPCON in its oversight approach for the identified operator.