Qantas Airways is preparing to open its first international cabin crew base in Singapore in September 2026. This strategic move aims to bolster the airline’s presence in Asia and facilitate a more responsive international network.
The new Singapore base will initially recruit 120 crew members, with plans to expand to 650 within five years. The positions will be exclusively for Singapore citizens and permanent residents, reflecting Qantas’s commitment to local employment. The airline’s International CEO, Cam Wallace, emphasized that the Singapore-based crew will operate flights connecting Singapore and Australia, including services to Melbourne, Sydney, Perth, Brisbane, and Darwin, totaling around 50 weekly flights.
Operational and Capacity Enhancements
Starting December 2026, Qantas will increase its Airbus A380 capacity on Singapore-Sydney routes by nearly 18%, supporting the expanded crew base and passenger demand. This capacity increase aligns with the airline’s broader efforts to improve operational efficiency and response times to disruptions across its international network.
Transition from Jetstar Singapore
The move coincides with Jetstar Airways’ decision to close its Singapore crew operations, with approximately 50 Jetstar staff being offered roles within the new Qantas base. This consolidation aims to streamline operations under the Qantas brand while maintaining service levels and retaining experienced local professionals.
Broader Workforce Expansion
As part of its growth strategy, Qantas plans to create 8,500 new roles in Australia by 2030, including a new Jetstar crew base opening in Perth later in 2026. This expansion will support increased aircraft deployment and route development across the country.
The initiative underscores Qantas’s focus on expanding its international footprint through strategic operational investments in Singapore, reinforcing its role as a major hub in the Asia-Pacific region.
