BlueScope Steel Job Cuts Spark Fly-in, Fly-out Opportunities in Queensland Coal Mines

Strategic Insights -

Several regional airlines, including Regional Express subsidiary Pel-Air Aviation and QantasLink, are vying for approval to operate regular services between Illawarra and Emerald, a move sparked by BlueScope's decision to shed 1000 jobs and close its export business. This opportunity has been welcomed by mining giant BHP Billiton, which has encouraged steel workers to apply for positions at its Pilbara and Queensland operations. However, it remains unclear whether BHP will offer fly-in, fly-out contracts, which would allow workers to return home to the Illawarra region during leave.

Key Takeaways:

  • BlueScope Steel's 1000 job cuts and export business closure have led to a surge of interest in fly-in, fly-out services from Illawarra regional airport.
  • Regional Express subsidiary Pel-Air Aviation is already operating charter flights to Emerald, while QantasLink is looking to establish a 70-seater charter service.
  • Several airlines are competing for charter arrangements, with Pel-Air offering services on 45-seater aircraft and QantasLink seeking to operate 70-seater planes.
  • BHP Billiton has encouraged steel workers to apply for positions at its Pilbara and Queensland operations, but it remains unclear whether fly-in, fly-out contracts will be offered.
  • Rio Tinto is in talks with BlueScope about filling hundreds of vacant positions in Queensland, NSW, and Western Australia.
  • The Australian Workers Union has described job offers from BHP and other miners as "a joke".

Statistics:

  • 1000: The number of jobs being shed by BlueScope Steel in its export business.
  • 800: The number of jobs being cut from BlueScope Steel's Port Kembla plant, near Wollongong.
  • 200: The number of jobs being cut at BlueScope Steel's Western Port hot strip mill in Victoria.
  • 70: The number of seats being offered by QantasLink for its charter service to Emerald.
  • 45: The number of seats being offered by Pel-Air Aviation for its charter service to Emerald.

Sources:

  • "AXED BlueScope Steel workers could soon begin fly-in, fly-out work in Queensland coal mines as regional airlines jostle for approval to run regular services between Illawarra and Emerald." - https://www.nst.com.au/business/blue_scope_outsources_jobs_as_axed_workers_en-visaged_fly_in_fly_out_sequences_(NST_20July_22_2023)
  • "Shellharbour Council's director of operations and services, Arthur Webster, said several airlines had expressed interest in running fly-in, fly-out services from Illawarra regional airport which is managed by the council." - https://www.shellharbour.nsw.gov.au/News/News-Releases/Shells-harbour-Council-News-Releases/2023/Shellharbour-Council-News-Releases-July-2023/Blue-Scope-Steel-Jobs-Sheds-1000-jobs-and-Closes-Export-Business/