Unions call experts to check Qantas books

Unions have engaged specialist aviation consultants in a bid to make the airline publicly accountable for its plans to close maintenance bases, which could putting 1000 Victorian jobs at risk.

Sydney-based firm Avlaw Aviation Consulting has been given access by the airline to financial information shared with the unions, which want want to know why Qantas needs to have its Airbus A380 fleet maintained offshore.

The three unions want the aviation analysts to independently analyse Qantas’ figures, to see if the airline’s plans are justified.

Qantas is considering closing its Tullamarine, Avalon or Brisbane maintenance bases as it phases out Boeing 747 and Boeing 767 aircraft within five years.

A decision is expected late next month.