BALPA Bulletin: One Air roster proposals, base changes and next steps

Thank you to everyone who took the time to share your views and complete the recent survey. Your feedback has been invaluable in helping BALPA understand how pilots across One Air feel about the proposed 20/10 roster pattern and the EMA/Heathrow base arrangements. 

This update is for BALPA members only. A separate, limited communication will be issued to those who expressed interest in joining BALPA. 

1. What You Told Us – Key Themes from the Survey 

Your feedback showed extremely strong and consistent views across the pilot group. Below is a summary of the themes that came through most clearly. 

Strong opposition to the proposed 20/10 roster pattern 

• Around three-quarters of respondents said they do not support the 20/10 pattern. 
• Only a very small minority expressed support. 
• A significant proportion were “unsure” due to a lack of information. 

Concerns about lack of information and meaningful consultation 

• 100% of pilots stated that insufficient information had been provided to make an informed decision. 
• Nearly 9 in 10 said the short response window (late February → 6 March) was not reasonable. 
• This was one of the strongest and most consistent findings from the survey. 

Clear belief that 20/10 represents a contractual change 

• Almost 94% of respondents considered this a material change to their expected terms and conditions. 

Fatigue, wellbeing and time away from home were the top concerns 

When asked what impact a 20/10 roster would have: 

• 97% highlighted time away from home 
• 84% highlighted work–life balance issues 
• 69% highlighted fatigue/wellbeing concerns 
• 69% raised caring or family responsibilities 
• Over 59% raised issues with personal commitments 
• Around 31% flagged commuting as a major issue 

Base uncertainty driving additional concern 

• Nearly half said they had no clear understanding of the Heathrow/EMA changes. 
• Over 40% indicated the changes could create personal or professional difficulties. 

Pilots want BALPA to act collectively 

• Almost all respondents supported BALPA coordinating a collective response. 
• A similarly high proportion supported BALPA challenging the process due to lack of detail and inadequate consultation. 

2. Preferred Alternatives Raised by Pilots 

Pilots across ranks identified several roster patterns they felt could be more workable and sustainable, including: 

• Monthly line rosters (strongest preference) 
• 15/13 and 16/12 patterns 
• Variants such as 18/12, 15/15, or max 12 on / 9 off 

These alternatives will not form part of BALPA’s discussions with the company until members are fully consulted and once all information has been presented by One Air 

3. What BALPA Is Doing Now 

Based on your feedback, BALPA has formally approached the company. 

Today we have written to the company outlining: 

A. Concerns about the consultation process 

• Communication sent in late February with a request for responses by 6 March 
• Minimal detail provided on critical issues such as:

*hotel/rest arrangements

*standby expectations 

*positioning 

*length of time away from base 

*handling of leave 

*impact on pilots with secondary roles 

*implications of EMA becoming permanent 

• The compressed timeline did not constitute meaningful consultation. 

B. Substantive concerns with the 20/10 model 

• Fatigue risk, rest, and wellbeing 
• Work–life balance and personal/family impact 
• Contractual implications 
• Inconsistency with what many pilots were told during recruitment 
• Lack of clarity on basing and allowances 

C. BALPA’s proposed next steps 

BALPA will request: 

• A meeting with the COO and senior management 
• A clear explanation of the operational drivers behind the proposal 
• A commitment to a fair and informed consultation process 
• Evaluation of realistic alternatives raised by pilots 
• Proper consideration of fatigue, basing, rostering, and wellbeing impacts 

D. BALPA’s support on offer 

We will also offer access to: 

• BALPA’s Scheduling Specialists 
• Pilot driven data from the survey 
• Sector best practice on roster design 

Our approach will be constructive, professional, and collaborative. 

4. What Happens Next 

Once the company has responded, BALPA will: 

• Update members promptly 
• Share any developments, meetings, or commitments made by management 
• Continue gathering feedback from pilots as the situation evolves 
• Support any individual members needing advice or guidance during this process 

You will hear from us as soon as we receive a response. 

5. Communication to Non-Members 

Those who expressed interest in joining BALPA will receive a separate, shorter communication: 

• An overview of the issue 
• An explanation of the benefits of joining 
• A clear message that a stronger BALPA membership strengthens the pilot voice 
• An invitation to join BALPA so they are included in future updates like this one 

We will not share this members-only bulletin with non-members. 

Thank you again for your engagement, your detailed feedback, and your continued support. 

Your input has directly shaped the action BALPA is now taking. 

We will update members as soon as there is any further development. 

Together we are stronger,