Pilot Beard Ban: Airlines Cite Safety Concerns

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Qantas is‍ considering extending its beard ‍ban for pilots to⁣ include QantasLink regional ‍flights. Currently, beards are banned for pilots on Qantas and Jetstar mainline services.

The rationale behind the potential ban ⁤stems from a safety review by QinetiQ, which suggested beards could compromise the seal of oxygen masks.

however, a 2024 study ⁣by Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University found no evidence to support this claim, stating that facial hair did not cause mask leaks or affect performance.

qantas held‍ a consultation period (July 15 – August 12)⁢ to gather pilot feedback on the proposed ban.

The Australian Federation of Air Pilots (AFAP) is opposing the ⁤ban,calling it “outdated” and based on “obsolete science.” They point out that other airlines like Virgin Australia, Emirates, Etihad, and Cathay allow tidy beards for their flight crews.