Qantas Group pilots will FlyPink from 1 October, swapping out their normal gold epaulettes (shoulder stripes) for pink epaulettes, to show their support during Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
The Australian-first initiative was started by QantasLink Captain Susan McHaffie whose aunt was diagnosed and beat breast cancer.
Joining the airline in 2013, Susan was inspired by the National Breast Cancer Foundation-branded pink QantasLink aircraft to find a way to raise funds and awareness for breast cancer research that would encourage airlines around the world to join together for the cause.
Qantas Group pilots who will wear pink epaulettes include Qantas, QantasLink, Jetstar, JetConnect, Cobham, Network Aviation and Express Freighters Australia.
QantasLink Captain Susan McHaffie said she hoped her small idea would encourage other airlines to show their support.
“Together with Qantas, it is my goal to raise $20,000 for breast cancer research. I hope by next year I’ll walk past a pilot I don’t know in an international airport wearing pink epaulettes in support of breast cancer research,”
Susan McHaffie, QantasLink Captain
QantasLink Chief Pilot, Captain Nathan Miller said Qantas was proud to get behind all its pilots and the FlyPink initiative, which will see pilots donate money to don the pink epaulettes when they sign on for flying duty.
“Qantas is really proud to show our support for breast cancer awareness, and most importantly help raise vital funds for research,” said Captain Miller.
Pink epaulettes will be available to all 3,300 Qantas Group pilots who are encouraged to donate $5 and wear pink with pride in October.
Qantas Group pilots will use the month of October to raise money through a number of other activities including National Breast Cancer Foundation collection tins in crew rooms and Qantas airports, and hold Pink Ribbon Breakfasts around the country.
QantasLink will serve food items in FlyPink branded boxes and brownies in support of the campaign.
Qantas Group pilots who will wear pink epaulettes
Customers and other Qantas employees can support FlyPink by donating to www.flypink.net #WeFlyPink #showyoursupport
