Qantas pilots have slammed claims they are seeking spas and massages as part of their industrial campaign against the airline. Earlier, a statement of claim that has obtained by media revealed the Australian International Pilots Association wants its members to get access to business and first-class lounges, which in Sydney has spas, massages, facials, a full menu from Neil Perry, a full bar and a library.

But upset AIPA was quick to hit back on early claims, saying there is only one issue over which Qantas pilots are taking protected industrial action, and that is to keep Qantas pilots behind the controls of Qantas flights.

AIPA said Qantas pilots are currently engaged in a dispute with management over the clause, which would see all Qantas flights operated by Qantas pilots. The need for the Qantas flight / Qantas pilot clause has arisen due to Qantas management's plan to offshore and outsource the work of Qantas pilots through basing operations in Asia.

AIPA Vice President Captain Richard Woodward said the current smear campaign by management PR, suggesting Qantas pilots are taking industrial action over trivial matters, was patently ridiculous.

"To suggest that Qantas pilots would vote for protected industrial action, for the first time since 1966, over trivial matters relating to pay and conditions is laughable," Captain Woodward said.

"It's pretty disappointing that Qantas PR would run such a silly smear campaign.

"I urge Alan Joyce to instruct his PR team: stop this dishonest and pointless attack and let's work on a solution that will satisfy the Australian travelling public," Captain Woodward said.