The Court of Appeal has told Jetstar to give pilots and cabin crew the breaks they are entitled to.

Jetstar was appealing an Employment Court ruling in favour of Christchurch-based pilot Robert Greenslade, who said the turnaround between flights on domestic, trans-Tasman and Pacific flights was so fast he could not take a break.

The airline argued that it was adhering to Australian laws regarding break entitlements, but the Appeal Court has ruled that kiwi employment legislation trumps this.

The New Zealand Air Line Pilots' Association is welcoming this court ruling that forces Jetstar to provide a pilot with adequate breaks to eat and rest.

Association acting president First Officer Tim Robinson said the decision is great news for the pilot involved and will have wider ramifications for the industry as a whole.