Handling change at BHX

[legalize]

Can't say to much at the moment but it seems like there is going to be a big handling change coming up at BHX. All i can say is it involves 2 major airlines moving from 1 HA to another!

Remember where you heard it 1st:ok:

[Skipness One Echo]

Well since you haven't told us no one is going to remember it at all. Do tell if you know please, otherwise, er whatever is the point of the post?

[OPS1978]

The changes are KLM And Air France to swissport and monarch to a new handling agent the 4th handling agent at bhx:ok:

[groundhogbhx]

As posted on Airlines airports & routes by me yesterday at 2205 it looks like AF/KLM are moving but no decision has been announced as they only did their audits during the week. Swissport think they have them as they spent a day looking at them, just like US Airways did and then went to Servisair. When the decision is made I'm sure it will be posted here in very short order:ok:

[bazzab68]

Oh dear yet again jumping the gun, wait a minute have we been here before, yes TCX was it not..... Did they end up at the 'port. erm no. Contracts come up every year and airlines look around. Will they leave or go who knows.. But don't count ya chickens before they hatch. :ok:

[jetsgo]

For AF/KLM to move such a specialized product to another handling agent would cause a lot of hassle getting it right with the new agents. The only reason would be huge financial savings to the airline.

I agree with BazzaB68. All airlines ‘shop around’ and just because they are talking with another handling agents doesn’t mean they will change handling agents. I know in the last 6-12 months or so ZB,CO, EI, PK, CY among others have all spoken with different agents but non of them have yet moved. It depends if AF/KLM value service or are they looking for a rock bottom price. With the current economic climate I do worry that price is the overriding factor in these decisions. Just look at monarch. Maybe they have just signed with swissport for 1 year, but was it just to fill the gap until this ‘4th’ handling agent arrives if the rumours are to be believed.

[JamesKirk]

Re AF/KLM changing H/A's I think that Groundhog, legalize & ops1978 have all missed the point that this is a game that airlines play every so often. Rules are as follows:

1) Airline wants to drop the handling price (possibly losing money or require the capital for another takeover??)
2) Approach current H/A & ask for price drop.
3) H/A says "you've got to be havin a laff"
4) Airline audits other H/A's at same airport & lets the current H/A know this.
5) current H/A will review the contract status, talk to airline & compromise on SLA/prices to drop 1-2%.
6) Airline says thanks very much, stays with current H/A & evryone lives happily ever after!!!

This game has already been played so far by Monarch, Flybe, Continental & Lingus all with some success for the Airline, this game will continue to be played again and again until the UK H/A's come up with a minimum service pricelist that they can agree on and then airlines will move on quality of service alone. this has got to be the answer otherwise the H/A's will drop staff & standards of training which ultimately will result in Health and Safety issues.
If AF/KLM do issue notice it will be on price alone as there is no way that "the Circus" or "Pissport" could match the service they currently get.:p

[mantug01]

Think 'bigger picture'

Airlines are currently linking themselves to the same handling agent on worldwide agreements (Where possible) This way they can ensure they have known standards and know who's door to kick down if things fail. And these doors are not your local station manager.

ZB are currently handed by Swissport where present
AF/KL - Worldwide agreement for handling where ever Swissport are present.
Easyjet - Handled by Menzies where present.
BMI - Handled by Aviance where present.
Continental - Servisair..

Its not just down to your local performance, that can be changed...Its all down to £££££ or €€€€

[groundhogbhx]

Well aware of the game, I've seen it played enough times.

Think you might find your info about CO might be a little out, they didn't go to the other agents to get Servisair to reduce their price :ok:

[Novair DC10]

I think Continental are moving from Servisair to Aviance in DUB ???