As per title! :ok:

Find the latest vacancies for Thomas Cook pilots (http://www.thomascook.com/recruitment/cabin-crew-and-pilots/pilot-vacancies)

Eyes wide open, if you fancy it. Good luck, its largely a nice place to be.

Didnt they just offload some highly paid full time pilots who would have preferred to have stayed?
Who could have guessed that they would need to be replaced with much cheaper part timers so soon after the latest morale boosting purge:hmm:

I currently sit in the hold pool for TCX, having passed selection last year.

Not heard a word from them........?!

Not for me right now anyway, but seems all a little odd.

People down the foot of the list jumped before they were pushed. I'm sure that they would have been happy to stay at TCX but many may have a better career as a result. To reduce costs in the winter, I suspect that TCX will be running summer only contracts for a few years.

Thats only any good if you can get the staff on summer only contracts. Which at the moment I doubt they can. Especially type rated guys.

Watch out here comes CTC

I would bet a fair bit against any cadet type arrangement after comments made by the Chief Pilot last week.
Short of manpower mainly due to extra lines of flying bought back in-house after the failure of 3rd. party airlines.
They have already admitted that the supply of suitable candidates is limited, if (and its a big if) more than expected jump ship to the ME, you never know, a summer contract might develop into something more permanent. Its not the safest option, but at least its in the UK!

They must be looking at unemployed 757/767 drivers or guys who can leave something at very short notice. Industry standard 3 months notice dictates the earliest start could be late June. This would be for an OCC!! You wouldn't be online until July, however in most cases August. The summer is all but finished by then. However I doubt many would leave a position to take up a job at TCX on a short term contract with a vague possibility of something permanent. It might have been worth a gamble when times were good, but now......

Are TCX looking for any remaining Astraeus drivers who haven't been hoovered up by Jet2, DHL, Emirates and the like? I totally agree with the comment that the supply of suitable candidates is limited. I'd say it is very limited. BA already commented during their DEP campaign that suitably rated 757/767 candidates were few and far between.

I suspect that some of our colleagues that took the Enhanced VR will be offered an extension. Politically, it would have to be RHS due to the Reserve Captain issue. Happened last time when TCX were suddenly left short.

There's still a fair few ex - aeu fos knocking about looking for work, I can think of at least 4-5 who will apply for this.

With TCX having gone through some rather tough times in recent months, other than the few remaining 75/76 rated people left on the market (and there are very very few), it's difficult to see people giving up their current job for this. Even though flying in the UK is a plus, I think they might struggle to get bums on seats unfortunately. I wish them luck but I really believe they'll struggle.

BA already commented during their DEP campaign that suitably rated 757/767 candidates were few and far between

Yes - BA made redundant 25 B757/767 pilots from its Paris based subsidiary in December. All have now either found alternative employment or have retired from flying duties following decades of service to UK aviation.

I also hear the CTC cadet pool is almost empty...

Spider

Didn't they advertised for B757 FOs some time last October? Was that only to make people redundant 2 months later? Could hardly be any more dynamic! :confused:

Sorry for deviating of the topic!

This is great news,I have 1200TT 900 737 what are my chances..?

Given that they don't have 737s I'd say slim to none.

Given that you have 500+ on a Boeing I would say its a definite maybe. TCX will struggle getting guys with experience on type as the job role is only a seasonal contract with a slim possibility of being kept on. As TCX are currently pushing loads of guys throughout TR's I think there is a very strong possibility of guys who are not rated being taken on.

wow, I'd be surprised and impressed if they were TR people.But I think there will easily be enough unless they want double figures...
Any idea how many they want ?

Don't bother going to TCX, it's :mad:! And run by :mad:

We joined TCX around the same time in 2000/01, I'm sorry to hear it doesn't tick the boxes for you any more.

Gotta say I don't miss it for one moment. I did make a wrong turn in going to the red tail outfit in 2006, but generally haven't looked back since.

There is life outside of TCX. You just need to look in places you never thought possible.:ok:

I think your probably right, its time to get out. Things are only going to get worse here.

I'd hesitate to say it was :mad:, but it certainly isn't what it used to be, sadly.
Demotions, cancelled pay rise, vastly reduced travel concessions and low morale are all stifling the joie de vivre we all once enjoyed.:{

The pay rise being cancelled is news to me. This was previously agreed as part of the 3 year deal.

I would echo some of the comments above though. It is no longer a company that I would recommend.:{

Apologies...my mistake ref. pay rise.
Our leader wrote to us all saying no pay rises ' at any level'....however Solly was quoted in a newsletter that the 2008 RPI+2% deal would be honoured. Doh!

Our leader wrote to us all saying no pay rises ' at any level'

Except I think you will find there was a clause saying unless already agreed

It's become a RGF, which is a real shame.

1. The people you fly with ARE great.
2. The pilot scheduling agreement/terms & conditions WERE great.
3. The board were NOT great and should have been taken outside and shot for allowing the semi literate spanish barrow boy to drive the group into the ground.

3 is a top gear reference and clearly in jest. Perhaps.

I fear TCX is moribund. If not, it is certainly tainted. Most of the airline management are decent enough misguided people but the even more misguided group beancounters pull their strings. I agree with 763 jock, I could no longer recommend this airline.

Would you care to elaborate on what the scheduling agreement/terms & conditions were and are now?

As far as I know you get 10 days off pm in the summer, 13 in winter. 42 days leave upto 50 after 5 years....Max 800hrs per year.

Scheduling agreement is about to be attacked by the DFO again. I would suggest that there is no chance whatsoever of being kept on past October as further downsizing is a certainty next winter. Rumour has it that the West Jet contract is not being renewed next winter as the aircraft sent sat tech for 2 weeks and they were furious about it.

30 odd skippers demoted, holiday concessions rendered useless, morale lower than a snakes belly and F/Os told to relocate if they still want to work for the company.

Apart from that...;)

Was a no for me.

Was a long shot as I'm inexperienced but was worth a try.

Good luck to those who got the call/email.

Was a no for me too, again low hours but worth a try...

When did you guys get the call e-mail...? applied the day it was announced have 1k hours on the 737,hoping that because I have heard nothing it is a good sign

Just log in and check your application status.

4k TT Type-rated on a non-tcx type. Big fat no....

"Thanks but no thanks" for me as well guys, its fine though, im used to it :O
Next page please.

Just checked still says under review:ugh:any idea how many they are likely to recruit

@<hidden>

What are you type rated on.....

Looking to recruit a minimum of 10, number could go up still as the summer programme has not yet been released to the Airline, which is one of the reasons why we are so inefficient. It would seem highly likely non rated pilots will be recruited due to a lack of supply and that we are under going a large number of Boeing conversions, so recruits will plug the gaps in the type ratings

Europe - 737NG

Me too SD,now awaiting my big fat no as you have considerably more hours:ugh::ugh::ugh:

I spoke to HR direct via email and received this:

I’m afraid that we are only planning to recruit a small number of B757/767 type rated pilots on fixed term contracts for this summer. My personal view based on the current pilot market is that we will have to start offering type-ratings in the future but probably not until next year.

I was also B737 Rated.

Under review must be a good sign. Mine says rejected! You obviously meet the criteria so fingers crossed !

so just remind me what the crack was for the TCX career break deal? Return ticket from the sandpit included?

Yes Pilots could opt for a 3,4,5 year career break. Also voluntary redundancy was offered and the net reduction was 72 pilots. There apparently are still more wishing to leave the business and others are looking to jump ship. I understand the career break system works so a pilot will return at same base, same rank, and seniority ..... As long as that position exists. However, unless things change over the next 5 months, anyone joining us should be well aware it is only a summer contract as there are 7 aircraft who's leases expire at the end of the year, and there is currently no jets earmarked to replace them..... Possibly yet more fun at the mill!

I know a bloke down the pub who's got a mate who knows someone thats got an interview at TCX. Would there be any kind souls out there who have gone through the selection procedure in previous summers? Oh, and for those interested, I believe this chap has some time on the 757.
PM me please.

Has anyone actually had confirmation of an interview yet? My status just says
"Under Review"!! :rolleyes:

Was just wondering whether anyone had any updates.

Cheers

Seems to have gone very quiet on this thread......:confused:

Anyone on the inside know anything have the places been filled?

Thanks

One of my ex colleagues going for intervew early april.

3500hrs, alot on boeing

Thanks Fade to Grey.

I've not heard a thing either way!!

Probably a PFO i expect...

Cheers

Mine under review aswell alos expect the PFO

Checked mine today; declined. Ho Hum!

Is this for TCX?

B757/767 FO - UK Based with Storm McGinley | 1401337749 (http://jobs.flightglobal.com/job/1401337749/b757-767-fo-uk-based/)

Yes mate, says it's for thomas cook.

Interviews tomorrow, several ex-colleagues going.

God 38-39k on the Storm McGinely site seems on the low side especially as it's a contract!!! A mistake?

Surely they'll struggle paying that!!! :ugh::ugh:

38-39k on the Storm McGinely site seems on the low side

The numbers could be misleading since 38-39k is per annun and the contract is only 6 months in duration. Its more like 19k basic.

However, its a job.

19 K ???? Get real. Closer to 50 K paid pro rata.

They'll get all they want. In a few years experienced people with a couple of thousand hours on type will doing internships. There will always be someone who will accept the salary that's offered even if it is 10% lower than the previous season, and a temporary contract with no benefits.

Exactly. I think there's a good chance that within a few years the role of FO will be an unpaid position. Captains will be paid £40k a year, but people will still be beating down the doors at CTC and OAA.

Anyone in TCX have any updates on whether these positions have been filled?

My application still says under review but i am thinking maybe i have been forgotten or they are keeping some applications in reserve in case people jump ship over the coming months to Ba / Virgin / EK? I don't have a 75/76 rating but 1800hrs on the B737...Seems late in the day now to get people on board for summer.:confused:


Cheers

I know someone else still under revue Dan, lots of hours but none on 75/6. Probably as you suspect.

Interviews were last week and there's some this week too. Those successful will be asked to attend a sim assessment in very early May. Start dates would be middle of May. So really its a 5-5 1/2 month contract. Those that were there when my mates mate went were all 757 rated, most with a few thousand hours on type.

Thanks guys, i'm not going to be holding out for this one by the sounds of it!!!

Indeed, D cubed. However, to potential summer slaves- a number of Capts are still awaiting outcomes or start dates elsewhere- with reserve captains moving back to the left seat in light of more captains leaving, boeing conversions by mostly pi$$ed off guys who don't know whether they're having a sh* t or a shave(number of tripline flights is huge) and history suggesting that the company's chances of getting the numbers right remain low to none, I would be hopeful that if you are looking for a job, then the slots are there. Numbers will never be confirmed- simply, they just don't know.

It seems the agency are obviously taking their cut- from the recruits themselves. No doubt. In which case a 'caveat emptor' exists. Good Luck. If you are lucky enough (:}) then it's better than a kick in the nads- just remember to tell yourself that on the night DLM.

The agency is not "taking their cut". The agency will provide accomodation and transport as part of the package. So that looks like its being taken out of the salary. Whereas those going direct with TCX do not have accomodation or transport provided and it is up to the individual to sort out.

So the agency is taking their cut then.

Agency used to recruit pilots. Agency not operating for free. New pilots on reduced salary(even pro rata). :=

So how is the agency taking their cut?????
They pay basic pay of £3350/month, they pay accomodation and transport (rental car if required). If you go direct through TCX you get approx £4000/month and you sort out your own accomodation and transport.

Oh dear. Have you not had sex for a while. Such aggresive tones from a low houred F/O. I don't work for an agency. I certainly dont have to explain my credentials to you or anyone else. Can you not accept what you are saying is wrong. What a great addition you would make on a flight deck. Can you not work out the the agency will pay basic and for accommodation and for transport. I guess you still live at your parents house and get your dad to drop you off as you seem to think the agency just throw those in. They do cost money, you know. How much could you get accomodation for in MAN or GLA?
And where have you got your facts from?
Oh, and they are not my figures. They are direct from TCX and Storm. I have seen them myself.

Go and felch yer boyfriend.

Apologies for slight thread drift. Hope somebody can bring it back on track with useful information.

If I can offer one last bit of advise - don't be taken by 'onest frank. Take his words with a large pinch of salt.

"I guess you still live at your parents house and get your dad to drop you off as you seem to think the agency just throw those in. They do cost money, you know. How much could you get accomodation for in MAN or GLA"?

That seems to sum up his ignorance! :8

SK

Ooooh. SFO eh. "Senior" First Officer who enjoys a spot of gliding. Will you ever make Capt with that attitude.
Why is it when someone comes on pprune to give some facts to the debate theres always a little oik who believes he is right no matter what. They never want to back down just because they have some misconception about something. Why dont you find the facts out instead of just assuming the agency is taking their cut out of the employees pay. I have the facts and here they are for all to see.

Duration:
5 months
Basic Payment:
£3,350.50 per calendar month pro rata
Duty Pay:
£3.28 per hour for all duties with 78p tax free
(subject to HMRC)
Overtime:
£311 to £759 dependent on length and time band of overtime
Days off per month:
10 days off per fixed 28 day blocks
Annual Leave Per Month:
4 days leave per month (for every 3 days leave taken one day off is reduced)
Ground Transportation:
Taxi or coach provided with option of hire car
Accommodation:
3 and 4 star hotels
Insurance:
Personal Accident and Business Travel in accordance with the Pilots Policies and Procedures document.

They are not taking their cut? And just because I've said that you think I'm management???? I guess you'll assume I work for Storm now. Far from it.
So before jumping in and start all the name calling get the facts.

Anyway.

I would imagine that TCX are going through and agency so they can have access to loads of type rated pilots. Rgds who is paying for it, I honestly don't think it really matters.

I hope we take on a good bunch of experienced guys and gals, not just those who paid for a rating and don't have any serious experience on it. I say this as it upsets me that the industry seems to be cutting out the old style progression from turbo to jet by just getting those who have paid for rating in the hope that one day they may get some line experience. Sadly with TCX only looking as far ahead as the end of their nose I can see why they won't pay for TR's for seasonal only contracts, even though there are still lots of F/O's and Skippers who are looking to jump ship over the coming year which would make the seasonal jobs perm.

Just my thoughts

Cabus

Just noticed Honest F's post.

I think there are few points there that have been put up incorrectly from the website you have cut and pasted that from. Just so you know

Cabus,
That info was cut and pasted from an email attachment direct from storm. It is different from the storm website. The storm website states £39k + ground transportation.
Those that I know who attended on the first day of interviews last week were experienced 75/76 pilots. There was only one "low houred" guy.

So is that £39k for the summer season, or 5 and a half months of that ?
I don't think there are many 75/76 rated people left - I reckon 70 % of the astraeus bunch are with monarch/jet2/gone to sandy land.

I hear from my man they are doing 2 interviews, and a sim test to qualify for this amazing 5 1/2 month package !

£39k / 12 for your monthly rate if you go with Storm. They sort out hotel and accom ( according to the details sent to me). Or if you have gone direct to TCX by filling out their online application its closer to £50k / 12 and you sort your own accom and transport out.

For your info...

Felching: A sexual practice involving the act of orally sucking semen out of the vagina or anus of one's partner after sex

It was only a matter of time...... Ha ha

And i was just catching up on things whilst eating dinner......:eek:

Bloody hell, so that's what you boys get up to. Glad I stay off the kinky stuff....? :eek:

Earlier posts deleted as I remain unsure of the real 'facts' regarding this deal. I will riposte in a few months when the 'real deal' has emerged and in full flow- probably not delivering what it said on the tin. They have history (agency).

Out, for now.

Well,you learn something every day ha.

Must be a LGW pastime :ok: (tractor fleet?)

HonestFr@<hidden> Was the one low houred guy already working for the company in Ops or something? Do you know his/her story?

No, he was from a company that went bust late last year.

CABUS

You say "I hope we take on a good bunch of experienced guys and gals, not just those who paid for a rating and don't have any serious experience on it. I say this as it upsets me that the industry seems to be cutting out the old style progression from turbo to jet by just getting those who have paid for rating in the hope that one day they may get some line experience."

Do you really think your 300 hours TT prior to joining the RHS of an A320 entitles you to say this? Even if you were a safety pilot on a Navajo...

Pot kettle black springs to mind and a typical comment from someone who has had a leg up and wants to stand on the fingers of others trying to claw their way up.

Not very nice man.

No, he was from a company that went bust late last year.

Oh, so he was type rated, but just with little or no experience on type? I'm just wondering how many non type rated guys they looked at.

I come under the "experienced but not type rated" criteria (3000 hours light turboprop), just finding it a bit difficult to get any interest in my CV at the moment. For basically the reasons that CABUS has outlined, I would surmise.

If people start moving through the industry it would mean that guys with low hrs can get their first commercial jobs, which we would all like to see! Most UK jet operators are not taking on direct low hour modular pilots anymore, which is a real shame. However if the progression I spoke about from turbo/light to jet started again it would start to clear up the pool of low hour mod guys which sadly being missed, as they would be taken into the turbo/light cat. The massive spanner in the works are the integrated schools which offer low hour direct jet jobs and the airlines see this as an easy option as it doesn't appear to cost the airline much. This is bypassing everyone and is halting the career progression which would benefit all.

Is it any sort of a good indication that my submission is still "under review" I though at this stage they would have taken on all the guys they need plus I am non TR ...?

BE

Mine is the same, I have 737 TR no 75/76 rating. I can't believe they would still need people for the summer now with no TR summer would nearly be over by the time you got on line but hey this is aviation i mean airlines just don;t leave things to chance and do things last minute......do they!!!!! LOL.....:E

Seems as if there are a few "under Review" I would expect they are holding a few that looked promising on the file just in case!

+1 on that!

Interesting that some people still think they are owed a job by an airline just because they have a few flight hours. Please don't misunderstand me - I wish this were the case, but it isn't! Anyone serious about a position with an airline must join the fight to be better qualified than the next person. Inevitably this means being type rated. Choose your rating wisely and it will be a good investment. If unable or unwilling, continue to complain about those who make their choice differently.

Just to bring this thread 'back to the top' as another one was started on the same subject.

Apparently the following email was sent to a select few recently;

As you may be aware you are currently awaiting manager review in the online system.

Due to short notice possibilities, if you have a Beoing 757 or an A320 rating on your licence current within 5 yesars please could you get back to myself ASAP by email


What are the chances of finding B757 rated guys at this stage in the season?

What are the chances of finding B757 rated guys at this stage in the season?

Plenty of 757 rated folks out there but very few unemployed and ready to start within 3 months ie ready for the Summer season. I don't know of any that would give up a permanent position for a seasonal contract.

As said previously, I think they'll struggle. Improve the T's and C's and maybe......

does anyone have contact details for the 75 jobs please

1.6VS It was apply on line and closed weeks ago. There is also an agency recruiting for it, if you read through the thread you should find the details.

yes ,very helpful!

yes ,very helpful!
Sorry I bothered, I expect you want someone to make a personal introduction for you and maybe even put in a good word. If you need a job on a 75, perhaps you should keep your own eyes open, next time you may be in a position to apply within the deadline.

Funnily enough I happened to subscribe to this thread when it began just out of interest, never actually expected to get the email quoted above at such a late stage in the summer... but was quite pleasantly surprised when I got it and was able to reply and say I was type rated on the A320.

Just wondering if anybody had a profile of what they were looking for?
I cant imagine there are too many guys sitting around at this point in the year with 500 hours on type, but who knows really. Personally I don't have time on type but have higher totals and I would hope a higher skillset than a newbie cadet as Im currently flying as a jump pilot.

Just wondering where I would stand really?

PM me if anyone has any info, thanks in advance, and best of look to anyone who gets in.

Just wondering if anyone has any updates on the situation at TCX after the email a fortnight ago asking to contact them?

Anyone been invited to an interview / Assessment? Does seem very late on to be looking my application still says under review i think they must have a maybe pile as i am not TR on the 75/76......but have Boeing time, who knows!!!:eek:

Anyone who could offer an update would be great.

Thanks

If it helps explain the request:

About 600 applicants of which about 30 had 500 hrs+ on 320/757. After filtering, the numbers for interview were a little low so we requested emails from those rated with lower hours. It's a little difficult to explain the online system which is used company wide, but it's hard to pick up that one answer without reviewing all cv's (if filed).

Some pilots took this specific request to email back that they hadn't got the rating but ..etc and also someone posted an email address on the forums. As you can imagine, neither of those actions help us and would tend to reduce your likelihood of selection.

As it is, the requirement has stabilised, we have recruited from the initial numbers and are complete for this summer.

Many thanks for clarifying and updating.

ThomasCook,

If you are as it would appear replying in an official capacity, can I ask why are TCX using a public "rumour" forum to update applicants on the recruitment process? I've never heard of an airline utilise such a medium to communicate, and if I'm honest it doesn't seem a particularly professional method.

Damned if you do, damned if you don't..

Agree, most airlines don't even bother to update you. Effort to be commended and the explanation should be well received.

Dear Thomas Cook, well done for posting an explanation.

Exactly.

It's sometimes appropriate to communicate with applicants and also interested parties and it answers many of the "rumours" with fact. It's not 100% official but it's a lot better than you would normally get. It also explains the reasons behind the delay.


Dave - if I refer you to your initial post which was not a rumour either.

As per title!

Find the latest vacancies for Thomas Cook pilots

ThomasCook,

You are right my initial post was not a rumour, but neither was it a semi-official statement from someone who is representing TCX in an official capacity. I applaud you for your will to communicate with applicants, that is to be commended. I also fully understand the applicants appreciation of any information that comes their way, by whatever means.

I just question the merit of communicating via an internet forum rather than other more traditional channels. I've never heard of an airline doing such a thing, and on the back of last weeks rant from "doom and gloom" who may or may not have been yourself, it just looks to me like a fairly unprofessional way of conducting a company's business.

I would think that an established uk carrier would be a bit above having to answer "rumours" on a public forum. I dont see my employer or any other carriers doing it, but maybe I'm just old fashioned!

Thomas Cook might well have inside knowledge, but I would be very surprised if anyone who officially represented TCX would have either the time or the inclination to post here. I could have chosen Your Holiness for a username, but it wouldn't mean I was the Pope, would it?

true, but the way the answer is phrased makes it 'feel' like it was composed in a Hangar somewhere in Manchester! Actually, where's the harm, 99.9% of anyone trying to get into flying will be looking at this site, cheap and effective communication. At least we don't have to renew our b###dy password every month on here!:ok:

deepknight,

I too would have been very surprised, but reading ThomasCook's original post and subsequent reply, it sounds like more than a bit of "inside knowledge" to me.

At least the fact that you'd be surprised that they'd communicate in this way backs up my thoughts.......if indeed it is an official source.

Well, if thats the 'official' line of communication from Thomas Cook then what a cheap bunch.

How many were interviewed & finally recruited then? How about giving some figures and perhaps gain some credibility? :ugh::ugh::ugh:

If Thomas Cook's post really is from the horse's mouth it just goes to show that the inappropriate of use of modern media goes all the way to the top.

Release official information on a public rumour forum using an unquantifiable name? What a professional image that shows!

If they wanted to debrief everyone in these days of that there new-fangled interweb, just how much effort would an email discreetly addressed to all applicants really take?

Or was this just one of the HR wallahs forgetting how to behave in a professional manner?

As you can see I haven't posted before but I felt I had to as I just don't see the problem some of you guys have.

The airline knew that there were many unanswered questions on THIS rumour network so they decided to respond and try to answer a few of those. This is a personal touch which to me says lots about the company. TCX does not have to personally respond to each candidate, what ever the experience level, to make it clear how many were interviewed and finally recruited. I believe a major UK airline even checking rumour networks deserves credit but posting a comment to those who have expressed concern on here is beyond what most employers would do. Expecting 'TCook' to give figures to "gain some credibility" will only fuel the debate and before you knew it the thread would have moved to comments about experience levels, type ratings and who should get jobs over other and ultimately bitter comments about how Thomas Cook have taken the wrong guys, which would have all been based on speculation.

What has been said seem sensible and fits in well with what we would expect and the comments some have made, so I would say it was credible.

ooh, I think you can count on it not happening again after these rather sour comments. Talk about can't please all the people all the time!:eek:

Seems like the malaise is widespread:

Thomas Cook's warning that it is in danger of collapse if shareholders fail to back two planned disposals has wiped 10% from its share price.

Its warning came as one analyst said the recent poor performance of its shares, which have slumped 90% over the past 18 months, showed the City believes there is a one in three chance of it failing.

The tour operator posted documents to shareholders over the weekend in which it explained the financial importance of the planned sale and leaseback of part of its aircraft fleet and the disposal of five Spanish hotels.

Failure to support the fundraising move would jeopardise the company's recent £1.4 billion deal with lenders, including Royal Bank of Scotland and Barclays, to extend the maturity of its bank loans to 2015.

The deal has been hailed as a key step in strengthening confidence in the holidays firm, which came close to collapse last year and was forced to go back to its lenders to ask for an additional £100 million lifeline
Thomas Cook said it was confident that shareholders will deliver the required majority when they vote on the disposals at a general meeting in London on May 29.

Douglas McNeill, an analyst at Charles Stanley Securities, said: "To our way of thinking, the share price indicates that the probability of insolvency is over 35% - and we find that too pessimistic. Since shareholder approval seems unlikely to be withheld, this would seem to be something of an academic issue."
The 10% fall in its share price left the company's value at £166.7 million. In this weekend's circular it confirmed losses of £262.7 million for the winter and said the particularly poor performance of its North American and French businesses contributed to the bigger half-year loss.

Bookings for the second half have been more encouraging but Thomas Cook said much will now depend on how it performs in the important "lates" market.
Stephen Anness, a fund manager at Invesco, which holds a 10.15% stake in Thomas Cook, said he will support the resolutions at the group's annual meeting.

A spokesman for Thomas Cook said the group's other top shareholders, Marathon and Standard Life, which hold 8.56% and 4.94% stakes respectively, have also expressed their support of the resolutions.

Maybe they will all be looking for work soon and then get that warm fuzzy feeling when they're treated in a similar fashion.

Pathetic, thats peoples jobs.

I think your post is rather tasteless to say the least.

I disagree that any comments have been "sour". I just personally feel that there are more professional ways of communicating.

I'm not sure if you read the post by "doom and gloom" a week or two back that had since been deleted. Again it would appear to be written by someone from Tcx hq, and possibly tainted my view of the reply in this thread, as that one was very unprofessional (and bordering on embarrassing) in its tone.

I know what you mean Dave, and communications is something of a sore point in our world. But it just does my head in when someone gets dissed for trying to be helpful by a couple of no-notes (not you) who sound like they think the world owes them a living. Assuming TCX survives the next year or so, anyone who gets in with a perm. contract should be bloo#y grateful for joining one of the few remaining carriers that pays decent money and has decent ts&ps. Not perfect, but a hell of site better than 90% of whats on offer out in the world today. Off to bed now so I can go to DLM again tomorrow!

Sometimes I just want to scream! Thomas Cook managers don't even bother to reply to questions on their own internal forums (forgive my bad Latin). In what fantasy world does anyone think they would conduct clandestine communications here? It's someone with a bit of inside knowledge, nothing more. And as for the lovely 'administration' story, it's spread from a really nasty little piece in the Sunday Times, picked up by the rest of our balanced, fair press. As part of the legal requirements for informing shareholders about an asset sale that was large enough to need a vote, the circular outlined the worst case senario if shareholders didn't support the disposal programme. Does anyone in their right mind think the shareholders won't agree...apart from the Daily Mail, that is?

Quite correct, Deep Knight. The Sunday Times has had it in for Airtours ever since it refused to give their travel people free holidays! Airtours is now part of TCX and this vendetta has moved with the merger. Didn't Thomson also once belong to the same owners as the ST too?
Paranoid? No - I just don't believe the wilder rants from any of the financials - after all, good news rarely sells newspapers. Incidentally, I would call financial backing to 2015 good news these days, whatever the cost.
For those wanting a free TR, at least two pilots have been taken on at short notice and are now on a B757 ground school course, paid for by TCX. Hope for all perhaps. (but not this year).