Nationwide going international ?

[Whitebug-speed]

How true is the rumour the Nationwide is getting a 747-200 and will begin operating international flights into europe ?

Cabin crew I spoke to have already had interviews and start permanent jobs with nationwide as early as next month.

Apparently they'll be looking for flight deck crew soon as well.
So theres a little hope for estranged pilots too.

But could all this be yet another enigma ? Because as far as I can recall Nationwide was in serious financial trouble only a few months ago.

[non sched]

Nationwide is applying for route authority to Brussels and London. The London slot was held by African Star but they never got off the ground. I have no idea what type equipment they plan on using.

[JJflyer]

Rumour has it that Nationwide is to get atleast 1 B747-300 sooner rather than later.


Cheers

[non sched]

From a press report

Nationwide airline is vying for a licence to fly to Europe.


The airline is bidding for the Johannesburg-Brussels route. Coupled
with this application is a shot at the country's only remaining bilateral
licence to fly to London.


The London slot became available two weeks ago after the government
withdrew it from African Star Airways.


African Star was granted the rights in July 1999 but, nearly three
years later, it still does not own a single aircraft. Its licence has been
revoked.


Nationwide has now submitted an application to the Department of
Transport's Air Services Council for the right to fly seven return flights to
Brussels.


In its application for the Brussels route, Nationwide says it will vie
for the London slot , depending on a review of African Star's licence.


Godfrey Selepe, chairman of the International Air Services Council,
said African Star had failed to fulfil the requirements to operate as an
airline.


Nationwide commercial executive Chris Hoare said next year's Cricket
World Cup to be hosted by South Africa as well as the World Summit on
Sustainable Development in Johannesburg this year would require additional
flights.


"It is extremely difficult to get a seat on an international flight to
South Africa and we are losing out, " said Hoare. If successful in its
application, Nationwide intends taking to the skies in the second half
of the year.


Hoare said an extra 2 000 tourists a week could be brought to South
Africa, based on the additional seven flights allowed by the licence.


Some R700-million could be added to the economy if an extra 100 000
visitors a year visited the country, said Hoare.


African Star tried to buy two aircraft from Singapore Airlines two
years ago, but the deal fell through when it failed to raise funds.


:cool:

[Harvy]

It might be an A340.

[V1 Rotate]

Good luck to Vernon and the people at Nationwide. All they are doing is creating more jobs in our industry.
V1 Rotate:) :) :) :)

[coanda]

OH please man,B747,Airbus,MD11!!!

WHAT A JOKE....

coanda

You again make an accusation against named individuals. Should you wish to do so, then please provide us with your real name and contact details beforehand. This will allow any counter claim and possible legal action to be directed towards you and not PPRuNe.


Thanks

[JJflyer]

Yip... All those nice BIG machines.

I heard the A340 rumour in Johannesburg last week. There seems to be a Virgin tie-up to it... Wait and see. ( Next year )


Cheers :rolleyes: