Well here we go again with all the confrontational stuff.
Carnage Matey : I like your tone regarding CX pilots and the problems we all face. I agree with much of what you say regarding BACX CC and personally I and several others in CX believe the CC have at times been emotive and frankly immature.
Many BACX people are hurting and at the same time I fully understand mainline desire to be able to work in the regions. I firmly believe all this bad blood is pointless as it is commercial reality that is shaping the situation. European short haul has rapidly become low cost driven and we are ALL begining the catch up game. As a result I believe its inevitable that further dramatic change will occur in the future for both companies (BA short haul and CX).
I do not believe CX will succeed in the longer term with its present direction but I also I dont believe the present operation at Gatwick can continue as it is in the long term either. We all know it if we look around, Joe Public first concern is the price of the ticket followed by the convience. The VAST VAST majority of people and now business would rather not pay extra for the "frills" on a shorthaul flight. Whats the point when your only in the aeroplane for an hour or two.
Long/Medium haul is different, the frills really do make the difference when your sat in the aeroplane for so long. Ok the club lounge may appeal to some and there will always be people who think they are safer with BA but this is not enough long term.
Open your eyes everyone, BA shorthaul (mainline and CX) is in steady decline due to the competitive realities. On many former BAR routes CX is now carrying 20,30 people. BA used to need 737's on these !!
It is not CX stealing BA routes its the competition !
Some of my fellow CX employees are living in a different world if they think their terms and conditions should be improved right now. If mainline pilots want to work in the regions then they should be allowed but they would have to be payed a CX salary on CX Ts and Cs. I am not being confrontational, its commercial reality. In return if there are Mainline vacancies Cx people should have some sort of avenue in.
This is just the start. I only hope the unions allow the companies to change so that we can all keep are jobs and have careers.