Lets get this straight. Two people have left GB for Go. They went for lifestyle reasons. GB does not offer a Scottish base and are unlikely to do so! Two have gone to Ryanair for anything other than straightforward reasons. As for the rest, they have gone to either BA or Virgin. Losing pilots to these operators is (was?) inevitable.
GB now has one A320 and two A321’s. Starting Feb 2002 we take delivery of another A320 followed by three more during 2002. The B737 fleet will (sadly) be no more by 2003.
This is a difficult time for GB employees. We are a smallish airline and changing a/c types is always going to be problematic. The Flight Deck and Cabin Crew are shouldering the burden of these changes at the moment.
Like any flying crew we have issues with management that need to be resolved and a lifestyle that has to be maintained. This is an ongoing battle and no different from any other airline. However, with an annual hours limitation of 775 and roster stability that most pilots only dream of, GB remains a very good place to fly aeroplanes.
GB makes a remarkable profit bearing in mind its size. It has not, and is not planning to, make redundancies. Quite the reverse, it has taken pilots on since September the 11th. It is also a very good place to be right now and with proper and effective input from our union, should remain so.
PS. Having read this post back I feel it necessary to point out this is not a management post!