I have watched the media today trot out their pieces on the opening of Swanwick tomorrow and they've all picked up on one thing. . . [quote]Delays will occur for the first ten days <hr></blockquote>
Much as I am positive about going to Swanwick and making it work properly, flow control will probably be needed for at least 30 days , not just the first ten. We are not going to impose a 30% cut and then suddenly go to full sector capacity overnight (are we?)
There is a further serious issue which bears repeating. Until each sector has been tested at those lower capacities it would be unwise to raise the flow rates higher. With some sectors at this time of year having lower demand anyway, it could be some time before they are tested even at a reduced capacity.
Indeed, given the schedule published earlier, it could be six weeks before flow is raised to normal levels. A point that seems to have been conveniently forgotten by the NATS spin doctors. I only state this here (again) as it is the truth, and i believe that our customers, the airlines, would rather have the unpalatable facts than the spin trotted out by NATS management.
I am very much looking forward to working at Swanwick, a pleasant environment, and when I have some experience of, and confidence in, the system I'll have no problem in upping the sector capacities. This will NOT HAPPEN overnight, or in 10 days. Sorry, but this is a SAFETY issue.
Any NATS managers out there courageous enough to comfirm that what I'm saying is true? I'm waiting.....
Rgds BEX