'Tis true that the economic cycle is going to see some pretty motivated recruiting by the airlines going on in three or four years time. I recall in my UAS days in the early/mid 90's we had many a crew room dicsussion about whether we'd each rather have; a BA Cadetship or a GDP Cadetship (magic wand permitting).
It was about two thirds in favour of the civilian offering. We were all aware that our likely stream would not be fast jet. When weighed up against getting into BA at 21 the whole life equation seemed to most of us to favour big new shiny jets full of smartly dressed young women.
Nevertheless the RAF had captured us all, was having a damn good look at us and to be honest if they really wanted any of us we were there for the asking for a full commission at the drop of a hat.
If the UAS system goes. Well, there is a long time between being a keen ATC cadet and a university graduate. If during that time the airlines have been actively targetting the right stuff people then the RAF is going to be a distant teenage memory and there is nothing the Service can do about it.
We all know there will never be a shortage wanting to be fighter pilots.
But in a tightening labour market, with airlines shouting for cadets, with a contracted Military not really fitting with modern work/life aspirations and the dawning reality that you are most likely going to be driving helicopters and transports in the future. Well. Who the hell would sign up for 16 years of that?
WWW
ps I note in today Times:
BRITISH AIRWAYS shrugged off a strengthening oil price to hit a six-month high as a leading stockbroker raised its profit forecasts for the flag carrier by 30 per cent.
Following last month’s passenger numbers, which showed BA’s premium traffic volumes reaching their highest level for nearly three years, UBS is increasingly confident that an expected price war on North Atlantic routes is avoidable.
Further, the broker thinks restrained capacity growth and a recovery in corporate travel budgets could leave current-year revenue forecasts looking too low.
With UBS noting that a 1 per cent rise in revenue forecasts increases profit estimates by 30 per cent, it now expects 19.95p of earnings in 2005 and has raised its target from 300p to 330p. British Airways put on 5½p to 252½p.
Last edited by Wee Weasley Welshman; 15th Jan 2005 at 08:21.