We have gone from 3500pilots to just under 3000. The company needs to recruit but appears to be having problems attracting pilots to the Shorthaul environment. What does that tell you about the deal on offer?
We all complain about the forced draft, but this is an opportunity to improve the terms and conditions on shorthaul. We are always hearing about the market rate. Well here it is. Can't get enough pilots, make the job more attractive.
Temporary pilots from whatever source allow BA to hide from the market pressures out there and prop up the current situation. Additionally why stop on that fleet? Short of 747 pilots, no problem let's pull in a few from Asia, that would help keep the pay of these pesky pilots down....
One could be forgiven for wondering if the sudden increase in Forced Draft isn't really an attempt to undermine BLR and encourage us to allow BA to pull in cheaper pilots........