I feel i must respond to Spoonbills earlier comments just to set the record straight. As somebody connected with the 'competing' company on the NWIABZ route I question the statements made regarding crews attitude towards Gill's failure. From personal experience I can honestly say that absolutely none of the T3 crews I'm involved with found the demise of 9C even slightly amusing. Why would they? Fare enough this airline was a competitor, however I can't think of anyone who was 'pleased' to see a fine company close its doors. I the past 10 days almost 9000 UK airline employees have found out their jobs are not secure, inlcuding all at Gill. At a time when all of us are realising how things can change in such a short space of time I would then urge Spoonbill to check his source before broadcasting what seems complete nonsense about another fine airline and the people who work there.
On Thursday and Friday infact many T3 employees worked exceptionally hard to add extra services to pick up the stranded Gill pax, I just cannot beleive that any crew would be insensitive enough to stand in NWI and broadcast how amusing Gill's closure was in a terminal filled with stranded pax. Eastern put a tremendous amount of effort in last week, this does not 'reflect very poorly' on the operation.
RE the Skyways F50...again Spoonbill has facts from an unreliable source or is a little confused. The 50 will, yes I'm informed pick up the old Gill schedule, however, flying for Eastern. The comments about customers chosing between a 50 or a 'knackered J31' are then equally unjust and complete rubbish.
As for competition, it looks like T3 will shortly be joined by a 4xdaily BE CRJ on the route (see other thread). Lets sit back and see what develops here.... Spoonbill, however, please, for the sake of all of us..think about what you are writing about decent people at a great company, before you write it.
Best of luck to you 9Cers, we sincerely all hope you find something soon