Flybe to aquire BA Connect. Crew thread. (No Spotters)-(Part 2)

[biddedout]

Nothing wrong with the Q400 on the right routes. It’s load carrying ability and short strip performance sounds impressive, but I have my doubts about it’s suitability on long routes. JF was very quick off the blocks to call the EMB 145 a 90’s aeroplane. The difference is though it can climb well above the 25,000ft limited cruising altitude of the Q400 and although it is a little tricky on running costs due to overheads v pax seats, if it is run on the higher yield major city routes, it can be a winner. Its fuel consumption is similar to the 400 and on longer routes, possibly less. BMI regional don’t appear to think of it as a 90’s machine. More on the way and an endless supply of no cost fully trained and experienced rashers to fly them.

The 400 would be ideal on routes into near Europe and domestic, but it is certainly not ideal for Vienna, Madrid or Milans. Who needs to sit in the middle of Cbs and ice for two hours when the 145 or any other jet will be cruising well above in smooth air. (Sorry, any other jet apart from the 146).

Like many others who chose the regional lifestyle, I don’t mind going back to a prop if it’s on sensible routes, but I am certainly not going to hang around if JF tries to use it on European “long-haul”. There are alternatives and you don’t need to spill your coffee.

As for the fromgage, let him get on and manage something if that's what he thinks is for him, but he has to learn that he is not god and cannot do ten jobs at once. FO to Fleet Manager, new type converson TRE TRI TRof everything under the sun, head of recruiting, chief negotiator.... in two years, - not really on. But then that was the old Bral way, managers had to boost their pay with evey add on they could think of. Shame they didn't just pay them properly and train them for one or two roles at a time.