Rex; Pilot Exodus
Historically, regional airlines have been a traditional stepping stone into major airline positions, both here and overseas. On the other hand, they have also been the home of pilots wishing to maintain a comfortable flying career, though not highly lucrative, nevertheless providing relatively quick progression to captaincy.
With reference to the title of this thread, most FO's and a large number of captains are actively seeking positions elsewhere. It seems that there are not many crewmembers at Rex, who view the company with long term committment.
Vacant command positions, if they can be occupied, will be filled by inexperienced FO's in the not too distant future. This begs the question, where will the new recruits come from with Rex, Q'link, Pelair, etc. trawling a dwindling supply of quality IFR pilots.
Must the Rex owners/management simply cough up more money to maintain current staffing levels. Lets face it circa 70k capt, early 40k's FO's in this day and age are not 'comfortable' incomes, especially for those guys and girls living in Sydney with mortgages to repay and mouths to feed.
Also, must working conditions improve whereby crew are provided with a greater level of support pre and post flight. Should FO's be rushing around airports completing trim sheets, escorting pax and in some cases taking responsibility for unacommpanied minors. Must F/A's be responsible for not only cleaning the cabin and ordering supplys, but also dealing with unaccommpanied minors which on some occasions require waiting inside the terminal for the guardian/parent to attend, all of this inside a turnaround time of 35-40mins. Remember the swiss cheese model that is rightfully drummed into all crew once a year ?
Firstly, all flight crew renumeration must be addressed urgently!
It was recently published that Rex are now arguably, one of the most profitable airlines in the world. It is now time to start sharing this wealth with the people who create it. Pilots at Rex are speaking with their feet. This is not to say that simply more money will disuade pilots leaving for greener pastures, however, improved salaries will make some crew think twice.
Working conditions MUST be improved. Flightcrew and F/A's need more support on the ground, especially if OTP is to be achieved at the desired levels. More importantly, if this support isn't forthcoming the fatigue levels that crew are currently enduring, could lead to worse than just a late departure. Safety after all, is the number 1 priority.
Unfortunately morale at Rex is low. There's no two ways about it. This can be turned around quite easily. Investment in 'new' equipment (B++) will prove to be profitable.
Investment in the people who use this equipment, will prove to be priceless...
Last edited by Naverick; 6th Apr 2007 at 03:20.