Firstly, I have to admit that i'm not a pilot, but I do work for XL. So, I can't comment on the various posts regarding promotions to L/H seat/A330 fleet and the fairness of it (or not).
However, I can comment with a substantial degree of accuracy on the plans of the company and their rationale behind them.
As a company, we have to review our operation and ensure that resources we have are the correct ones to enable the company to move forward profitably, so ensuring all our livelyhoods.
As we all know the B757/767 fleet has had more than it's fair share of problems. These aircraft are all over 20 years old now, and the time is coming for them to be moved to new pastures.
The reason that nothing has yet been said with regard to the future of the
B757/767 fleets is that at the moment, nothing is set in stone. These discussions are very complex and take a long time, but, take it from me, some of them would involve wet leases to some fairly exotic locations.
Also bear in mind, that by this time next year we will have taken delivery of brand new 2x B737-900's with 4x A330-200's following by spring 2009.
As far a business goes, we simply have to become a more efficient company. Third party tour operators who can commit to supporting us are dwindling in number. Five years ago, there were around 200 who could commit to allocated seat blocks, now there are probably only 50.
In addition, the publics perception that, dynamic packaging gets them a better deal (not necessarily true) means that more and more book on t'internet and we therefore have to change as the market changes.
Nobody likes uncertainty when it comes to jobs/wages etc, but things are not as bad as some on this thread seem to believe.
cheers