Latest on joining delay
Arrowhead,
Not sure if all your pessimism is entirely correct, but undoubtedly Macau Express (if that is this month's name) are doing little to refute such views. The first two aircraft are to be handed over by ANA in December and January. The crew Transition Training is due to commence in November, and I am informed the courses are booked. The first crews were due to arrive next week for indoctrination and exams. Macau Express will not make their long trumpeted start date if the crews do not join in the next two weeks (the pilots are not type rated).
However the big doubt remains resolution of what is clearly emerging as a sizeable punch up between Macau Express and Air Macau with Air China acting as the cheerleader. Clearly none of these organisations are particularly aware or caring about the effect their very public spat is having on current staff and the pilots due to join whose start date has been delayed. Macau is even more awash than usual with rumour, counter rumour and character assassinations!
I have been given a copy of a "personal" message from one of the Macau Express management to the pilots offered positions (see below) - it leaves lots of questions open. However, if the crews do end up as part of Air Macau that may not be a bad option for them and their long term security.
The message reads:
"Gentlemen,
I have met many of you during the Macau Express interview process - and for those that I have not met, I am the Head of Operations and Safety.
Undoubtedly all of you will be concerned, and particularly those due to start in the next week, that you have not had final joining instructions and a final Contract of Employment.
Unfortunately we are having some bureaucratic problems, not unusual in start up situations. I can assure you that we are working very hard to resolve the issues, and I believe we are near a solution. It may, unfortunately translate into a starting date delay for those of you due to commence on 10th October of about two weeks.
I am writing to you in a personal capacity for two reasons - firstly because I am fully aware of the anxiety created by a delay such as this for many of you, who may have given up current jobs (and I accept a degree of personal responsibility for encouraging you to join Macau Express). Secondly, until everything is resolved I am not free to express all my views in any"official" message.
For what it is worth I find the situation unacceptable, but that is little help to you. The one silver lining to the storm clouds is that I have been assured today by the COO that the company recognises that there is a commitment to employ the 18 people addressed in this letter, and I believe resolution of our problems is close.
The delay is being driven by Air China who own big chunks of both Macau Express and Air Macau either directly or indirectly, and they are anxious to see what harmonisation and co-operation they can between the operators. From your standpoint the major concern is, is this going to happen? I still strongly believe it is. Undoubtedly there is still a business case for the additional capacity; the aircraft are definitely coming (and soon); the casinos and hotels are built . In the worst case for you it probably boils down to whether your contract will be with Air Macau or Macau Express, and it probably matters little to you whether the terms are Macau Express Conditions of Service or Air Macau terms (indeed the Air Macau ones are marginally better).
There is still amongst the shareholders a strong desire to start service on 15th March and even they probably recognise they have to act quickly if we are to achieve that. Thus, I advise, whatever your first instincts are on reading this, do not abandon us yet! I am more than happy to give any of you as honest an answer as I can to personal queries - please use this email. You have my very sincere personal apologies for this uncertainty which will be hopefully resolved very quickly. Best regards,"
Only time will tell if his (subdued) optimism is justified, but what does seem to be clear is that this situation is not originating within Macau Express but being deliberately manufactured elsewhere. It beggars belief given that the two airlines have virtually the same shareholders!
Maybe they like intrigue more than money????
Maybe no one can remember what the reason was for starting a second airline in the first place????
Answers on a post card please!!
Watch this space!
Hailer