One rule for US another for the rest
NEWS from BALPA
British Airline Pilots’ Association
Thursday 11th October 2007
BRITISH PILOTS PROTEST AT FALKLANDS CONTRACT SCANDAL
The British Airline Pilots’ Association (BALPA) today strongly protested to the Government that a contract for flying British troops and their families and provisions between Brize Norton in Oxfordshire and Stanley in the Falklands has been given by the Ministry of Defence to an American airline and not to a British one.
The contract has been given to Omni Air International who will use United States registered aircraft with American crews.
‘This is a scandal which must be rectified’ said Captain Dave Boys, Vice Chairman of BALPA. ‘The Ministry of Defence has proved itself inept and insensitive. The contract started on October 4th and must be cancelled. No British or EU carrier would ever be permitted to run such a service to and from the USA. There is no reciprocity at all.’
BALPA is demanding an explanation in letters sent to the Secretary of State for Defence Des Browne, and Secretary of State for Transport Ruth Kelly.
Dave Boys declared ‘Our pilots are particularly upset about the fact that many British airline pilots fought in the Falklands war when they were in the Forces yet are being denied this flying which is being given to Americans who played no part.The service must be returned to the previous provider – XL Airways or an alternative UK or EU Carrier and Associated Crews. '