In my opinion, CH is correct with his/her example
1. Run on time, and don't cancel. This means standby crews and aircraft.
2. Don't lose bags.
3. Be clean. The aircraft must be clean so that the perception of other extraneous issues such as maintenance appear to have been taken care of from the view of the public.
These 3 problems are evident at QFlink are they not?- The constant downward pressure on costs (wages) has been biting for some time - but now, as we discuss on this forum, we are in crisis. Reserve crews are almost non-existent. Thanks to QF regional management for that!
- We don't necessarily lose bags, bags get delayed. You get that with 100% pax loads in a dash8.
- The cleaning is done by either tired demoralised cabin crew on the short turnarounds, or tired demoralised contract staff, paid crap wages by their management who bid the lowest price to get the contact. The exterior of the aircraft (paint/soot/oil/grease) is becoming an embarrassment in some cases.
Above all - if pride and professionalism in maintenance goes pear-shaped, we are truly asking for a smoking hole in the ground.
And another note, Mr Higg is the only person who seems to be able to spell the difference between lose, loose, loser. All those loosers (sic) please take note.