“Acquired” from Flight Operations this afternoon.
The unrelenting rise in the price of fuel continues to put pressure on our operation. We plan to continue the current pace of the training task on the B744 and B777 fleets, but we are already consolidating and rationalising flights where possible, particularly on the cargo side. As a result some crews are being under-utilised, and we recognize the frustration that this can cause.
Expressions of interest are invited from the following crew categories for unpaid leave, for the months of August and September:
B747F CN 16 slots
B747F FO 14 slots
B747F FE 14 slots
B744 FO (excl. Freighter FOs) 25 slots
B744 SO 10 slots
The following conditions apply:
Bids may be made for August, September, or both. Bids for both months will take precedence.
Bids for part months will not be entertained.
Allocation of successful bids will be at the discretion of the company, taking into account operational factors.
B744 FO bids will predominantly be from FOs based in HKG, though bids from based crew will be considered on their individual merits.
Crews will retain their entitlement to all allowance entitlements during the period of unpaid leave.
The company may further extend the period of the offer on a month by month basis.
Bids must be received by 1700 HKT 30 June. Applicants will be advised of their success or otherwise by 11 July.
We remain confident that the company is in good shape to weather the fuel crisis, and remain committed to taking delivery of all the aircraft currently on order. This invitation to apply for unpaid leave is not in any way a precursor to any form of redundancy, voluntary or otherwise, for any category of flight crew. In particular, the DFO would like to reassure our Flight Engineers that there is no change to the planned timetable for the retirement of the B747 Classic.
Phil Walker
General Manager Aircrew