The GM of ATC (JH)has stated,on productivity, that in the last 8 years traffic at the 26 CONTROLLED aerodromes has only increased by a total of 1000 movements. From 3.109 million to 3.110 million, and that controller numbers have decreased from 1022 to 900 ( about 750 operational actually, because anyone still holding an ATC license is counted whether they talk to planes or are on 'projects', moved into management, are on Leave Without Pay, Maternity Leave, long term sick leave,etc.
The decline of GA and increase in RPT are not mentioned in his productivity figures. Wouldn't want to ruin a good argument. ASA take great joy in trumpeting their yearly reductions in navcharges. In 04/05 Annual Report the Chairman, Nick Burton-Taylor states that in the last ten years traffic has grown 49% and navcharges have been reduced 30%.This period includes 911, SARs,and the Brisbane Lions triple premiership.
In the 06/07 Annual Report (no sign of 07/08 yet?) TFN proudly boasts of 'the more than 4 million movements' that ASA ( the controllers) look after. In this report ASAs Airways revenue for THIS ONE YEAR was some $108 million more than 99/00(06/07 Airways Revenue was $676.7 million). Over the 8 years it is several hundreds of millions of dollars. What of the the over 900 000 that the GM wishes to remain hidden?
The GM of ATC is trying to use his rubbery figures to convince us that we are only moving an extra 1000 movements a year across Australia compared to 99/00. To put it in to perspective that is about one extra take-off OR landing A WEEK at the 26 controlled aerodromes, or if it is only the five major capitals 4 extra movements a week compared to 8 years ago.
BILLIONS have been/are being spent by Airports on runways, terminals and infrastructure. Why? When according to the Head of ATC nothing has been happening in Aviation. There are no jets into regional aerodromes, there is no Avalon, there is no mining activity in the West, Newcastle and Darwin don't exist (RAAF), there are no overflyers. Therefore there must be no extra delays into the major capital cities. No Virgin Blue, no Jetstar (we did lose Ansett), no Emirates or extra International Operators.
For the Aviators and readers out there, this is what emanates from the Alan Woods Building in Canberra.
If you are looking for your bonus in Canberra you can quote the reduction in controller numbers (big tick for bonus), the huge increase in revenue ( more brilliant management), bugger all change in movements ( see airlines haven't expanded at all, it must be management), we have reduced Airways Charges and still deliver a big profit. Hand out for huge bonus please.
The worst thing is I think those in BS Castle actually believe their own spin, and the Board are suitably enthralled. There are lies, damned lies and statistics. There are a lot of good people working at ASA, who work together to try and deliver a good service. The controllers couldn't do what we do without them. However ASA should remember that over 90% of revenue is brought in by 25% of their workforce. Last one out, please turn off the lights.