But to be honest, CB, what is a CSM? Isn't it effectively the same as a purser? Or atleast a purser working up?
And what's the difference between a purser and a main crew member? A training course! Bingo! So why not judge based on merit rather than experience whether one is suitable for the role?!
I mean that with absolute respect for my purser colleagues - and of course CSD colleagues - who all do an outstanding job.
Considering many - probably most - of the applicants for the main crew roles in MF will be new to flying, it makes sense to have an experienced flyer in the role of CSM. Someone used to the unsociable shift patterns, used to downroute arrangements with hotels etc, used to onboard service and used to the various aspects of CRM and SEP.
A lot of main crew with BA would love the chance to have gained experience as a purser on mainline but, of course, promotion opportunities have been a dream for most, rather than a reality.
Existing, loyal BA crew have been starved of promotion for years and are set to be starved even in the new fleet because of the requirements set by the company.
Many current CSDs and pursers start their careers as main crew, having come from uni or college or school. For many, the only experience they have of managing a team is on the job and in a training school.
So why won't BA train existing crew for this new role, just as they would a new Purser or CSD ?!
Last edited by Eddy; 24th Jun 2010 at 19:28.