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Old 2nd Sep 2010, 14:37
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potkettleblack
 
Join Date: Nov 2005
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For things to pick up which was the original question then you need BA to hire and to hire big. They really drive the market in the UK and to a degree Ireland. That will induce the usual clearout from the likes of Flybe, Air Southwest, Logan, FR and Easy plus a few lucky ones from smaller niche outfits seeking to get onto jets and get some sort of roster stability and payrise no doubt.

Presently it would appear that Flybe thinks its MPL cadets and the use of a holdpool will be sufficient but I can't see this covering their needs with new aircraft and planned route expansion if enough people head for the door. Flybe already have a number of schools that refer to them so they would probably go down that route if their hand was forced.

The other TP operators will go to the usual schools and grab what they need. FR will continue to be oversubscribed doing what it does best, making money from training. Easy can dip back into the CTC holdpool (must have a few hundred swimming at the mo???) and use flexi crew plus any other new creative names/ideas it comes up with to fleece you. Sorry that should have read pay you a reduced salary in order to get a job Generally though they won't go for a 200hr low timer with no type rating and no hours on type and invest any money in them.

Smaller jet operators like Jet2 and the charters will probably have some slots come up as well although in the case of the latter many went through self funded TR's or CTC so I am not sure if there will be many opportunities there.

If Aer Arran can find a business angel then I would expect a clearout to the jets once they hire. It will involve paying for a rating though and the uncertainty of working for an airline in a very precarious position but hey...Aer Lingus may well hire but have historically taken integrated from Jerez and Oxford with a small number of modulars and type rated pilots.

Add into the mix the people heading to the sandpit then there may well be some movement in the market as some manager has to explain how they got the headcount so horribly wrong and they clamber to keep their aircraft in the air as pax demand comes back. Don't think it will be this side of Christmas though.
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