just a few points:-
I am no expert on the AFS, but in my humble opinion the rules (as they stand 'til april 2003)would allow more 737 LHR -> AIRBUS LHR fleet transfers than is being quoted here.
Kingoftheroad:- assuming AnthonyCarn's "FLEET CONTRACTION" statement is adhered to by the company-(as it should be)-Ref. AFS 1.11-G.1 ,then assuming every 737LHR pilot bid for AIRBUS LHR-there ought to be 80 places available to the 80 most senior 737 pilots,capts. OR f/os. :-The 40 most senior getting their places as per company requirement on the bid form,and the next 40 by displacing any outstation bids.-(total AIRBUS places LHR=80 according to bid form).
Next should be the FKR places (17 I think), at LHR. These should also be offered to 737LHR pilots to fill the co.req'mt.
Then comes the disruptive bit:-
Assuming no FKR EMA pilots want to transfer to Baby, then they, I assume,would displace pilots from the bottom of the list in accordance with seniority.
Also,the 45-odd 737 pilots in-between would be without aircraft or base and would potentially be made redundant.
As we all know there are many variables in this:-
1)Several pilots will (or already have) decided that playing ball for all these years does not grant immunity from the bat being shoved up your *rse,and will be making plans elsewhere.
2)Several pilots in the aforementioned 80 will be happy to give the Baby option a go-particularly if they are single/young,etc or are close to retirement.
3)Quite a few FKR pilots from the outstations will probably go down the baby route,even if they are senior enough to displace some of those from the bottom of the list.
4)The company (in theory) will be bound by the AFS 'til APR 03.Any fule kno that the level of training required in the above scenario will be far in excess of the company ideal,so,come next APR, will we have any protection against being screwed still further?BALPA take note*.
This is my own personal view on the situation,and I apologise if I've missed something obvious.
Best of luck everybody,keep in there BALPA,
SKIP.RAT