Qantas
How about the Qld regional group, this was the starting point.
A very profitable arm in the big picture, doing what Qantas started out doing.
That is providing grass routes service to the outback communities.
Staff dared to ask for more money. The manpower had not been increased significantly for nearly 10 years although aircraft numbers had increased by 23 airframes. Only 8 retired in that time.
The engineers concerned had to put up with a complete lack of engineering management skills. Bring in a new aircraft and progressively build up equipment over 2 to 3 years after they get here. Case in point engine stands to allow maintenance on the engines 2 1/2 years after arrival we got dedicated stands for the Q400.
They are now spending $18K per month on security guards in H2. That is $216 K per year 3 times actual pay rise for all engineers. Not too mention the outsourced maintenance at Hawkers Cairns, Worland Townsville, Contractors in Melbourne ( also own staff), contractors Adelaide, contractors Cairns for day to day.
Will we ever be the same - I don't think so. It will take an exceptional manager to bring back the good faith shown in the past. Will Q ever employ somebody of this caliber to sort the problems probably not. Would they actually find somebody in the current crop of managers who actually look further than whats going into the wallet.
Do we really need to look further than my 3-4 year contract - no.