In my humble opinion, the current state of the industry was clearly written on the wall, with the arrival of the so-called "low cost airline" model. This was allways going to have repercussions throughout the UK industry and those that refused to change their structure, caught a cold. Some as we know recognising this far too late.
However, allthough no one can argue, that the downward pressure on ticket price currently benefits joe public, we can hardly appear suprised at the terms and conditions that are beginning to evolve within the industry.
Companies are run generally by the accountant, and he has no concept of staff good will. How much saving will the company make with generally happy staff? This cannot be quantified and therefore is not a factor for consideration. If we can squeeze a few more flight hours out of that crew, or reduce the number of breaks that despatcher has, then the accountant can factor that in to his calculations, all is therefore well with the world.
The company line is that they must compete in the market place.
What the more competitive market place does do however, is highlight those, in management postions, who are clearly not up to the job. Anyone can plug numbers into a calculator, it takes real management to factor in the unseen costs.
Both Flight Crew and joe public have bought into the perceived "low cost" ethos and as a result we should not be suprised by it's eventual effect on the whole industry.
