Dain, it has me beat as well.
They were both originally using the same system which was the one Ryanair used from memory. The front end seems to be the problem if the back ends are the same.
There is a lot of ineptitude and cost cutting being highlighted in the current debacle. I tried to get onto JQ Res until 0130 this morning, several times during the wee small hours and from "human" hours early this morning. Naturally no cigar but could not even get onto the system to hold. On a seperate booking got straight onto QF but as I understand they do no use VOIP lines so no engaged signal, just a 57 minute hold and a very helpful lady when I got there.
One cannot staff for this. Pity the poor dude who was on duty in the TN MEL res room when Cyclone Tracy took out Darwin. Management wouldn't even send him backup. He was on his own with all 3 lights and the buzzer going all night and no idea what was going on.
The gaps in the system that are highlighted by this cheap as chips mentality came again to my attention today.
A good client's son and partner had flown to HBA for a break with the parents and I got the rescue call as they were heading back from Coles Bay. Looked in the JQ system as well as QF and DJ and found JQ744 showing as operating. Can't get JQ to confirm but grabbed 2 seats and paid.
Also holding 2 on QFlink tomorrow from DPO at 1710 that will release once I have heard the flight exists.
JQ system shows JQ743/744 as operating and on schedule. melbourneairport.com.au and Qantas show the flight as cancelled. The QF codeshare is QF5743/5744.
The jury is still out as to whether this flight is operating or not. It is due to push back MEL in 5 minutes. I will advise.
Can you all imagine what would have been the outcome during the (you know the year) shutdown if we were relying on dodgy computer systems, offshore call centres and Indian IT companies responsible for their upkeep?
It does not bear consideration.
We seriously need the whole lot dragged back on shore and now. It may cost an extra $10 per sector on a domestic and maybe $50 per sector or whatever on an International but all of us whether crew or fillers of aeroplanes need certainty that only good systems provide.
Rant over good people.
Best all
EWL