As one of the Baby pilots facing redundancy in 8 weeks time - perhaps I might be permitted to share some thoughts.
The Baby business model wasn't flawed per se, it was just starved of investment. Firstly from SMB, and then from DLH who kept throwing money at the LHR operation. Had Baby received the investment and growth it deserved perhaps we would be where JET2 are now.
Secondly, I have a huge amount of respect for my immediate superiors at Baby. They have kept Baby going despite being hamstrung by the board. The people who rubbish the Baby management are extremely wide of the mark.
Thirdly, Baby produced a product that was received very well by the public and we developed a large amount of repeat business from people who didnt relish flying with some of our competitors. Our on time performance and customer satisfaction levels were very good compared to most other LCCs.
I think BA are possibly being short sighted with regards to both Baby pilots and cabin crew. If future pilot requirements at BA are as rumoured and recruitment will recommence in Jan then why overlook an obvious source of talent to which they have unrivalled access? From a purely financial aspect minimising redundancy costs should be a priority - even if pilots have to go on gardening leave until sim slots are available. From a media point of view why risk being painted as the 'bad guy'? Whilst business may be business I think BA have received such a large discount from DLH they can afford to be a little less hard nosed than they are currently. I understand the BALPA negotiations have hit a brick wall and BA are penny pinching to the extreme. Our holiday pay claim has been dismissed as being "too bl**dy expensive". Meanwhile BA are happy to pocket revenues from our peak season for which they had zero input.
Whilst I'm sure there are some at BA who will disagree with my sentiments I'm happy to agree to disagree. I have friends at BA who are rather bemused by the treatment Baby pilots and cabin crew are receiving.
Last edited by Looker; 7th July 2012 at 09:39.