There was an 'understanding' with the Company that if attendance became a problem on certain identified routes which had previously paid high allowances, BALPA would have to deal with it. NRT became a weak link when the hourly rate was introduced. Previously allowances were so lucrative for BA flight crew flying to NRT and other Japanese destinations, some senior F/O's had even turned down promotion in order to cherry pick the route. One eventually became a Samurai! He only managed 300 trips to Japan.
The hourly rate did seem a good wheeze at the time, but with their usual lack of pragmatism, BA flight crew failed to see the possibility what a debased Pound would have on their downroute purchasing power. Now of course jealous pilots accuse the cabin crew of eroding profitability, but are not aware that far more damage is caused to a routes viability by a weak Pound on fuel and leasing costs, plus the associated inflationary pressures on UK imports that feed through to wage demands.
Yes a meal at Fatties with a few beers, is a costly experience these days for BA pilots.
Last edited by Count Niemantznarr; 22nd Mar 2013 at 16:45.