This started as an interesting thread as to what may happen to Buzz in its dying hours, but has developed into the usual pissing match that occurs whenever the word "Ryanair" is typed into this website.
For those who are in ignorant bliss, the matter about contracts is like this. Buzz employees who were told they are keeping their jobs were to be TUPE'D into a new company called Buzzaway, which Buzz would then sell to Ryanair. Buzzaway would then operate a number of Ryanair services, in Ryanair colours, but under Buzzaways AOC. Ryanair have then said you are not to sign the Buzzaway contract of employment you are to sign a different Ryanair contract and if you dont you will have dismissed yourself and will not get any redundancy. There is no getting away from Ryanair have acted illegally.
Is it not to late for the deal to be scrubbed and a more descent and upstanding business person to come in and take over Buzz? If I was as such and had the money I would do the following:
1. KLM take the 146s of my hands - they seemed quite happy to do this for Ryanair.
2. Initial operation for the summer would be with the 6 737s from ILFC, possibly get hold of the first two 737s as well (see below).
3. Get a new marketing team in. Its harsh but the present incumbents failed to get enough people on the planes.
4. Start limited scale operation by late April so as not to lose slots. Initial routes to Berlin, Murcia, Paris, Frankfurt (with a strong "flying to the heart of Frankfurt not the Hahn) campaign, Bergerac, Poitiers, Limoges, Jerez, Bordeaux and Marseille.
5. Full operation to start again by mid May (say for May half term holiday week).
6. Make inquiries as to going back into Bournemouth (the punters are not stupid, they know this was Ryanairs doing). Possibly get hold of the two Pembroke 737s (ZA & ZB) to do this.
7. No more consetionary rates for KLM positioning crews on the Amsterdam. They pay the going rate, and as they are often booked last minute it will make a few quid!
8. I wouldnt be worried about Ryanair already selling tickets on routes operated by Buzz. They needed the Buzz aircraft, slots and crews to do this, they wouldnt have them. Treat them with the disdain they treat others - shut up and put up, or take us to court. They would soon back down. Any pax who have booked with Ryanair on so called "buzz routes" would be offered special rates, ie £1 plus taxes, provided they present there Ryanair confirmation to Buzz reservations.
Thoughts???