When JQ Int was just a rumour, a persistent one but being denied nonetheless, there was a hint that it would be 'gifted' four A330s from the QF fleet to get it started. Given that QF was manned for 14 A330s and the 747 'classics' were soon to be retired, Flt Ops managers were explaining that the A330s were making SOOO much money for QF, especially on the eastcoast-Perth runs, that they would
never be just given away!
Well, you guessed it, the following happened:
- JQI became a reality,
- it
was gifted four of QF's A330s,
- QF's pilots were assigned leave due to surpluses (as JQI hired other pilots),
- QF pilots' reduced flying stats were used to characterize 'legacy' inefficiencies, and
- 747 'classics' were used to fill the resultant gaps on the Perth runs.
Not too much later, when the QF Chief Pilot was queried at a Flt Ops 'roadshow' as to how
any of these actions made sense for QF's profitability, the answer was something like:
"...well, the A330s carry only about 300 pax, but the classics carry over 400 so just think of the profits we can make using the classics!!"
When
that answer was pursued with the next logical question:
"Then why don't we just get rid of all the A330s, keep the classics we have and buy more cheap classics if they're so efficient?!?"
.... there was an embarrassing and awkward silence, foot-hopping and throat-clearing. It was rare for CM to be so lost for words.
The same type of spin continues to inhabit and taint everything one reads in QF press and other correspondence. Engagement anyone?
