G-ARVH, you are correct in saying that change is needed in this industry.
That change will not happen easily or quickly. Airlines sell a demand driven commodity, and as such are subject to whims of the consumer. The consumers have become accustomed to cheap airfares.
Since keeping aircraft in the air is expensive business, airlines have no choice but to save where they can. Pilot remuneration has always, and will always be an easy target for cost cutting. They will therefore continue to drive for lower wages and erosion of perks, since that ultimately allows them to offer cheaper fares. I have seen a steady erosion of pay and perks in my 25 years of flying, and there seems to be no end in sight.
Any airline who suddenly start employing highly experienced pilots, will inevitably see a rise in expenditure. Ticket prices would have to be increased, and pax are sure to abandon the airline.
It truly is a vicious circle. One could almost say that the passengers are ultimately their own worst enemy……….
I agree with all you say. However since 10.00UTC today airline shares around the world have have been falling steadily. 8.5% of the value of Lufthansa has disappeared into the ionosphere over the last 48 hrs. Much figure drumming will be taking place on airline boardroom tables. By 10.00UTC tomorrow (Friday) the international insurance market will have more bad news for the boardroom bosses. The insurance industry will not tolerate the multiple millions of dollars of hull losses we have seen over the past 12 months. This will put more unwanted pressure on the boardroom.