Air Southwest
Join Date: Jul 2001
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Devon-Flyer, my dear chap, I dont agree with your assumption that morale is at rock bottom. The people I fly with seem to enjoy their job.
As for the "second-rate" sim instructors, well, I do seem to have ruffled your feathers in my original post, so lets put this one to bed. ASW is too small a company to have animosity between crew.
I came to ASW from CitiExpress having flown the Dash 8 for 3 years and the Embraer 145 for 6 years. I was, as I suspect you know, Flight Ops Safety Manager and help create the Flight Operations Safety Board for CitiExpress. My last year on the 145, I was a Line Training Captain. I thoroughly enjoyed flying the "jungle jet" around Europe, but for personal family reasons, wanted to move back home, to Cornwall. I applied to ASW like anyone else and was fortunate enough to be offered a job as a Captain, only. When the Line Trainers job came up, as well as the TRI job, I put my application in, the same as other people and was lucky enough to be offered the jobs. I am also acutely aware that by doing this, I may have trodden on some toes.
So, Devon-Flyer, you and probably everyone else now knows who Respryn is and I apologise for my, admittedly, rather crass comments on anonimity. I look forward to working with you.
Kind regards
MJ
As for the "second-rate" sim instructors, well, I do seem to have ruffled your feathers in my original post, so lets put this one to bed. ASW is too small a company to have animosity between crew.
I came to ASW from CitiExpress having flown the Dash 8 for 3 years and the Embraer 145 for 6 years. I was, as I suspect you know, Flight Ops Safety Manager and help create the Flight Operations Safety Board for CitiExpress. My last year on the 145, I was a Line Training Captain. I thoroughly enjoyed flying the "jungle jet" around Europe, but for personal family reasons, wanted to move back home, to Cornwall. I applied to ASW like anyone else and was fortunate enough to be offered a job as a Captain, only. When the Line Trainers job came up, as well as the TRI job, I put my application in, the same as other people and was lucky enough to be offered the jobs. I am also acutely aware that by doing this, I may have trodden on some toes.
So, Devon-Flyer, you and probably everyone else now knows who Respryn is and I apologise for my, admittedly, rather crass comments on anonimity. I look forward to working with you.
Kind regards
MJ
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: England
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"Consolidation" is no bad thing. Over-capacity and ill-judged expansion are both rife in the UK regional airline sector, and ASW are doing the sensible thing- expanding cautiously where it makes sense, and sitting tight and watching out for niche opportunities where it's appropriate. It's a nice little operation, with loyal customers and generally happy staff. Don't knock it!
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: England
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Devon-Flyer - you seem to have lots of negative things to say, with no apparent underlying substance. Yes, sure this is a rumour network, but it doesn't help any of us if you make sweeping negative statements without giving an insight into what supports your views.
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: London
Age: 41
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Why is this industry full of whining, self-pitying complainers??!
Devon - Flyer
What ever you do and, however far down the line in this industry you are, what makes you think you can comment on something you obviously know nothing about??!
I agree completely with MJ, all of my colleagues seem very happy working within ASW, it is a small company but the area we operate out of and the flexibility of the hours of work make it, in my opinion second to none.
I am relatively new to the industry and I am sure one day, I may move on, but IF I do, the quality of life in Devon, the friendliness of both cabin crews and pilots, (up to senior management) and the relaxed environment that we “work” in will be a huge sacrifice for just a pay rise!
I have, and will continue to enjoy every day I work; I started flying because I loved it not to make a fortune. I wish everyone in the industry would remember why they first began once in a while and realised that there is more to life than just work.
When your life is perfect and you love what your doing everyday, then perhaps be critical of others………. In fact, why would you, life is too short!!
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: knightsbridge
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Bliss out
Hey, I'm with you Brother Gilbert. These Breadhead cats just ain't diggin the scene! I hed this crazy dream last night that we all formated over Dartmoor in the shape of a giant dove, and sprinkled flowers over the world.Then maybe other airlines would join in, and we could form like a, giant fig leaf.Money ain't the answer, man- it's Love.
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: In the air
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Calm Down
Perhaps now is the time to calm down, to cut back on the personal attacks and overreaction to those slights. There are obviously some issues - hence the emotion, but squabbling won't help. Those contributers who are ASW employees need to work together rather than fighting amongst themselves.
True if the company is expanding that is good for everyone and I would expect further next year, but I don't know - exactly like I suspect all contribers to this thread.
I would welcome a discussion but perhaps a public forum is not the place.
Max Perf.
True if the company is expanding that is good for everyone and I would expect further next year, but I don't know - exactly like I suspect all contribers to this thread.
I would welcome a discussion but perhaps a public forum is not the place.
Max Perf.
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Plymouth
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I was just thinking wether a Plymouth-Cardiff-Leeds/Bradford service would work for Air Southwest. As it would fit directly into the current markets served etc..
It would also mean more Plymouth-Leeds/Bradford capacity etc..
Would this work?
It would also mean more Plymouth-Leeds/Bradford capacity etc..
Would this work?
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: down 'ere my lovely
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"Consolidation" is no bad thing. Over-capacity and ill-judged expansion are both rife in the UK regional airline sector, and ASW are doing the sensible thing- expanding cautiously where it makes sense, and sitting tight and watching out for niche opportunities where it's appropriate. It's a nice little operation, with loyal customers and generally happy staff. Don't knock it!
The FlyBA sorry BE monster will take them over or out if they don't watch it!? Hope not!
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Devon
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ASW moving to Newquay ?
I have posted this thought on the Plymouth thread but I would like to see what people think on this thread.
With the inactivety of the runway expansion at Plymouth to take larger jet aircraft does anyone think ASW are waiting untill RAF St Mawgan is mothballed next year so as they could lease hangar space from the MOD making it more viable for them to expand their routes network with larger aircraft and just keep the ageing Dash 8s operating out of Plymouth.
Eventually moving the whole operation and basing themselves at Newquay as I think it goes without saying that St Mawgan will probably not reopen as an Airforce base again.
With the inactivety of the runway expansion at Plymouth to take larger jet aircraft does anyone think ASW are waiting untill RAF St Mawgan is mothballed next year so as they could lease hangar space from the MOD making it more viable for them to expand their routes network with larger aircraft and just keep the ageing Dash 8s operating out of Plymouth.
Eventually moving the whole operation and basing themselves at Newquay as I think it goes without saying that St Mawgan will probably not reopen as an Airforce base again.
Join Date: Feb 2006
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RAF St Mawgan is not being mothballed - the MOD is disposing of the airfield when current flying operations cease, although ground based elements will remain for some time on the domestic site. Current date for closure is Oct 07. Cornwall County Council are hoping to buy the whole airfield site and turn it into Newquay Airport. Exactly how much of the infrastructure will be included in the sale is yet to be decided.
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Devon
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Its incredible that anyone would think that Air Southwest/Sutton Harbour would think of taking any bold and imaginative step they were virtually given ASW by BA and are probably still hoping for Santa Claus to give them more aircraft and routes.
Nice to see Respryn is still as sensitive as ever despite his rest with the parttimers.
Nice to see Respryn is still as sensitive as ever despite his rest with the parttimers.
ASW need a young dynamic MD...not someone living in the past Brymon era. The population of the SW is forever expanding and isn't being properly served by air, especially in Devon & Cornwall . The bloody trains are better.
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Devon
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I have to agree that the drive and ambition of ASW/PCA/Sutton Harbour Holdings does not seem tobe there at present.I know people will say it is best to consolodate first but while they are doing this they are missing opportunities and it will be too late.
Join Date: Aug 2000
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It has been a long while since I posted but I feel moved to add my bit on this one yet again.
Any regional airline is limited in its expansion within its given region by the number of passengers available, if it wants to increase passenger numbers and the market is saturated within its region then it has to move outside of that region...... now stay with me...
Newquay is too far West to have any significant passenger growth, it has always supported a healthy London market and continues to do so and Air Southwest could probably make a success of this alone, it was always BA's highest earning domestic route. On the back of this I am sure they are trying and from what I have seen succeded in growing a handful of new routes, more power to their elbow for this and now let the beancounters count to see how the bottom line changes.
If anyone believes there are a plethora of opportunities using Newquay as a base then for a bit of fun take half the intended investment to an incinerator and lets see which burns away fastest.
There are opportunities for the airport at Newquay but the traditional schedule or charter market is always going to be limited. Plymouth I am afraid even more so.
I do not know the management structure at Air South West but from what I have seen they are certainly not stupid and have done a pretty good job so far in what is a very challenging market.
When selling a house don't they say location,location.location well when you are running an airline (which I have) those words are also paramount because without them you don't have a market, market,market!!!
Praise the Management or slay the Management that ladies and gentlemen is the bottom line.
Any regional airline is limited in its expansion within its given region by the number of passengers available, if it wants to increase passenger numbers and the market is saturated within its region then it has to move outside of that region...... now stay with me...
Newquay is too far West to have any significant passenger growth, it has always supported a healthy London market and continues to do so and Air Southwest could probably make a success of this alone, it was always BA's highest earning domestic route. On the back of this I am sure they are trying and from what I have seen succeded in growing a handful of new routes, more power to their elbow for this and now let the beancounters count to see how the bottom line changes.
If anyone believes there are a plethora of opportunities using Newquay as a base then for a bit of fun take half the intended investment to an incinerator and lets see which burns away fastest.
There are opportunities for the airport at Newquay but the traditional schedule or charter market is always going to be limited. Plymouth I am afraid even more so.
I do not know the management structure at Air South West but from what I have seen they are certainly not stupid and have done a pretty good job so far in what is a very challenging market.
When selling a house don't they say location,location.location well when you are running an airline (which I have) those words are also paramount because without them you don't have a market, market,market!!!
Praise the Management or slay the Management that ladies and gentlemen is the bottom line.
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Three Bridges
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I think revenue possibilities need to be examined again..... i.e selling sub load (empty seats) to Airmiles? ASW should / would be able to set the price it is willing to release empty seats at, and pax who would normally drive / catch the train may even prefer us.... most of my friends still say "I didn't know you could fly from Plymouth" "Bet it's expensive" but are sitting on mounds of airmiles.... Just a thought....
Brunel to Concorde
Join Date: Mar 2003
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GROUNDHOG
Great to have the benefit of your long experience in this field back on PPRuNe, even if it is only an occasional visit.
When GROUNDHOG speaks on this subject we should all listen and take note.
Many of us theorise, even fantasise, on setting up and running an airline from our local airport and the routes we would fly.
Well, GROUNDHOG has done it, more than once, and in the southwest corner of Britain, so his views are based on the real thing, not just theories.
Great to have the benefit of your long experience in this field back on PPRuNe, even if it is only an occasional visit.
When GROUNDHOG speaks on this subject we should all listen and take note.
Many of us theorise, even fantasise, on setting up and running an airline from our local airport and the routes we would fly.
Well, GROUNDHOG has done it, more than once, and in the southwest corner of Britain, so his views are based on the real thing, not just theories.
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Plymouth
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I'm inclined to praise the management at the moment, I think they're doing an admirable job so far, and yes I know I sound like a bum kisser and I'm not saying they're perfect BUT I have spoken to them on matters related to this thread and they certainly APPEAR at least to have their heads screwed on!
I have a question for all of you fellow ASW pilots, do you think you could do it better and if so what EXACTLY would you do? And have you ever spoken of this to the management or do you just put it on PPRUNE hoping that someone will say it for you?
I have a question for all of you fellow ASW pilots, do you think you could do it better and if so what EXACTLY would you do? And have you ever spoken of this to the management or do you just put it on PPRUNE hoping that someone will say it for you?
Join Date: May 2006
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I might be speaking out of turn here chaps, but I have taken ASW down to Plymouth last year and was not impressed by the fares but was mightily impressed by the service and by the staff who were fine. I hope that ASW can continue to flourish in these times and I look forward to flying down to Plymouth again at Easter. If I could make a suggestion, flying to Exeter instead or as well as Plymouth would be much better for a lot of pax.
But I really hope that ASW flourish; they have a darned good product.
But I really hope that ASW flourish; they have a darned good product.