FlyBE - 5
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I don't think an airline pilots based forum is one to complain about Flybe's customer service.
Oh, and I heard today that it looks likely BE could finally get some much needed competition on the MAN-SOU route in the guise of our lovely friends at BMI Regional. Let's hope so!
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[QUOTE I don't think an airline pilots based forum is one to complain about Flybe's customer service.They have a customer relations department that deals with such problems.
Failing that go to the press as they love a bit of airline bashing at the moment, and make yourself a few pounds into the bargain.
This thread has turned into a slanging match like so many of the other A,A & R threads.
A poor show][/QUOTE]
Slightly pompous don't you think ?
This is an AIRLINES, Airports & Routes forum so why not ? I see this site as a two-way communication tool that Pilots & Crew should use to pick up useful feedback from SLF & others.
To be honest, if you professionals don't like what you read from SLF members, make the site PROFESSIONAL PILOTS only with the pre-requsite of having a Pilots license - oh, but what about Cabin Crew & Engineers & other industry workers then ?
Also, the only real " slanging " I have noted is from people employed in Aviation so it's not really a fair comment !
Like to comment about danflyboy's earlier post ?
Failing that go to the press as they love a bit of airline bashing at the moment, and make yourself a few pounds into the bargain.
This thread has turned into a slanging match like so many of the other A,A & R threads.
A poor show][/QUOTE]
Slightly pompous don't you think ?
This is an AIRLINES, Airports & Routes forum so why not ? I see this site as a two-way communication tool that Pilots & Crew should use to pick up useful feedback from SLF & others.
To be honest, if you professionals don't like what you read from SLF members, make the site PROFESSIONAL PILOTS only with the pre-requsite of having a Pilots license - oh, but what about Cabin Crew & Engineers & other industry workers then ?
Also, the only real " slanging " I have noted is from people employed in Aviation so it's not really a fair comment !
Like to comment about danflyboy's earlier post ?
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"It is of note that you see fit to imtimidate Anne with such flannel. There is nothing to stipulate that matters discussed in this forum should be wholly based around the monde du travail of airline pilots at BE. Indeed, the majority of commentators, and I include myself, and contributors on this forum would be dangerous flying a kite, let alone an aircraft. So get off Anne's back and let free speech prevail.
Oh, and I heard today that it looks likely BE could finally get some much needed competition on the MAN-SOU route in the guise of our lovely friends at BMI Regional. Let's hope so!"
Ther was no intention of "intimidation or flannel" in my post, shall I pass you the wooden spoon to stir this topic further?.
My point was based on the fact that this isn't the best medium to complain about poor customer service.
Oh, and I heard today that it looks likely BE could finally get some much needed competition on the MAN-SOU route in the guise of our lovely friends at BMI Regional. Let's hope so!"
Ther was no intention of "intimidation or flannel" in my post, shall I pass you the wooden spoon to stir this topic further?.
My point was based on the fact that this isn't the best medium to complain about poor customer service.
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Anne, for the avoidance of doubt I am a Flybe Dash 8 pilot, as are several other contributors to this thread.
The see-saw analogy was not intended as sarcasm but was shamelessly plagiarised from one of my colleagues, who uses this very comparison in his PAs when explaining the need to move passengers. Many people are understandably quite unaware of aircraft trim issues, and it can be helpful to explain it in everyday language. I'm sorry if it came across as patronising, it was not intended thus.
Again, for the avoidance of doubt, the Dash 8 is divided into 4 seating zones from front to rear, and the load within each zone is considered before each flight to ensure that the aircraft is safely balanced (trimmed). In theory, passengers should be allocated seats at check-in to ensure correct trim, but in practice - and for various reasons - it doesn't always work like that. During boarding some passengers will often ask to move, and others may occupy the wrong seats without asking. On completion of boarding, the cabin crew will make a note of the numbers within each zone and pass this to the captain. More often than not the system works, sometimes we need to ask people to move.
In your case, there is no trim-related reason why you couldn't move sideways across the aircraft. It is possible the cabin crew were just having a bad day, but more likely they were expecting more passengers to arrive, and sod's law says that if someone moves before the doors are closed, another passenger will arrive to find their seat occupied. Add in the knowledge that passengers may need to be moved in any case, and it's simpler to have everyone occupying their assigned seat until the captain has reviewed the trim sheet. Any cabin crew worth their salt would pass on a request to move to the captain, but unfortunately we are never going to please everyone all of the time.
Regarding the percentage of delayed sectors, it's now more like 250 on time or early arrivals against 3 that were delayed by more than an hour, but it's interesting you made the comparison with travelling by train or taxi, as it speaks volumes for people's expectations. I did have a life before flying, and when travelling for important meetings I always aimed for a cushion of at least 30 minutes, and preferably an hour - whatever the mode of transport. I've had my fair share of delays when travelling by road and rail, and although I'm not nerdy enough to keep a score sheet, I suspect that air travel is the most reliable of the three.
At the risk of stating the obvious, aircraft are machines, and - just like taxis and trains - they occasionally break down. They also operate in a very dynamic and complex environment. There are many people and processes involved in getting you safely from A to B, and it's a small miracle that the system works at all, never mind day in, day out. When delays occur, you have a right to expect an explanation and an estimate of the delay (although not with updates every few minutes - as others have stated this is unrealistic, we often do not know ourselves and plans can change at very short notice). You also have a right to expect patience and courtesy from the crew, but it's a two way street and I would expect it in return. I could give you numerous instances of passengers venting their frustration on the cabin crew, and while it is perhaps understandable, it is not acceptable. I could also give you instances where passengers have helped out the crew (e.g. by volunteering to move when someone else is refusing) and the crew have reciprocated that kindness. Like I said, it's a two way street.
In short, no organisation claims to be perfect. I have travelled as passenger with many airlines over the years (and in quite a few trains and taxis) and Flybe are certainly no worse - and in many cases an awful lot better - than the alternatives. (Ask the gentlemen we flew to Edinburgh recently, who left his driving licence in the terminal. The aircraft waited at the runway holding point with an engine shut down while airfield ops brought it out to him - I can think of several airlines where that kind of service wouldn't even be considered).
The see-saw analogy was not intended as sarcasm but was shamelessly plagiarised from one of my colleagues, who uses this very comparison in his PAs when explaining the need to move passengers. Many people are understandably quite unaware of aircraft trim issues, and it can be helpful to explain it in everyday language. I'm sorry if it came across as patronising, it was not intended thus.
Again, for the avoidance of doubt, the Dash 8 is divided into 4 seating zones from front to rear, and the load within each zone is considered before each flight to ensure that the aircraft is safely balanced (trimmed). In theory, passengers should be allocated seats at check-in to ensure correct trim, but in practice - and for various reasons - it doesn't always work like that. During boarding some passengers will often ask to move, and others may occupy the wrong seats without asking. On completion of boarding, the cabin crew will make a note of the numbers within each zone and pass this to the captain. More often than not the system works, sometimes we need to ask people to move.
In your case, there is no trim-related reason why you couldn't move sideways across the aircraft. It is possible the cabin crew were just having a bad day, but more likely they were expecting more passengers to arrive, and sod's law says that if someone moves before the doors are closed, another passenger will arrive to find their seat occupied. Add in the knowledge that passengers may need to be moved in any case, and it's simpler to have everyone occupying their assigned seat until the captain has reviewed the trim sheet. Any cabin crew worth their salt would pass on a request to move to the captain, but unfortunately we are never going to please everyone all of the time.
Regarding the percentage of delayed sectors, it's now more like 250 on time or early arrivals against 3 that were delayed by more than an hour, but it's interesting you made the comparison with travelling by train or taxi, as it speaks volumes for people's expectations. I did have a life before flying, and when travelling for important meetings I always aimed for a cushion of at least 30 minutes, and preferably an hour - whatever the mode of transport. I've had my fair share of delays when travelling by road and rail, and although I'm not nerdy enough to keep a score sheet, I suspect that air travel is the most reliable of the three.
At the risk of stating the obvious, aircraft are machines, and - just like taxis and trains - they occasionally break down. They also operate in a very dynamic and complex environment. There are many people and processes involved in getting you safely from A to B, and it's a small miracle that the system works at all, never mind day in, day out. When delays occur, you have a right to expect an explanation and an estimate of the delay (although not with updates every few minutes - as others have stated this is unrealistic, we often do not know ourselves and plans can change at very short notice). You also have a right to expect patience and courtesy from the crew, but it's a two way street and I would expect it in return. I could give you numerous instances of passengers venting their frustration on the cabin crew, and while it is perhaps understandable, it is not acceptable. I could also give you instances where passengers have helped out the crew (e.g. by volunteering to move when someone else is refusing) and the crew have reciprocated that kindness. Like I said, it's a two way street.
In short, no organisation claims to be perfect. I have travelled as passenger with many airlines over the years (and in quite a few trains and taxis) and Flybe are certainly no worse - and in many cases an awful lot better - than the alternatives. (Ask the gentlemen we flew to Edinburgh recently, who left his driving licence in the terminal. The aircraft waited at the runway holding point with an engine shut down while airfield ops brought it out to him - I can think of several airlines where that kind of service wouldn't even be considered).
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I agree, I am bored with it too. I simply wanted to respond to some of the comments that had been levelled at me over the past few days. I would have done it earlier and we would all have moved on by now, however I was banned so couldnt reply! 
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Could anyone possibly tell me when Flybe it will be possible to book summer Flybe flights from Cardiff and whether or not they will be operating any rugby charter flights into Cardiff for the RBS 6 Nations?
Cheers
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*deep breath*
.....and so back to the resumption of normal operations.
Re: the 'missing' E195
As I understand things, this a/c is the 3rd BHX based 195 and will be used as the 'hot' spare for the winter period. Hence why there is no flight information in the breakdown of the routes kindly provided by Olton Pete.
.....and so back to the resumption of normal operations.
Re: the 'missing' E195
As I understand things, this a/c is the 3rd BHX based 195 and will be used as the 'hot' spare for the winter period. Hence why there is no flight information in the breakdown of the routes kindly provided by Olton Pete.
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195's & 145's
Maude Charlee
Thank you for the information re the 195's.
It sounds a fairly sound strategy having a spare if you can afford to do so and good to see it at bhx so often.
Other news or should say rumours is from another forum is that 4 x 145's
could be off to a new Greek start up called Athens Airways. The report
did come with links but I forgot to note them.
Athens Airways is believed to have an operating certicate (the phrase
AOC was not used) and it intends to operate within Greece from 2009.
I am not sure if these "four" aircraft are out of service already but there
still seems some interest in the 145 from around Europe. A delivery date
of November onwards was mentioned.
Is there any intention or possibility of pulling the 145's out of service
early if "the right offer" is made? I know I probably answered that
question myself when I posted the fleet distribution for Monday 27/10
but flybe seem to be very flexible at times and if an opportunity is
there they take it (Wilderoe deal springs to mind).
Q400, G-ECOG is reported to be on it's way per another forum with G-FBEN (195) and G-ECOH not that far off either, if nothing has changed recently.
Pete
Thank you for the information re the 195's.
It sounds a fairly sound strategy having a spare if you can afford to do so and good to see it at bhx so often.
Other news or should say rumours is from another forum is that 4 x 145's
could be off to a new Greek start up called Athens Airways. The report
did come with links but I forgot to note them.
Athens Airways is believed to have an operating certicate (the phrase
AOC was not used) and it intends to operate within Greece from 2009.
I am not sure if these "four" aircraft are out of service already but there
still seems some interest in the 145 from around Europe. A delivery date
of November onwards was mentioned.
Is there any intention or possibility of pulling the 145's out of service
early if "the right offer" is made? I know I probably answered that
question myself when I posted the fleet distribution for Monday 27/10
but flybe seem to be very flexible at times and if an opportunity is
there they take it (Wilderoe deal springs to mind).
Q400, G-ECOG is reported to be on it's way per another forum with G-FBEN (195) and G-ECOH not that far off either, if nothing has changed recently.
Pete
Last edited by OltonPete; 18th Oct 2008 at 12:53. Reason: spelling
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Must be doing something right!
Flybe soars into the lead in sunday times top track 250
20 October 2008
Flybe leaves Harrods, Manchester United FC, Aston Martin and Selfridges trailing in its wake Flybe, Europe’s largest and most successful regional airline, has been recognised as the biggest mid-market private company in Britain according to the latest Sunday Times HSBC Top Track 250 league table.
The Sunday Times HSBC Top Track 250 league table lists Britain’s biggest mid-market private
companies by sales and Flybe, ranked number one, fended off household names such as Harrods, Dyson and Manchester United FC.
With global airline losses forecast to exceed $5bn* this year and with many industry players struggling in light of the current economic instability, Flybe continues to go from strength to strength, recording pre-tax earnings of £12.2 million for the first quarter of this year (April – June 2008), an increase of 14% on last year.
Mike Rutter, Chief Commercial Officer for Flybe commented: “To be recognised as the number one mid-market private company in the country is a huge testament to the hard work and commitment of all our staff. The significant developments we have made in the last 18 months have created and maintained a thriving and profitable airline.
“In the first quarter’s trading of this year, both revenues and operating profits were significantly higher than in the same period last year for Flybe. The Top Track 250 achievement is recognition of our long-term strategy, focussed management actions and successful business model .”
*Source: IATA forceast
20 October 2008
Flybe leaves Harrods, Manchester United FC, Aston Martin and Selfridges trailing in its wake Flybe, Europe’s largest and most successful regional airline, has been recognised as the biggest mid-market private company in Britain according to the latest Sunday Times HSBC Top Track 250 league table.
The Sunday Times HSBC Top Track 250 league table lists Britain’s biggest mid-market private
companies by sales and Flybe, ranked number one, fended off household names such as Harrods, Dyson and Manchester United FC.
With global airline losses forecast to exceed $5bn* this year and with many industry players struggling in light of the current economic instability, Flybe continues to go from strength to strength, recording pre-tax earnings of £12.2 million for the first quarter of this year (April – June 2008), an increase of 14% on last year.
Mike Rutter, Chief Commercial Officer for Flybe commented: “To be recognised as the number one mid-market private company in the country is a huge testament to the hard work and commitment of all our staff. The significant developments we have made in the last 18 months have created and maintained a thriving and profitable airline.
“In the first quarter’s trading of this year, both revenues and operating profits were significantly higher than in the same period last year for Flybe. The Top Track 250 achievement is recognition of our long-term strategy, focussed management actions and successful business model .”
*Source: IATA forceast
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Final 146 flight
Anyone notice that Flybe are trying to round up the spotters to fly on the last ever 146 flight in BE colours?
Final Flybe 146 flight marks end of an era
17 October 2008
Flybe, Europe’s largest and most successful regional airline, is to mark the passing of an era on Sunday October 26 by offering enthusiasts the opportunity to fly on its very last BAe 146 flight when the aircraft makes its final positioning flight from Guernsey to Exeter. Not only will this be Flybe’s last 146 flight but the end of what is currently the only scheduled jet service operating to and from the island. Tickets are on sale now at £31.99 one way including taxes and airport charges and are selling fast. To further mark the historic event, with Flybe finally bidding farewell to this aircraft model and move one step closer to becoming a two-type aircraft fleet, passengers will receive a photograph of the aircraft signed by the last crew.
Flybe introduced the 146 jet series into Guernsey in 1995 with the 70-seat 100-series before moving on to the 200 series and finally the 112-seat 300-series that has been operating on the route since 2002. The 146 was especially suited to Guernsey as it has a particularly good short field performance on both departure and arrival, as indeed does the Embraer 195 that Flybe had hoped to replace it with.
Mike Rutter, Flybe’s Chief Commercial Officer says: “The 146 was a wonderful workhorse in its day but times have moved on with volatile oil prices and concerns around noise and environmental issues making its continued service unsustainable.”
“We had hoped to continue offering our Guernsey passengers a continued jet aircraft service with our new 112-seat state of the art Embraer 195 that, with its comfortable 2x2 seat configuration, has proved so popular on several of our other key routes. However, this has proved not to be.”
“Nevertheless, we bid a fond farewell to the last Flybe 146 as the aircraft departs our fleet for good – and formally welcome the Q400 turboprop into service that, although smaller, has become the mainstay of our new environmentally sensitive, fuel efficient fleet.”
“We realise that the 146 means a lot to enthusiasts and, to meet requested demand, are therefore pleased to offer them a chance to be a part of history and mark the passing of an era by flying on this final historic flight, both for Flybe and for Guernsey.”
PR genius or flogging a dead horse? Does anyone think there'll be interest?
ps. funny little dig at not being able to introduce the 195......
Final Flybe 146 flight marks end of an era
17 October 2008
Flybe, Europe’s largest and most successful regional airline, is to mark the passing of an era on Sunday October 26 by offering enthusiasts the opportunity to fly on its very last BAe 146 flight when the aircraft makes its final positioning flight from Guernsey to Exeter. Not only will this be Flybe’s last 146 flight but the end of what is currently the only scheduled jet service operating to and from the island. Tickets are on sale now at £31.99 one way including taxes and airport charges and are selling fast. To further mark the historic event, with Flybe finally bidding farewell to this aircraft model and move one step closer to becoming a two-type aircraft fleet, passengers will receive a photograph of the aircraft signed by the last crew.
Flybe introduced the 146 jet series into Guernsey in 1995 with the 70-seat 100-series before moving on to the 200 series and finally the 112-seat 300-series that has been operating on the route since 2002. The 146 was especially suited to Guernsey as it has a particularly good short field performance on both departure and arrival, as indeed does the Embraer 195 that Flybe had hoped to replace it with.
Mike Rutter, Flybe’s Chief Commercial Officer says: “The 146 was a wonderful workhorse in its day but times have moved on with volatile oil prices and concerns around noise and environmental issues making its continued service unsustainable.”
“We had hoped to continue offering our Guernsey passengers a continued jet aircraft service with our new 112-seat state of the art Embraer 195 that, with its comfortable 2x2 seat configuration, has proved so popular on several of our other key routes. However, this has proved not to be.”
“Nevertheless, we bid a fond farewell to the last Flybe 146 as the aircraft departs our fleet for good – and formally welcome the Q400 turboprop into service that, although smaller, has become the mainstay of our new environmentally sensitive, fuel efficient fleet.”
“We realise that the 146 means a lot to enthusiasts and, to meet requested demand, are therefore pleased to offer them a chance to be a part of history and mark the passing of an era by flying on this final historic flight, both for Flybe and for Guernsey.”
PR genius or flogging a dead horse? Does anyone think there'll be interest?
ps. funny little dig at not being able to introduce the 195......
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Not flogging a dead horse, I think there's a market there for spotters etc, personally I think it'll be near full.
I believe the 195 cannot be positioned in GCI because of ramp restrictions.
I believe the 195 cannot be positioned in GCI because of ramp restrictions.