Thomas Cook-2

[Big Tudor]

If I may, rather than posting unfounded rumours or opinions why not check in with friends, colleagues or mates who work for Thomas Cook. Take them out for a beer, a meal, just ring them for a chat. It won’t make one jot of difference to the survival or not of the company (just like posting on here won’t) but at least it will show that you care and it might help take their mind of things for an hour or two.

Just try try and by human.

[eggc]

2 x 321's and 3 x 330's are owned on the British register. Unsure of the scandinavian aircraft. Could VS possibly be interested in the LH ops, certainly out of MAN where routes are duplicated ? Remove competition and grow some ?

[chaps1954]

Of course the CAA etc will have made plans after all it is there job to be prepared as it`s peoples lives and careers, if they hadn`t it would be very remiss of them

[Vokes55]

If the MH A380 and 3x 767s are all the CAA has currently on it's way/in place, then it's a pretty meagre effort thus far. The majority of the typical wet-lease operators are flat out covering Boeing and RR's incompetence, there isn't much spare capacity lying around in Europe. Bar Jet2, the operators listed above won't be of much use either.

For the sake of the industry, let's hope a positive outcome is found at the 11th hour tonight. Hundreds of type rated pilots out of work isn't good for anyone.

[daz211]

So let’s say it all work out again this time round, how does Thomas Cook move on and restructure or even rebrand? As we all know in this industry once someone finds something that works most airlines try and follow closely, causing saturation and price wars in the industry.

Whats missing from the short to medium Holiday market ?

In my opinion the industry could do with an Airline / Tour Operator that is so different to all the others and provide everything with one price no additional cost.

Free baggage
Free food
Free seats

This wouldn’t mean sky high fares it would just be a simple easy use booking, once all the add on have be totalled up with other airlines the cost is way more that at first shown, so why not just provide a simple honest product.
I know lots of people that would find it very desirable.
Back to basics destination wise, popular Med and if longhaul is involved, Orlando and Vegas.

Also I think the Thomas Cook brand has been damaged to a point that a rebrand of Airtours International wouldn’t be a bad thing.

[toledoashley]

The meeting has ended in London, there is a video on twitter of everyone leaving.

[nowhereasfiled]

Originally Posted by toledoashley

The meeting has ended in London, there is a video on twitter of everyone leaving.

Frankhauser looked red eyed almost like he’s been crying. It’s genuinely distressing to watch, I tip my hat to the TC Management who have fought day and night for the survival of the company.

[VickersVicount]

Originally Posted by daz211

This wouldn’t mean sky high fares

It would, and there lies the problem. People don't want meals if they have to pay for them (i think the percentage of selected pre paid meals is actually quite low), so why give them away for nothing. People now cope with less luggage, so why go back to old times.
An everything free airline would be niche and not be suitable for the stack em high charter types.

[daz211]

Originally Posted by nowhereasfiled

Frankhauser looked red eyed almost like he’s been crying. It’s genuinely distressing to watch, I tip my hat to the TC Management who have fought day and night for the survival of the company.

I agree hats off to them for fighting, the only issue I have with the management is the fight and change should have started 2-3 years ago, fingers crossed for the future and the outcome of the meeting today.

[01475]

Well.

Lets hope there isn't to be an aerial convoy from Qatar tonight.

Fingers crossed for everyone.

[eggc]

Originally Posted by daz211

So let’s say it all work out again this time round, how does Thomas Cook move on and restructure or even rebrand?

I'd have a good long look at the success that is Jet2, they getting most things right and people love it.

[beardy]

.
​Also I think the Thomas Cook brand has been damaged to a point that a rebrand of Airtours International wouldn’t be a bad thing.​​​​​​

Reading today's Sunday Telegraph that would be a death knell. The race to the bottom of the bucket and spade market robbed Thomas Cook of its heritage as an up market agency since replaced by Kuoni, Audley Travel, Trailfinders et al.

[daz211]

Originally Posted by VickersVicount

It would, and there lies the problem. People don't want meals if they have to pay for them (i think the percentage of selected pre paid meals is actually quite low), so why give them away for nothing. People now cope with less luggage, so why go back to old times.
An everything free airline would be niche and not be suitable for the stack em high charter types.

I disagree, the average spend on trolly food / snack is £18 per passenger per sector and it was evident that people payed for snack because food was not available or they didn’t think in advance to book it.
just add it all to the ticket / holiday price you will still sell snacks and make profits on the food service.

It would need a very structured and clear advertising campaign but I strongly believe and have see strong evidence that people would love a one price all including Airline infact my Airline almost went down this route.

If your the only airline offering this when all others are fighting each other for bums on seats with the same product there is enough out there to fill seats on an airline that offers more.

[Old King Coal]

One's tempted to suggest that the body language & demeanour of the Thomas Cook boss, Peter Fankhauser, speaks volumes. He certainly doesn't seem to be leaving that crucial meeting with a hop, skip & jump in is step, or neither a big smile upon his face: https://tinyurl.com/y4oat4vv

[Bam Thwok]

Originally Posted by eggc

I'd have a good long look at the success that is Jet2, they getting most things right and people love it.

Yes, but that’s been 12 years in the making........ it just hasn’t happened overnight.
My thoughts are with all at TC in these horrendous hours.

[daz211]

Originally Posted by Old King Coal

One's tempted to suggest that the body language & demeanour of the Thomas Cook boss, Peter Fankhauser, speaks volumes. He certainly doesn't seem to be leaving that crucial meeting with a hop, skip & jump in is step, or neither a big smile upon his face: https://tinyurl.com/y4oat4vv

In my opinion even if there was a glimmer or a chance that things might just be ok he or someone would have made a point of making so kind of comment or statement, even if it was we are working hard and behind the scenes we are working on a positive outcome for or staff and customers.

Im not holding my breath after seeing this.

[SealinkBF]

Originally Posted by BluSdUp

It is sad to see fellow Aviators loose the job.
That said I find it amusing at best to read the drama Queens going on about poor Pax stranded.
If a company goes bust it stops operation .
END OFF.
Why in the name of communism or capitalism should any Government Agency give a toss about ANY so called stranded Pax.
Use Creditcard or get insurance or bring cash and debitcard.
So You Holiday is ruined, big deal stupid!

20 000 people is out of a job!!
THAT is a big deal!

Regards
Cpt B

I agree that government should not get involved, but to dismiss holidaymakers like that is insensitive. I know a lot of people who work insanely long hours and their holiday is a respite. Holidays can be family reunions, family goodbyes, last hurrahs etc. so are important.

I feel for the staff more, but lets not lose sight of the fact that if the worst comes to the worst, more than the employees will be in the proverbial.

[caaardiff]

Originally Posted by daz211

I disagree, the average spend on trolly food / snack is £18 per passenger per sector and it was evident that people payed for snack because food was not available or they didn’t think in advance to book it.
just add it all to the ticket / holiday price you will still sell snacks and make profits on the food service.

It would need a very structured and clear advertising campaign but I strongly believe and have see strong evidence that people would love a one price all including Airline infact my Airline almost went down this route.

If your the only airline offering this when all others are fighting each other for bums on seats with the same product there is enough out there to fill seats on an airline that offers more.

In flight meals is not that profitable. That's why TUI dumped it and has a successful buy on board offering that goes down well with customers. For short haul flights, it's really not worth having a full meal. People often like to eat in the Airport while waiting, or have a meal when they arrive at the destination. A snack is more fitting for less than 5 hour flights and would probably have a lower cost base.
Although TUI are bigger, Jet2 are performing better. It's rare to hear bad things about Jet2, so they must be getting something right. There does seem to be a lack of customer care from Thomas Cook sometimes, not from the Travel Agents/Crews etc, but during/after travel complaints about issues when abroad, but TUI also suffer the same complaints, you only have to look at their Twitter feeds.

[Cafe john]

I don't know too much about this but can I ask what would happen to the TC planes in the US if the plug was pulled?

EG, on Flightradar24, there is a TC flight inbound to Orlando not scheduled to land for another 3 hours - would it make a return journey?

High hopes and best wishes to all at TC - I flew with them earlier this year short haul and found the experience to be exceptional.

[Coquelet]

Originally Posted by BluSdUp

It is sad to see fellow Aviators loose the job.
20 000 people is out of a job!!
THAT is a big deal!

If a company goes bust it stops operation .
END OFF.
Regards