jmc Airlines-Thomas Cook Airlines

[jmc_757-200]

Hi, As many of you are aware jmc airlines have now begun there amalgamation into Thomas Cook Airlines. On April 1st (if all goes to plan) there callsign will change from jmc-Globe and there code will become TCX and jmc will pass into the history books and Thomas Cook will take over all there operations. So far Boeing 757-28A G-FCLF and B757-2Y0 have been repainted into the TCX C/S and more aircraft will soon! Two 757-200's and two A320-200's have been leased to Ryan International for the Winter months, Three options have been placed for 757-???'s, and romours are going around that the two A330-200's may be disposed of!

If anybody has anymore information about jmc/tcx please post a reply.

Thanks

jmc_757-200

[Give a dog a beach]

It is quite common knowledge to us on the inside that JMC are trying to dispose of the A330's.
We have been for some time, the problem is that we are committed to the aircraft long term and the penalties are high for returning the aircraft.
During Summer 02 we operated the canadian routes at a loss just to keep the aircraft flying, and now that the hajj has fallen through the aircraft have cost us millions this year.
It is plain to see that we are better off sticking to the bucket and spade stuff where high utilisation is a must......

Bye Bye A330's...

[beardy]

Little of what Give a dog a beach says is based on reality. The aircraft are on lease, the rest is the product of a warped imagination.

[Colonel Klink]

Well, I notice that British Midland have leased their unwanted A330's to South African so I guess it may be more economical for JMC to do a similar thing. The new Thomas Cook paint scheme is very attractive, and the brand recogntion better than the JMC (who?) brand ever was, and as for that geen, well............
Good luck, guys...................

[expedite_climb]

Options for more 75's ??? Couldnt be farther from the truth..... specially since all purchasing is now by Lufthansa group.

[jmc_757-200]

Options for more 75's ??? Couldnt be farther from the truth..... specially since all purchasing is now by Lufthansa group.

My sources at MAN have informed me that 3 option for 757-???'s have been placed (How long they have been placed for i'm unsure) and that jmc are also awaiting delivery of one more A320-200.

Thanks

jmc_757-200

[beardy]

Options were placed quite some time ago when -300s were on such amazing discounts. TC Germany recently announced plans to park 6 x 757-300s in the desert. Should TC UK ever decide to use more 757s they would not need options outside the group.

There is no current plan to take another A330 onto the fleet.

I know that it is tempting to believe rumours when they coincide with preconceptions and wishes; for years I believed in the generosity of human nature, because I wanted it to be true.

[expedite_climb]

Ok - old options I see.

As for the new A320, that is just to replace one which when its lease expires next year.

[tailscrape]

Beardy,

Nice to see your chips are still balanced!

I would say that things are gonna be pretty tough in TCUK in 2003, just like they will be elsewhere. The German paymasters are looking for a return on investment I imagine......

All this talk of new aircraft and the likes is nice. Survival long term in a profitable organisation would be better for all of us. I am sure you well agree.

I am just glad that I took that "go away and come back in two years" option.....with the money they gave me too.... flying boxes seems a lot more stable at the minute!

I really hope you guys enjoy the new colours and callsign. I am looking forward to rejoining my happy ship in the future.......

Happy holidays.

[4321zip]

Just a by-stander here, but why does jmc (TC) Airlines not use the Boeing 767-300 like Condor (TC Germany) does for their longhaul flights, instead of introducing more fleet types!
It would then seem the airlines would have a common fleet: A320, B757-200, B757-300 & B767-300!
Just my $0.02!

[pietenpohl]

4321 zip

Don't I wish! It would be great to get on the 76.
However, Top Cat do have A330s for long haul, which, they say, are sufficient. They are struggling in the winter, though, for employment of them.

[LIMA OR ALPHA JUNK]

I understand the longer term plan is eventually to move to an all Airbus fleet. As the 757 leases expire, they are likely to be replaced with A321s instead as the Germans can get a better deal purchasing for the whole group from Airbus than from Boeing.

As for the A330s, you either do long haul or you don't. 2 aeroplanes seems mad to me - you either get rid or get more.

[expedite_climb]

pietenpohl

No - winter work for the a330's ? I dunno - i was well miffed not to be rostered any of the beirut work their are doing.

[4321zip]

Is it true that there might be a new in-house no-frills airline/vacation sub-brand to the Thomas Cook Group?
I heard from someone that TC looked into it, a bit late now?
4321zip

[expedite_climb]

zip - brand as in tour operating ? Not sure. In offering "Holiday Choices" they've made some low cost, and there were some new brands launched last year, one may be low cost. Cant remeber what it was tho.

[Psr777]

The brands have been divided into Thomas Cook brochures, with Select at the top end. JMC Holidays will continue to provide for the mainstream family holiday market, with Sunset providing for the budget traveller. In addition you have the Style Holidays which have not changed and the 18-30 section which again hasn't changed.

There is a very strong rumour going around that they are indeed looking at a low cost operation, but I understand it is early days yet. The CEO of TCUK only recently mentioned it and said it wasn't part of the immediate plans, but also refused to rule it out.

With aircraft leasing coming under review shortly for some of the 757's and the A320's it will be interesting to see what happens.

There is also the rumour that the new "Holiday Choices" options will be reviewed and every passenger on board will receive a meal, as the Thomas Cook name is associated with a quality product.

It is just a shame they won't take some seats out every aircraft and make it more comfortable for the passengers. A seat pitch of 29 inches on a 6 hour flight to BJL is no fun at all. Especially if you are in one of the rows that do not recline. Not exactly QUALITY.

Does anyone have any info as to whether or not the CAA are going to change the minimum from 26 inches to something more reasonable?