First Choice - 2
 

First Choice (1) here. http://www.pprune.org/forums/showthr...01#post2901101

Just posted this on the BRS thread, the winter BRS-SFB/POP are tech stopping in MAN for fuel only, however, come summer, the BRS-SFB/POP are now split with MAN and the BRS-VRA is now split with EMA instead of just tech stopping, maybe the 767's are a bit stretched, the BRS-SFB/POP routes are selling well, the VRA not as well but still selling, so who knows?
That also means a new route for EMA doesn't it? Cuba unless i'm mistaken wasn't available before from EMA with FCA, definatly available on the website though, O/B direct, I/B via BRS.

When does FC normally release sales for winter 07/08, and is there any new destinations planned?

I see G-DBLA has arrived in MAN! Looking verrrry smart.

When's PJLO arriving?

Cheers, Rob

PJLO Arrives some time early next year, we get rid of one of our 321`s at the end of the year as well.

Has DBLA got any other changes that were problems on the others?

Also there have been rumours that G-OOAN may be leaving next year?

What was the problems with the others?, only problem with LA was corrosion on it, which is now sorted out, Had problems with the IFE.
No rumors of OAN leaving next year, due to we will have 6x767 and 6x787 in our Fleet, will keep my ears open.

I have just been reading on another forum that LA will take over from AN whilst that goes for a "major refurbishment", so it wasnt that it was going, just for another refit?:confused: :confused:

Sorry its taken so long to get back to you`s, as far as i`ve seen "AN" has had it refit, its got the New Seats front and rear, it cant have the same Cabinets by L2/R2 as with BL/BK/LM/LA.
"AN" is going to LTN soon for a Check, no refit.

First Choice Merger
 

Now that the mods have removed the blanket speculation perhaps we can return to single item threads!

Will FCA buy or merge and with whom?

Fca Cabin Crew - Attitude
 

Just a small rant, but could first choice cabin crew be a little more friendly to dispatchers and ground agents when we come on board? All other airlines, EZY, FR, BE, BA, TOM etc seem to be fine and happy, but FCA rarely smile, dont say thanks for any pax info you might give them, and generally have a face like a smacked arse. Flight deck crew on the other hand score top points for happiness, and us dispatchers generally look forward to speaking to you.
Miserable crew mean that we aren't going to be bothered about helping you, so you shoot yourselves in the foot by being misery guts. Its not our fault you have to wear fuscia pink jackets.
Any one else have a similar experience?

I noticed G-OOBL has gone down to Abu Dhabi today, any reasons for this particularly, surely it cant be for checks already.

Thats right "BL" has gone for a (1c) C check, its not back till the 9th of December.

So does the airline go in a sale with the mainstream sector or stay with the remaining FC 'specialist and activity' holiday company?

As usual FC pilots have been told nothing so we can only assume what might happen. It is well known that there is over capacity in the market but there are still a certain amount of punters who still need to be flown on holiday. So to me that adds up to some sort of an integration of the airlines but with some reduction in the total number of flights/crews/ aircraft. My CV is being updated as we speak!

So a company that hasn't made a profit for some years and was to all intents and purposes bust makes an offer for a profitable part of another.
Run that in front of me again!!

The company can't make a go of it on it's own, so they come up with a common desperate move. Plan a new big company based on spreadsheet assumptions. It also involves persuading existing company (first choice) shareholders to sell their existing shares for new (worthless) shares in a company with huge debts that might be paid off in future years (after the existing management have left with their bonuses etc) if everything goes according to a very ambitious plan. Can't see many shareholders falling for it.

Sky9,

Oh and u forgot to mention the resultant debt still present as a result of the losses but your absolutely right and there no better truth than stating the bl****ng obvious. Nice position for FC pilots to be in! One moment you're part of a profitable Company and the next you MIGHT be part of a Company who hasn't actually posted a profit recently. Nice thought!

One question. Why are FC trying to offload a major part of their business that makes up 47% of their profit? Perhaps any suitor should proceed with caution. Airtours (as was) had a long history of dodgey acquisitions that eventually brought it to its knees. McHugh better get this right.

Been hearing rumours that FC were planning to pull out of BHX next summer, now this. The plot thickens

My First Choice
 

Economies of scale etc.

Over the last 5 years or so, the traditional package holiday has taken a hammering. Every travel agent can now "tailor make" trips to Spain and the rest of the world. Hotel only operators which travel agents use will act to cover the question of "health and safety" and finally most customers are now happy to book each of the parts - flights, hotels and transfers individually. Very often there's not much in the difference pricewise.
Now given that the market overall hasn't grown by a huge amount - allow back the amount that scheduled low cost and traditional carrier now have and you end up with a shrinking market. So I think it's shrewd of FC to flog mainline as I'm sure they use a lot of scheduled flights for their "specialist" markets. It leaves MYT with a bigger slice of a deminishing market. There will always be room for the traditional package just less so.

Shamrogue