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Wirraway
28th Dec 2004, 06:36
ABC News
Tuesday, December 28, 2004. 5:26pm (AEDT)

Tsunami aid flights leave Darwin
Two C-130 Hercules planes loaded with aid for Indonesia flew out of Darwin's RAAF base today.

The planes flew out of Darwin bound for Sumatra in Indonesia, one this morning and another this afternoon.

They were packed with tarpaulins, fresh water water purification equipment and medical supplies.

Ten medical specialists were on board the morning flight. They will conduct medical assessments and treat victims.

The planes were dispatched from the Richmond Air Force base in New South Wales yesterday and stopped in Darwin overnight.

A third Hercules filled with emergency supplies has arrived in Darwin from New South Wales.

It will leave for South-East Asia in the early hours of tomorrow morning.

The Hercules will remain in Indonesia to assist with rescue efforts in the region.

At this stage, there are no plans to fly victims back to Australia on the planes.

Two more Hercules are expected to arrive in Darwin today, including a plane from the New Zealand Air Force.

Tonight, a Virgin Blue plane will leave Canberra to carry diplomatic staff and emergency equipment to the resort town of Phuket in Thailand.

A spokeswoman for Virgin Blue says the plane will also be used to bring Australians home.

The flight is being coordinated by the Department of Foreign Affairs.

Meanwhile, Victorian Treasurer John Brumby has announced the state will give $1.5 million to help victims of the tsunamis.

"This is by far the highest contribution that the state has ever made to a disaster of this type and it reflects that it is within our region, it affects so many tens of thousands of people and it is unprecedented in nature," he said.

==========================================
Tues "The Australian" Late News

Qantas on standby for extra flights
December 28, 2004

QANTAS Airways is meeting demand for flights out of tsunami devastated South-East Asia and is on standby to put on extra flights if needed.

The carrier, which flies to Thailand and Indonesia, said today it was in close contact with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) over flights out of the region.

An estimated 26,000 people died when a massive tsunami hit South-East Asia on Sunday, triggered by an earthquake measuring 9 on the Richter scale in the Indian Ocean.

The "terrible events" in South-East Asia had had no impact on the airline's business operations, Qantas spokesman Michael Sharp said.

"At this stage there is no requirement to put on additional flights, however we will be able to do that at short notice if it is required," Mr Sharp said.

"At the moment there really has been not much of a change in our booking patterns but we are watching things closely and this may change.

"We are waiving all penalties that might have applied to people cancelling or changing bookings away from the affected areas."

============================================

Eastwest Loco
28th Dec 2004, 09:07
At the moment there seems to be plenty of capacity available between BKK and Australia particularly on QF and BA, but the bottleneck seems to be on TG services ex HKT to get to BKK, despite deployment of wide bodied equipment onto this domestic route.

A DJ 737 cannot hurt the situation.

EWL

*Lancer*
28th Dec 2004, 11:22
Doesn't Qantas have the government contract for travel (and this kind of stuff)?

The extra flight should hopefully make things easier for some of the aussies to come home!

Wirraway
28th Dec 2004, 13:38
AAP

A Virgin Blue aircraft also departed Canberra last night bound for the ravaged Thailand resort island of Phuket after the Government accepted the airline's offer to transport home, at its own cost, stranded Australians.

The Virgin Blue aircraft will return home with about 175 Australian tourists.

Mr Downer announced the agreement with the airline while defending the Government against criticism that not enough had been done to help nationals get home from the devastation in Thailand.

Australians arriving back in the country from Phuket yesterday spoke of having been left for 48 hours after the tsunami hit without receiving any support from Australian officials.

But Mr Downer said the Government was "doing everything we can", and that extra flights had not been needed to rescue Australians because people had been managing to get on commercial flights.

Mr Howard said that Australian Foreign Affairs staff had "done a fantastic job in a totally chaotic situation".

Australian officials received no requests for medical evacuations from the area, he said.

Mr Downer said a hundred personnel from Foreign Affairs and Defence had cancelled their holiday leave to return to work.

An Immigration Department official has also been dispatched to the Phuket airport to help Australians who have lost passports to obtain new travel documents to let them travel home.

The Parliamentary Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Bruce Billson, also rejected criticisms that evacuation flights had not been arranged earlier.

Ten extra consular staff had been sent to Phuket to help Australians who were in trouble, Mr Billson said.

In Sri Lanka, consular staff had chartered a helicopter to pick up Australians stranded in the south of the island and provided a four-wheel-drive vehicle to get people from remote areas to Colombo.

As well, the Government had engaged the funeral services company Kenyon International to provide a morgue in Phuket.

Airports at three of the big trouble spots, Colombo, Phuket and the Maldives, were operating normally.

Hours after news of the Virgin Blue offer became public, the Department of Foreign Affairs said Qantas had followed up with a similar offer of one of its aircraft, though a spokeswoman for Qantas denied that any such offer had been made.

With AAP

===========================================
Wed "Courier Mail"

Local tourism to benefit
Anthony Marx
29dec04

AUSTRALIA'S domestic tourism market will probably benefit from the Asian tsunami disaster, as tourists cancel or postpone travel plans to affected areas and opt to holiday closer to home.

Airline spokesmen said yesterday that recent overseas violence, such as the September 11 and Bali terrorist attacks, all resulted in an uptick in Australians vacationing around the country.

They expect the regional tidal waves to have the same effect although all say that it's still too early to tell.

In the US overnight on Monday, insurers, hotels and travel-related stocks fell as investors reacted to the devastation in Asia, which could be one of the costliest disasters in history, though the economic impact for the United States appeared to be minimal.

When the local bourse opens today, the main tourism stocks to watch will be Qantas and Virgin Blue and travel groups Flight Centre and Harvey World Travel.

A Qantas spokesman said the tragedy had not yet affected airline operations and all flights were still operating normally to regional destinations such as Bangkok, Jakarta and Denpasar on Bali.

Very few customers had cancelled flights but Qantas has offered refunds and waived all penalty costs if flights were deferred or otherwise changed, he said.

More flights might actually be added to help with aid or tourists leaving impacted areas.

"This is a situation that is going to change and we are watching it closely. Our scheduled services are meeting the demand but if there is a need for additional services, we can do that and we can do it quite quickly. We are in close contact with the Government," the spokesman said.

Spokesmen for rival budget carriers Virgin Blue and Qantas-offshoot Jetstar each said it was still hard to predict the full travel impact of the disaster only 48 hours after the monster waves struck around the Indian Ocean.

Virgin Blue spokesman Amanda Bolger said the airline had offered the use of a plane to shuttle desperately needed aid to the region and a flight was planned for last night through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

A Flight Centre spokesman said the domestic travel spike would be a short-term phenomenon, probably lasting only two to three months. The chain of travel booking agencies had already seen a higher inquiry rate, he said.

Regional airlines across Asia have proved less lucky, with share price falls impacting Thai Airways, Singapore Airlines, Korean Air Lines and Asiana Airlines on fears that tourism will slump.

Derek Sadubin, an information services manager with the Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation, predicted just two days before the tsunami hit on Sunday that regional traffic growth would moderate in 2005 following a strong rebound this year.

"Asia-Pacific aviation experienced a strong recovery in 2004, with traffic jumping around 20 per cent aided by robust growth in the last quarter. Traffic growth is expected to moderate in 2005, but double-digit growth is likely to continue in several markets, particularly India and China. Asia's short haul market will show the highest growth levels, as liberalisation and new entries accelerate," he noted.

===========================================
Wed "Herald Sun"

"Virgin Blue sent a plane to Phuket to bring home stranded Australians and Qantas will send a 767 to the island today."

Herald Sun

===========================================

Going Boeing
28th Dec 2004, 22:52
Lancer

I don't believe that there is a "contract" relating to providing aircraft for disaster relief - my understanding is that the government asks the airlines if they can provide aircraft and at what cost. The cheapest normally then gets the job. Qantas frequently gets the job because they often have the right size aircraft and infrastructure in place throuhout Asia. It's good that DJ have been given the oportunity to be involved in this humanitarian operation.

GB

Kaptin M
28th Dec 2004, 23:22
A Virgin Blue aircraft also departed Canberra last night bound for the ravaged Thailand resort island of Phuket after the Government accepted the airline's offer to transport home, at its own cost
http://pprune.org/forums/images/infopop/icons/icon14.gif Good on you, Virgin Bluehttp://pprune.org/forums/images/infopop/icons/icon14.gif
:ok: Thanks Sir Richard Branson, for giving something BACK!:ok:

That's the TRUE Aussie spirit.

Jetsbest
28th Dec 2004, 23:38
I heard that the Thai Government and other agencies have the Phuket situation in hand as best possible in the circumstances. The worst trauma lies in Sri Lanka, Nicobars and Aceh. It sounds like Qantas is sending an A330 to Colombo for relief/extraction there. I guess all the affected areas need assistance without a further drain on already stretched resources. I just hope they get the assistance and coverage needed to keep the effort going.

Gnadenburg
29th Dec 2004, 03:21
Kaptain M

It is true Aussie spirit to say - "Don't mention it".

BankAngle50
29th Dec 2004, 07:35
Kaptain

Whats Sir Dick got to do with DJ?

A/ Nothing!

Thank the shareholders and Patricks if you want.

Douglas Mcdonnell
29th Dec 2004, 09:07
I guess it really shows how petty most of our concerns really are.
Well Done Virgin Blue. God speed to the crew.

DM

Blip
29th Dec 2004, 10:06
Yes. I wish the crew a safe journey too.

Not sure about turning to God for help though. Need I state the obvious?

:(

Eastwest Loco
29th Dec 2004, 10:32
Doug called it right.

Here we are bickering with one another at times, and this cataclysm falls upon our SLF and many good hard working people in our back yard.

I do not think we even have coming close to getting a handle on just how big and tragic an event it has been. If the Earth wobbles on it's axis, it is beyond our understanding.

Well done too to Virgin Blue, and God bless the crew and indeed the survivors they carry. That will be one sad cabin with good reason.

I am still staggering to get a perspective on this, and I wasn't there.

I do know that if I was still with East West, I would have fought everyone else off for the slot of flight Trafficy. At least the crew on the DJ flight can stand proud and say they did their bit.

Best all

EWL

blueloo
29th Dec 2004, 13:27
I believe QF is on their way to assist too, so i take it your praise is able to be spread to ALL of those people helping out. I understand the crews (cabin) are also volunteering their time.

SkySista
29th Dec 2004, 13:45
well said Blueloo, i dont envy those crews going on the flights... will be very sad for them...

(Copied froma post I made on the JB thread on SE Asia)

Slap on the back to those who are able to go over and help out... doctors, nurses etc etc, also all of you aircrew who will be going on the evacuation flights... you guys will need your morale kept up I am sure as well as those coming home...... good luck guys and girls for your trips......

And of course thanks to everyone who is donating in some other way.

Ralph the Bong
29th Dec 2004, 14:30
Whilst the tragic events of recent days are cause for the extension of charity to those effected, I would hardly extent the bouquet to DJ with the dispatch of one jet. No, instead, stand by for the brickbat.

DJ management know an opportunity for self promotion when they see it. Ya all think that they would sent a jet to Thailand from the goodnes of their heart?:p

Dream on suckers!

Let me guess which cost center picks up the tab for the flight..um..Public Relations?

Still, I am pleased for the survivors who were able to be tranported from the scene of this calamity. All 14 of them! Another fiasco..:yuk:

Wirraway
29th Dec 2004, 15:07
Thurs "Sydney Morning Herald"

Resorts are gone but holidays must go on
By Scott Rochfort
December 30, 2004

Widespread death and devastation on the shores of Asia's most popular beach resorts have failed to deter many Australians from visiting the region, with airlines reporting few cancellations or changes to their schedules.

A Qantas spokesman, Michael Sharp, said the airline and its subsidiary, Australian Airlines, had received "a minimal amount of cancellations" on flights to Indonesia and Thailand.

This is despite Qantas, along with other big airlines, waiving charges for customers wanting to cancel or defer their travel.

Flight Centre's executive general manager, Allisa Pollok, said by yesterday afternoon the travel agency had been contacted by only one-third of the 220 customers it had booked to go to the devastated resort of Phuket this week. Most of the inquiries, she said, came from people wanting to change their travel plans to other parts of Thailand or Asia.

The Pinpoint Travel Group, which runs Singapore Airlines Holidays, said half its customers booked to travel to the affected areas had requested to rebook their trips to Fiji, Hawaii or Bali.

Peter Harbison, the managing director of the Centre for Asia-Pacific Aviation, said travellers had become more hardened to traumatic worldwide events following the Bali bombing, SARS crisis and Iraq war.

"One of the happy outcomes of some of the recent less happy events is that the airline industry and tourism industry as a whole is very well geared to recover from these constant shocks," he said.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand's Australian director, Sugree Sithivanich, said a high proportion of tourists bound for Phuket were rebooking for other Thai beach areas, such as Pattaya and Koh Samui.

Mr Sugree said it could take up to three months to repair most of the damage around Phuket and other affected areas along Thailand's west coast.

"Right now we will work very hard, we will work for 24 hours [a day]," he said.

Despite the widespread devastation, several hotels in Phuket unscathed by the tsunami are still taking bookings. One circular sent to travel agents said "everything is back to normal" and "operating as usual" at the Laguna Beach Resort in Phuket. It said the beach along the resort's waterfront was "cleared and cleaned up".

But the manager of Le Royal Meridien Phuket Yacht Club, Andre Brulhart, said the only bookings were from tourists from damaged hotels nearby.

"From overseas it's very, very little," he said. "It's not going to be an attractive destination for some time. It will take a long time to restore confidence."

The Sri Lanka Tourist Board said it expected most of its hotels in devastated regions along the country's south to be fully operation within two weeks.

===========================================

wirgin blew
29th Dec 2004, 15:09
All 14 of them!

These people 14 would be happy to be home.

The people that went over may have been the real reason for the flight. I understand that VB took over consular staff and the federal forensic team which are probably needed more than VB's 737.

Ralph the Bong is it true that QF played their trump card and announced a $1million donation? I wonder which company has the bigger PR budget, if we are going to be cynical.

I would also like to say now is the time to dig deep and give some hard earned to one of the many charities raising funds.

Wirraway
29th Dec 2004, 15:29
Qantas

Qantas assists Relief efforts across Asia

Qantas said today that in the wake of the earthquake and series of tsunamis that have devastated South East Asia, it had:

- continued to operate its daily 747 services to Bangkok, and its regular services to Indonesia and India;

- sent Qantas staff to Phuket to assist with relief efforts;

- operated a special 767 flight to Phuket at 1100 today, to bring travellers home to Australia. This flight will accept customers holding any ticket, regardless of which airline they have booked with, and will depart Phuket at 1840 local time, flying non-stop to Sydney and arriving at 0745 tomorrow. Qantas General Manager of Aviation Health Services, Dr Ion Morrison, and Qantas Nurse Robyn Noble travelled on today’s flight to Phuket to assist the injured on the ground and on the return flight;

- arranged to operate a special relief flight to Male in The Maldives and Colombo in Sri Lanka tomorrow, carrying medical teams and equipment to both Male and Colombo and carrying passengers back to Australia from Colombo;

- offered free of charge travel to a team of volunteer doctors from Melbourne to Colombo on tomorrow’s flight;

- provided full refunds without penalty for customers booked on Qantas flights and/or travelling on Qantas Holidays packages to the affected areas departing up to 31 January, as well as offering the option of deferring travel or changing to an alternative destination without penalty;

- flown medical and charitable supplies free of charge; and

- announced that it would donate a total of $1 million to UNICEF, CARE Australia, Oxfam and World Vision to assist with their disaster relief efforts.

The Chief Executive Officer of Qantas, Geoff Dixon, said Qantas had been in close contact with the Australian Government since the disaster occurred to offer assistance, and the airline remained in constant contact to provide whatever capacity and help is required.

“We will continue to monitor the situation closely and stand ready to provide any additional assistance required,” Mr Dixon said.

===========================================

Australia2
29th Dec 2004, 16:59
'Nam has made you too hard Ralph,

Our past concerns are nothing compared with this sort of thing and the suffering/loss involved. It's not about QF/DJ or any of the w@nker PR people/managers involved.

Oz2

Cactus Jack
29th Dec 2004, 18:14
Well, good on VB for finally waking up and realising the PR benefits of helping out. Free publicity and all that?

Sorry, but I'm not naive enough to believe that VB hasn't learned from other recent disasters (Bali?) and the need to be seen to be pitching in.

VB sent that aircraft yesterday as a publicity stunt. Nothing more. They also understand that there is no possible way that they can be critisised for their actions. It's a win win situation. For VB, it is like the inverse racism situation. They simply cannot go wrong.

And the 14 people that travelled back with them likely hadn't realised that the service on board would be sh1t. Everyone else over there apparently did.

So, lets call on VB and Bretty to match QF's 1 million dollar donation. Perhaps they could cease their ridiculous ad campaign and stop posting "Wantas?" all over the place.

Geez....

topend3
30th Dec 2004, 00:14
Ralph, cactus jack,

You won't find many who will support your comments I am afraid. Any offer to assist in a calamity such as this should be seen as a gesture of goodwill, the fact that only 14 people took up dj's offer for the flight home is a sad reminder of how many are prepared to remain in Phuket to search for their missing loved one's.

Get over the dj thing mate and have a little bit of respect and decency...

TOOL!

Kaptin M
30th Dec 2004, 00:50
If your theories are correct, Ralph and Cactus Jack, we should see JetStar and Australian jumping on the PR bandwagon as well then!!

Why can't Virgin Blue's gesture of goodwill be taken in the spirit in which it has been given.

Do you guys (Ralph and CJ) always have devious, ulterior motives for your actions?:suspect:

The_Cutest_of_Borg
30th Dec 2004, 00:57
I, like everyone, am appalled at the devastation and suffering being felt by our near neighbours.

We all have the ability to help in significant ways.

Some of the QF guys on Qrewroom have started the ball rolling re donations. My donation is on the way.

Qantas has only to call and I will operate any relief flight on a voluntary basis. I have let them know that.

I hope PPRuner's give what they can; we belong to a demographic that can generally afford to be more generous.


... and just for once can we cut the QF v DJ BS?

Gnadenburg
30th Dec 2004, 01:25
Topend

Those most appreciative are the Canberra Federal pollies who did not have their commute disrupted by a reallocation of a RAAF VIP aircraft.

A RAAF VIP aircraft sufficient to get an initial team to Phuket , quick turnaround as ramp space critical as the real business the widebodies, fly out any nationals immediatly available.

Virgin Blue saved the government the cost of sending a VIP aircraft; which is commendable as long as not an advertising guise.

Incidentally and without distasteful media publicity. Airlines of the region are doing their bit by upgrading capacity and maintaining schedule into Phuket- the widebodies bringing in essential supplies.

The RAAF and QANTAS have the capability and experience to provide significant disaster relief in the coming weeks. Airdrops, medical teams and widebody freight capacity etc.

Cactus Jack
30th Dec 2004, 01:30
Inadvertently, Kapt M has hit the nail on the head. He said:
Why can't Virgin Blue's gesture of goodwill be taken in the spirit in which it has been given.
What spirit is that Kapt? Don't bother answering.

Therein lies the point begging to be made. This is an awful catastrophe, the likes of which I have never seen and never hope to see. So why does VB now continue their "publicity at all costs" campaign...? The very fact that they would do so is even more appalling, just as any vulture waiting to cash in on this tragedy.

PS. My donation is on the way. My services are available on a voluntary basis too. But I won't get any advertising out of it. Get the point yet, Godfrey?

sinala1
30th Dec 2004, 01:45
Can I suggest to all those involved in the QF vs DJ vs Media publicity arguments/discussions do me a favour.

Go to the loungeroom.
Turn on your TV.
Look at the tens of thousands of fatalities.
Look at the millions of people homeless/displaced.

Surely your inane little points of view pale into insignificance when you realise that there are people out there in the world with REAL problems. :*

End rant.

Gnadenburg
30th Dec 2004, 02:16
Sinala

Real Estate agents in Phuket are being inundated with foreign real estate enquiries.

Share markets are reacting, corporate advertising through goodwill gestures etc.

Some of your money may go to corrupt Army officials or withered away in the bureaucracy of charity and government.

The human spirit will prevail, the cynicism will sort out those who can really help and push away those with ulterior motives or those who mean well, but get in the way.

By the way, how charitable have the OPEC nations been?

Ralph the Bong
30th Dec 2004, 02:17
Already sent a cq. to Community Aid Abroad, a charitable organisation whose senior managers are paid $10, 000 pa. This is in contrast to a well-known charity that spends $millions on advertising and supplies company Benz's to those at the top. It is a sad facet of this world that charities have become big business.

There is a well known Australian business figure who is renowned as a hard case. He is also one of the greatest living philanthopists and has helped the lives of thousands of people, yet he seeks to keep quiet about this and seeks no consequential glory. He is a man that will hold my life long respect, unlike those that noisily broadcast their "good works". If DJ and QF had no desire to gain from this calamity, why would they make these PR statements. Nether the less, I'm sure that their input is valued by those who need it. I never suggested otherwise.

I have no ulterior motives and I am unappolligetic if I hold the capacty to detect when someone else does.

nickmelb
30th Dec 2004, 02:51
i advised crewing yesterday that i am keen to help out in any way. they asked all short haul crew if they would volunteer on these flights, i rang up immediately.

whoever ends up crewing these flights good luck to them, i can only imagine the sadness the passengers will feel coming home.

apparently loads of crews have put their hand up, and its so nice to see that in this day and age, deep down people will drop everythin to help out in a crisis.

:p

Wirraway
30th Dec 2004, 05:59
Geesh! there are some sick people on this thread.

Wirraway

=========================================
AAP

Qantas plane returns from Phuket
December 30, 2004

A QANTAS jet with a medical team on board will arrive in Sydney today, bringing home Australians who were stranded in Phuket after the catastrophic tsunami.

A Qantas spokeswoman said the plane, due to touch down about 9am (AEDT), was carrying 40 passengers.

Two passengers were on stretchers and four in wheelchairs, she said.

"A Qantas doctor and nurse are on board," she said.

Many Australians have already left Thailand on commercial flights, while others were staying on in the stricken country to help tsunami victims, the spokeswoman said.

Ambulance officers and medical and mental health professionals would be at Sydney Airport to offer support to the disaster survivors, NSW Health Minister Morris Iemma said today.

Qantas will also operate a special relief flight today to Male in the Maldives and Colombo in Sri Lanka.

The flight will carry medical teams and equipment to both Male and Colombo, and return passengers to Australia from Colombo.

The airline will also provide refunds without penalty to customers booked on Qantas flights to the affected areas departing up to January 31, as well as offering the option of deferring their travel without penalty.

Qantas will donate $1 million to UNICEF, CARE Australia, Oxfam and World Vision to assist in their tsunami relief efforts.

AAP

==========================================

Eastwest Loco
30th Dec 2004, 07:47
For God's sake -

The most cataclysmic human disaster in our lifetimes, and some people choose this time as a vehicle to vent their spleen on those that are actively helping and doing what we are not able to??

Get a bloody grip you tiny minded little people!!!

Good on DJ - and QF

(gets off bike, kicks same over and walks away)

Ego removal required at PPRuNe -STAT.

EWL

SkySista
30th Dec 2004, 08:01
Well said EWL....

people like Cactus jack need to get a life....

rest assured if I had a 737 at my disposal I'd be sending it.....

Thai Airways has also freed up tonnes of cargo space... but you don't seem to be criticising them for 'publicity stunts'. Maybe because the airline in question is DJ? Get real.....

Maybe instead of spending time bashing people's efforts on here you could go to the bank and donate some money instead.... :rolleyes:

And as for QF 'publisising' their donation - maybe they have done it so people will get off their case for 'not donating'.... hmmmm?

Let's focus on the real problem here - the people affected by this unprecedented tragedy :(

Ultralights
30th Dec 2004, 08:25
One of the worlds worst ever natural disasters, and all some can do is whinge about Dj or QF and publicity! sure, live in your sheltered little worlds! too scared to live in the real one!!

14 people returned on DJ, so what!
if i was there, and survived and healthy, i would stay back and help to the best of my abilities! as im sure many others are!

are you sure you are not part of the little whinging group in thailand that complained the government hadnt done enough to get THEM out ASAP!!! let see, 100,000 or more dead! the earth permanently effected by spinning faster, added wobble to its rotation, and you still complain your not at home in bed fast enough while millions others have NOTHING to go home to!

wake up and look at the world beyond your windows and your tiny selfish minds!

Animalclub
30th Dec 2004, 09:22
Ultralights... one of that whingeing group had the nerve to get his name on a TV news report - David Ali. Words fail me... for once.

HGW
30th Dec 2004, 09:23
Cactus Jack

I use to respect your opinions on every subject you posted on. Now, I think you have become a bitter, twisted piece of vermin and don't deserve to comment on anything.
You have turned the biggest human tragedy in our lifetime in to a bitching session over a supposed "publicity stunt" by DJ.
It was an act of human kindness you putrid little man and I hope the same fate befalls you and your family as has done to the 80,000+.
Don't bother ever posting again and crawl back under your secure little rock

Kaptin M
30th Dec 2004, 10:03
I hope the same fate befalls you and your family as has done to the 80,000+. I'm sure you don't mean that, mate.
Let's not get too carried away by something that is primarlily for recreational purposes (PPRuNe).
But by the same token, some of the posters ought to realise that - just like the Bali bombing - there are bound to be some people reading posts relevant to the Asian tsunami catastrophe, who are directly affected by this disaster - who have lost, or are are unsure of the whereabouts of loved ones.

It is NOT the time, nor place, to try to capitalise on petty obsessions.
It IS a case of "all hands on deck", and compassion, coupled with that famous Aussie mateship that unites us ALL during times such as these, which is how this thread started.

Eastwest Loco
30th Dec 2004, 10:15
Kaptin M - One thing we will always agree on I am sure is that we are Aussies first, and then pilot, bag snatcher, agent, flight attendant, LAME or whatever second. A true Aussie never uses the misfortune of others to push their own barrow.

Now that we have effictively advised the gentlemen concerned of our opinions, I would like to add a few shining lights (apart from our country's Airline efforts of course) that may be of interest.

My Agency had a couple booked to leave Wednesday night to HKT. They had been camping out bush in NSW and only returned home to Sydney late Tuesday night to hear the dreadful news.

0845 call - OK - phuket is out, how about Pattaya - we still want a holiday.

Rang Venture Holidays - No problems - how about the Hard rock Hotel? Yeah - cool - how much extra? Nothing - Please have them call in for new documents.

Rang Malaysia Airlines -No problems - reroute into BKK - How much? Nothing - have them call in for a reissue.

They rolled at around 2200 last night. I have never experienced such a seamless last second reorganisation, and boquets to the Airline and Wholesaler. I have one very happy client, despite the trauma that part of the world has suffered. Credit where credit is due.

best all

EWL

milbud
30th Dec 2004, 13:07
Cactus Jack your assertions are the most disgusting thing I have had to read on this, or indeed any aviation site!

Did it totally escape your mind that perhaps media hype is not at the centre of all this? There are still now a thousand Australians unaccounted for......
VB responded to calls from it's staff as to what could be done to help. There are people at VB affected by the horrific events, I know, I work with one of them who is still now trying to locate his mother, father and sister.

I put you in the same category as the people who write in to the newspapers complaining about the "waste of Australian taxpayer money" on the relief efforts.

I sincerely hope to never have the displeasure of ever making your acquiantance.

Cactus Kack
30th Dec 2004, 18:02
Well, haven't my comments created a stir.

I would like to address the somewhat unreasonable posts above. Firstly my comments have not been fully received. Thats because the Woomeri have decided to selectively remove some of my posts. Thanks, Woomeri. Then, the Womeri decided to shut down my access under my original handle such that I have no further right of reply. Thanks again, Woomeri.


errr, nope. All done at the Pom end of the system. A signal to noise sort of thingy. You'll have to live with it. Regard to all, Rob Lloyd

Next, let me apologise if my comments have in any way offended. They were not intended to do so. Moreover, they were intended to question, to provoke thought.
I have no ulterior motives and I am unappolligetic if I hold the capacty to detect when someone else does.
Well stated, Ralph. Our critisisms do not mean for an instant that we are unaffected by what has happened, nor does it mean that we should close our eyes to all else that is happenning. That would be naive in the extreme.

Many out there, including on other threads on PPrune, have questioned our Government and their actions, or lack thereof. Yet, why is it that when a company which has a dubious track record in gaining publicity is questioned, the pro VB lobby howl like banshees?
A true Aussie never uses the misfortune of others to push their own barrow.
Good comments, EWL, and I'm sure that all here agree with your sentiments. I just can't help wondering though, whether the initial reaction from a certain company did exactly that. They were pushing their own barrow. And I'm certain that there are others out there still doing it, and that may well include my own company.

I would hope that the company in question now digs very deep and proves me wrong with further offers of support, such as a corporate donation, more transport for victims etc. Time will tell, however apart from their initial effort of one aeroplane and one flight, nothing further has been forthcoming.

Extending on EWL's sentiments about "true aussies", I would suggest that we also question what we see in front of us. It is our nature not to accept EXACTLY what appears to be true. True Aussies dig deep, and give a mate a hand, consistently. They don't profit at the hands of anothers misfortune. Please, prove me wrong VB.

For the record (and please do not delete my comments this time, Woomeri), I have already donated and my time is available to my comany on a voluntary basis to assist. I would hope that others who have been so quick to critisise me are doing the same.

To those out there who are affected by this tragedy, my deepest and sincere condolences.

milbud
31st Dec 2004, 09:37
Balance I think the situation in question allows for a degree of emotive response.
I will defend to no end a persons right to hold their own opinion, whether i agree with it or not. However I will also continue to hold my own right to find the statements made by that person in a public forum, offensive, innapropriate or down right manipulatively scheming.

There were personal attacks made by certain persons to which I took great umbrage. And to suggest that any group, individual or organisation that gets of its arse to lend a hand is grand standing is utterly irrelevant.

It may interest you and many others that VB and QF are working together in this crisis. Assisting each other to make most effective use of airpower assets. If QF and VB can get over it all then so should we!

I do take offence to the suggestion that an idea put forward by staff of a company is treated with such implied contempt by someone. I reserve that right!

Cactus has appologised for upsetting anyone, and as always i take an appology seriously for it is not a simple thing to do.
But I do regret that an international disaster has proven itself on pprune to have developed to little more than a slanging match.

Note: you can count my posts on here on one hand, as i almost never feel passionate enough to make comment on threads.
For once I do !

Oh yeah, yup i do work for an airline (no prizes for guessing) and my partner works for the competitor, and they are all a great bunch, and many keenly willing to work with each other if it could help!

Phew thus endeth the torment for you!

Happy new year to you all.

Eastwest Loco
31st Dec 2004, 13:09
Cactus - from my point of view, I am willing to accept an apology ( not personally, but as an apology to a group on an individual level only as I cannot speak for anyone else) and appreciate the sentiment.

Apart from media - who were no doubt informed, QF and DJ have released nothing thru the normal Travel communities ( their largest selling points) to advertise their actions. Maybe we should take note of that.

The fact Cactus that you have previously stated that you had donated to a fund ( I have done sama sama) and that you have volunteered your time indicates that you are indeed a good bloke - just a few historical issues to get over.

I personally am pleased to see you are indeed a wontok with only a few issues to overcome.

This thing is far bigger than the sum of all of us mate, and I am right beside you in wishing all the people doing what we would be doing now all the luck in the world.

Best regards

EWL

Chris Higgins
31st Dec 2004, 22:32
Obviously, everyone's hearts go out to the victims and the surviving families and their children. The imagery is horrifying and I can't even imagine what it must be like to be there.

From here in America, rest assured that the coverage remains at the top, with continuous reference to the aid and efforts of Australia and New Zealand. It's unfortunate that the UN can't be a little better organised than it is. It seems that individual countries are having to figure out the solution, whether as a coalition effort, (Australia, New Zealand, Thailand and America), or by themselves, (India).

Anyway, good luck to all, come back home safe. Hope the New Year starts to look a little brighter soon.

virginblue737
2nd Jan 2005, 15:02
A DJ 737 went to Medan today (Sun) as part of a RAAF charter with troops and supplies onboard out of AMB.

schnauzer
3rd Jan 2005, 21:22
Just wondering. Has VB done anything else? RAAF charters aside (charter implies payment...), has VB donated or contributed further in any way.

There was a newspaper article in yesterdays Australian which discussed corporate non-assistance. Hope VB doesn't fit that bill....

SkySista
4th Jan 2005, 05:59
DJ have a link on their web site for donations.

I'm sure they are assessing what they feel they can do.

As for corporate non-assistance, that's a load of rubbish. Some of the big mining companies in WA have already donated large amounts of money, Bank West has donated & offereing to match employee contributions, as well as some unnamed businessmen who have contributed large sums of money as well.

Perhaps some are not saying what they have or haven't done, knowing they have done it is probably enough.

sinala1
8th Jan 2005, 22:39
Just wondering. Has VB done anything else? RAAF charters aside (charter implies payment...), has VB donated or contributed further in any way.

VB is starting a payroll deduction system called the 1% club, which will be an ongoing way for people to donate 1% of their annual salary to a charity which will aid the tsunami victims. Brett Godfrey kicked the donations off with a $500,000 donation OF HIS OWN MONEY, and Rob Sherrard a donation of $250,000 - again, of his own money - these are not company donations. I also understand other execs are, or have made, donations too.

schnauzer
9th Jan 2005, 06:28
All good news, Sinala, and good on the people involved. But what about the VB corporate entity? What exactly has the company contributed?

HGW
9th Jan 2005, 07:53
To add to the 1% staff donations and on the corporate side VB have offered the services of their aircraft and crew free of charge.
VB has offered the services of their freight sheds as collection points for aid and equipment. The Sydney shed, as of yesterday, is stocked up with medical supplies, clothing, etc awaiting the flight out next week which will include VB staff as volunteers for ground works.
Virgin Atlantic has sent one aircraft from Europe filled with over 30 tonnes of aid supplies and has offered the same use of the A340-600 based in Sydney for aid supplies transportation.
The Virgin group has a charity called Virgin Tribe which is collecting money and services towards the relief effort.
All without publicity.

schnauzer
9th Jan 2005, 15:28
Great stuff HGW. All good to hear. I'm just wondering why no corporate cash donation though? QF is doing all of those things you mention, without publicity too, plus their significant cash contribution. I'm not suggesting for an instant that VB match it, because size is clearly an issue. But what about a 'proportional' contribution?

HGW
10th Jan 2005, 05:09
Schnauzer, I suppose being a 75 year old company that makes over $600 mil a year profit compared to a 4 year old fighting to compete against 2 (or is it 1) competitors would have something to do with it.
Thinking along the same lines, how much money has Jetstar donated or are they considered part of QF for donations and use of aircraft. I hear there is a couple of A320 sitting around with not much to do in Asia at the moment.
If I donated $500 and you donated $1,000 does that make you better. Some would see it as petty. QF could afford to give $100 mil especially as it is tax deductable.
I have to admit that it shows what we all have become when people argue about how much each other is giving.
I am sick of arguing this tripe when so many helpless children died. It makes me think of my two kids and the horror people went through and your only contribution, Schnauzer, is "how much money did they give". This is my last post on PPRUNE. Goodbye to the normal sensible contributors.

DJ737
10th Jan 2005, 07:15
JQ got to Phuket first, even beat the waves. :p

Lighten up guys....The tsunami appeal is not about my d!ck is bigger than yours:hmm:

DJ737

The Roo Rooter :ok: :E

schnauzer
11th Jan 2005, 05:38
Yes, well. HGW, if you bother to read this, then maybe you should take DJ's advice and lighten up a tad.

And perhaps stop and think about your own strange argument. If those were your children, wouldn't you question whether a company who can arguably afford a donation yet has not done so should perhaps throw their hat in the ring?

HGW, you view things through rose coloured glasses. And those glasses refuse to let you see anything bad stated in regard to your company, whether it is true or not. Grow up.