bealine
31st Jan 2003, 09:48
Originally, this was going to go out as an apology to pax caught in yesterday’s disruption at LGW. However, whilst the vast majority of pax with whom I came in contact were good natured and allowed us to get on with the tasks in hand, there were a handful of “loud-mouths” who succeeded in overturning the good work my colleagues and I had done!
After seeing so may people caught out by the cold snap, I reserve my apologies for the time-being and, instead, offer my sympathy! For once, British Airways were NOT at fault, contrary to the “loud-mouths’” ravings, for the following reasons:
1. Lightning hit the electrical systems of the main Control Tower at approximately 10.00 yesterday morning. This had the double-effect of knocking out the I.L.S. (Instrument Landing System) and about 50% of the Approach and Runway lighting.
2. The closure of the runway for about an hour caused disruption as aircraft diverted.
3. Frequent heavy snow showers and a heavy blanket of cloud caused intermittent obscuring of the airport. Many aircraft diverted during these temporary “blot-outs” because of the lack of I.L.S.
4. At dusk, the runway had to be closed again as temperatures plummeted and ice formed. This was to permit de-icing and gritting of the main runway (for obvious reasons). During this time, aircraft already en-route to LGW had to divert.
5. The diversions of aircraft caused disruption, delay and cancellation to services. During this time the “back-office boys” did their absolute best to re-plan and re-programme the schedule to get the majority of our pax on the move.
Unfortunately, there are always a handful of people who don’t appreciate, no matter how much they’re told, just what Herculean efforts are going on behind the scenes when:
a. Aircraft in the wrong places have to obtain new Flight Plans and new slots for arrival back to LGW.
b. No extra staff are on duty to cover for disruption – that’s a luxury the airline can no longer afford!
c. Captains, First Officers and Crew can only work and fly for a fixed number of hours each day. As the delays build, more and more of our flying staff go “out of hours”, piling on the pressure!
d. Once these diversions start, the whole Operation becomes a logistical nightmare – trying to juggle Aircraft, Captain & First Officer, Cabin Crew, Ground Staff, Baggage Loaders, De-Icing Crew, Cargo personnel, Engineering Staff, Weelchair handlers and Coach drivers (in necessary) to be all in the vicinity of the flight together is quite a task – believe me!
e. During weather disruption, because it is beyond the control of the airline (we have to pass that to the Higher Authority – the Great Architect Himself!), we do not provide compensation or meal vouchers
So, all things considered, I think we did a pretty good job last night!
Of course, there are those who will disagree – the same people that criticise the Highways Agency for our road network grinding to a halt!
Unfortunately, for a country that has bad cold weather disruption once every 4/5 years, we’re not going to spend millions and millions of pounds on snow clearing plant and equipment – especially under private ownership!
(Also posted at www.flyertalk.com FT Miles British Airways forum)
After seeing so may people caught out by the cold snap, I reserve my apologies for the time-being and, instead, offer my sympathy! For once, British Airways were NOT at fault, contrary to the “loud-mouths’” ravings, for the following reasons:
1. Lightning hit the electrical systems of the main Control Tower at approximately 10.00 yesterday morning. This had the double-effect of knocking out the I.L.S. (Instrument Landing System) and about 50% of the Approach and Runway lighting.
2. The closure of the runway for about an hour caused disruption as aircraft diverted.
3. Frequent heavy snow showers and a heavy blanket of cloud caused intermittent obscuring of the airport. Many aircraft diverted during these temporary “blot-outs” because of the lack of I.L.S.
4. At dusk, the runway had to be closed again as temperatures plummeted and ice formed. This was to permit de-icing and gritting of the main runway (for obvious reasons). During this time, aircraft already en-route to LGW had to divert.
5. The diversions of aircraft caused disruption, delay and cancellation to services. During this time the “back-office boys” did their absolute best to re-plan and re-programme the schedule to get the majority of our pax on the move.
Unfortunately, there are always a handful of people who don’t appreciate, no matter how much they’re told, just what Herculean efforts are going on behind the scenes when:
a. Aircraft in the wrong places have to obtain new Flight Plans and new slots for arrival back to LGW.
b. No extra staff are on duty to cover for disruption – that’s a luxury the airline can no longer afford!
c. Captains, First Officers and Crew can only work and fly for a fixed number of hours each day. As the delays build, more and more of our flying staff go “out of hours”, piling on the pressure!
d. Once these diversions start, the whole Operation becomes a logistical nightmare – trying to juggle Aircraft, Captain & First Officer, Cabin Crew, Ground Staff, Baggage Loaders, De-Icing Crew, Cargo personnel, Engineering Staff, Weelchair handlers and Coach drivers (in necessary) to be all in the vicinity of the flight together is quite a task – believe me!
e. During weather disruption, because it is beyond the control of the airline (we have to pass that to the Higher Authority – the Great Architect Himself!), we do not provide compensation or meal vouchers
So, all things considered, I think we did a pretty good job last night!
Of course, there are those who will disagree – the same people that criticise the Highways Agency for our road network grinding to a halt!
Unfortunately, for a country that has bad cold weather disruption once every 4/5 years, we’re not going to spend millions and millions of pounds on snow clearing plant and equipment – especially under private ownership!
(Also posted at www.flyertalk.com FT Miles British Airways forum)