Townsville Refueller Correct! REX Wins
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FWIW, here's one of the B200 FLT PLNs for the TL-MA milk run...
FROM/TO LSALT ALT TAS DIST EET
TL
+FORMA 5500|F180|240 90| 28
YHUG/2300 4700|F180|240 81| 20
Total 171| 48
YHUG
YRMD/2345 2800|A080|240 63| 17
Total 63| 17
YRMD
YJLC/0030 2100|A080|240 78|21
Total 78|21
YJLC
YBMA/0230 3400|F140| 240 125|35
Total 125| 35
Shortest sector was 17min, longest 48min. Gunna be busy in a SAAB....
FROM/TO LSALT ALT TAS DIST EET
TL
+FORMA 5500|F180|240 90| 28
YHUG/2300 4700|F180|240 81| 20
Total 171| 48
YHUG
YRMD/2345 2800|A080|240 63| 17
Total 63| 17
YRMD
YJLC/0030 2100|A080|240 78|21
Total 78|21
YJLC
YBMA/0230 3400|F140| 240 125|35
Total 125| 35
Shortest sector was 17min, longest 48min. Gunna be busy in a SAAB....
Rex already have sectors of that lenghth on their current network, so that aspect of it shouldn't be too much of a problem Jamair. What'll really p!ss the crews off will be the length combined with the frequency of the day! But nobody really cares about that.
Hot off the press though, starting Jan 31, REX will also be offering direct services TL - ISA - TL in the mornings and evenings, with an overnighting SAAB at ISA to facilitate a more business friendly schedule. As well, a Sat Morning service ISA -TL followed by a return on Sunday evenings to allow a "...quick weekend getaway at Townsville..." Gunna' be busy!
Now don't get me wrong, I think expansion is great for all concerned but if you don't sort out your crewing issues boys, it'll once again end in tears, be it for the QLD operations or for those punters further south!
Hot off the press though, starting Jan 31, REX will also be offering direct services TL - ISA - TL in the mornings and evenings, with an overnighting SAAB at ISA to facilitate a more business friendly schedule. As well, a Sat Morning service ISA -TL followed by a return on Sunday evenings to allow a "...quick weekend getaway at Townsville..." Gunna' be busy!
Now don't get me wrong, I think expansion is great for all concerned but if you don't sort out your crewing issues boys, it'll once again end in tears, be it for the QLD operations or for those punters further south!
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Krusty....
Is it possible that Pelair crews are going to play a role in the TL-ISA flights in their various forms? The rumour is that some time last week (with the Metro) REX went out to HUG, RMD, JLC and ISA and handed out Pelair business cards and associated paraphernalia.
Could REX operate the flights utilising Pelair crew but still call it a REX operation? What RPT AOC issues would that raise for Pelair (as far as I can tell they don't hold a pax carrying RPT AOC ..... happy to be corrected though)
If it is all run by REX.... where are they going to get the crew?????
Edit: Do REX have their sights set on the remaining Macair boys and girls who haven't yet found another job thinking that will be a ready-made answer to the potential crewing problem? ..... if indeed they do acknowledge the fact that it will stretch their crewing resources.
Is it possible that Pelair crews are going to play a role in the TL-ISA flights in their various forms? The rumour is that some time last week (with the Metro) REX went out to HUG, RMD, JLC and ISA and handed out Pelair business cards and associated paraphernalia.
Could REX operate the flights utilising Pelair crew but still call it a REX operation? What RPT AOC issues would that raise for Pelair (as far as I can tell they don't hold a pax carrying RPT AOC ..... happy to be corrected though)
If it is all run by REX.... where are they going to get the crew?????
Edit: Do REX have their sights set on the remaining Macair boys and girls who haven't yet found another job thinking that will be a ready-made answer to the potential crewing problem? ..... if indeed they do acknowledge the fact that it will stretch their crewing resources.
Last edited by Nose wheel first; 12th Dec 2009 at 00:07.
Your're right NWF. A "road trip" of sorts was conducted by REX management last week, and I do believe it was in a Metro. The RPT ops however will be conducted by SAABs, and the REX AOC is the only one endorsed for RPT on that aircraft. I'm not sure how that sits from a commercial point of view, but I think to sell seats as REX, using REX A/C, the AOC has to be REX not Pelair. Even if the Pelair AOC is endorsed for RPT ops. (something that may not be as straightforward considering recent aquatic events!) As far as the ex Macair pilots are concerned, REX should employ every one of them without delay. For this thing to work, they will need all the experienced pilots they can get. The chalenge will be hanging on to them. 
Of course they won't. I reckon they'll try to "employ" the Captains they need under the Letter of Agreement. There appears to be a significant amount of resistance to recruiting Direct Entry F/O's at the moment. Probably a hangover from the difficulty they experienced finding suitable candidates in the recent past. As a result REX are only interested in Cadets! (they know too well they won't be going anywhere in a hurry). That may, and most likely will change, but in the meantime, I'm at a bit of a loss as to how they'll make it work, especially once the major airlines start recruiting again.
As far as the LOA is concerned, it's possible REX may have shot themselves in the foot. My understanding, as it applies to the Townsville base (all these ops will be based in Townsville), the required command positions must be offered to serving REX captains first. If no REX captains put their hands up then the way may be open to "employ" DEC's on a temporay basis. Bearing in mind that these people must satify all the REX Check and Training criteria! Then at the expiry of the LOA (in around 12 months) these pilots may be offered a position at REX on the bottom of the seniority list as F/O's!! A real can of worms down the track.
I mean really, is it too hard just to do the sensible thing in the first place?
Of course they won't. I reckon they'll try to "employ" the Captains they need under the Letter of Agreement. There appears to be a significant amount of resistance to recruiting Direct Entry F/O's at the moment. Probably a hangover from the difficulty they experienced finding suitable candidates in the recent past. As a result REX are only interested in Cadets! (they know too well they won't be going anywhere in a hurry). That may, and most likely will change, but in the meantime, I'm at a bit of a loss as to how they'll make it work, especially once the major airlines start recruiting again.
As far as the LOA is concerned, it's possible REX may have shot themselves in the foot. My understanding, as it applies to the Townsville base (all these ops will be based in Townsville), the required command positions must be offered to serving REX captains first. If no REX captains put their hands up then the way may be open to "employ" DEC's on a temporay basis. Bearing in mind that these people must satify all the REX Check and Training criteria! Then at the expiry of the LOA (in around 12 months) these pilots may be offered a position at REX on the bottom of the seniority list as F/O's!! A real can of worms down the track.
I mean really, is it too hard just to do the sensible thing in the first place?
Last edited by KRUSTY 34; 6th Jan 2010 at 17:35. Reason: Punctuation
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What do ex Macair SAAB captains have to do to get a job with REX? I know of quite a few that sent emails, updated online, posted CVs etc, and have not heard squat back from REX HR/recruitment/ management.
Who knows pistanbroke? Perhaps they're still paranoid that no sooner will they employ them, they'll be off to the majors when recruiting gets back into gear. Considering it's REX policy not to offer anything, ANYTHING! to encourage people to stay, their fears are probably well founded. 
Also don't forget Northern route 1. TL, Winton, and Longreach. How many aircraft will the TL base now require? My guess, remembering the TL - Mackay run, at least 5, and that doesn't take into account the mine Charters! For the RPT alone, I would estimate somewhere in the order of 18-20 pilots, half of whom will be Captains!
I can hear the hair being pulled from crewing's scalps as we speak!
Also don't forget Northern route 1. TL, Winton, and Longreach. How many aircraft will the TL base now require? My guess, remembering the TL - Mackay run, at least 5, and that doesn't take into account the mine Charters! For the RPT alone, I would estimate somewhere in the order of 18-20 pilots, half of whom will be Captains!
I can hear the hair being pulled from crewing's scalps as we speak!
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Krusty, if REX gave the ex Macair SAAB captains a gig, I don't think that you would see these blokes disappear off to the LCCs etc when the next flood gate of recruitment opens. They are all at least in their middle years, and have spent too many years in the left seat, to be bothered sitting in the right of a shiny new jet with a young 'whipersnapper' tellin' them how they should be doing it. They are also pretty well settled in FNQ with houses families etc. I imagine they would contribute some great experience to the operation, and help breed the next generation of kids into the future LCC fodder that will be required in the coming months. I reckon REX would get alota blood from these guys to see them out.
And another thing. How come REX don't publish any T&C's in their web recruitment? Not that it matters really, 'cos we all know the pay (whatever it is and wherever you are) will never reflect the skills required!
And another thing. How come REX don't publish any T&C's in their web recruitment? Not that it matters really, 'cos we all know the pay (whatever it is and wherever you are) will never reflect the skills required!
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Where the Company goes from here with crewing issues is anybody's guess really.
However on reading the LOA "TSV REGIONAL EXPRESS START/TRIAL AGREEMENT" again a few times I would hazard a guess that this base is now well and truly deemed to be a permanent Rex base. And I'm of the understanding that the Company definitely wants to keep it as a Rex base and not the Pelair brand.
Side note for your info: very easy for Pelair to apply to CASA, Bankstown Office not Canberra, to have passenger RPT on the SAAB put onto their AOC, they just need to walk in the door with copy and paste from the Rex model and CASA will tick the boxes.
So one would imagine that TSV will be opened officially as a base and as such the LOA will cease "upon commissioning of a permanent TSV base, permanent positions will be advertised and awarded to Rex pilots based on seniority at that time............". The secondment clauses thereafter only apply to relief start up command positions
This is all good and well but from where are these upgradeable FO's coming from ...... I guess if you are an FO at Rex at the moment unless you are prepared to take a TSV base then you sit in the RHS
However on reading the LOA "TSV REGIONAL EXPRESS START/TRIAL AGREEMENT" again a few times I would hazard a guess that this base is now well and truly deemed to be a permanent Rex base. And I'm of the understanding that the Company definitely wants to keep it as a Rex base and not the Pelair brand.
Side note for your info: very easy for Pelair to apply to CASA, Bankstown Office not Canberra, to have passenger RPT on the SAAB put onto their AOC, they just need to walk in the door with copy and paste from the Rex model and CASA will tick the boxes.
So one would imagine that TSV will be opened officially as a base and as such the LOA will cease "upon commissioning of a permanent TSV base, permanent positions will be advertised and awarded to Rex pilots based on seniority at that time............". The secondment clauses thereafter only apply to relief start up command positions
This is all good and well but from where are these upgradeable FO's coming from ...... I guess if you are an FO at Rex at the moment unless you are prepared to take a TSV base then you sit in the RHS
pistanbroke.
Mate, I couldn't agree more. Chr!st only knows what planet REX HR reside on. Mind you, I think many of these policies are derived from a single source, with the "management" types nodding their heads in servile agreement.
Gidday Curved'.
Definitely interesting to see what happens at the expiry of the LOA! As far as the few remaining upgradeable REX F/O's are concerned, I don't think many will stay in the RHS for too much longer, irrespective of what bases are on offer. That is of course if they choose to hang around.
Mate, I couldn't agree more. Chr!st only knows what planet REX HR reside on. Mind you, I think many of these policies are derived from a single source, with the "management" types nodding their heads in servile agreement.
Gidday Curved'.
Definitely interesting to see what happens at the expiry of the LOA! As far as the few remaining upgradeable REX F/O's are concerned, I don't think many will stay in the RHS for too much longer, irrespective of what bases are on offer. That is of course if they choose to hang around.
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There must be 100's of Saab Captains overseas who would be happy to live in sunny Queensland.Remember the laws invoked by Hawke in 1989 are still on the book.And with another labour government in power it's easy!!Just bring in the foreign pilots again!!
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The wheels have fallen off.
mates rates,
you may be right that a qualified Saab Captain would give up the world to live in Qld and experience the Aussie lifestyle.....BUT.....
REX will not pay true market rates for such experience, clearly seen by the drain that has already happened and the second wave to commence in a few weeks, which will be crippling, to say the least.
Their roadshow in EU drew zero candidates and the roadshow to SA got them half a dozen FOs, all of whom have applications in for their Aussie residency so that they can apply to a real airline. Not one will stay a day longer.
Cadets will never get command, morale is low amongst them (and everyone else for that matter) and the flight deck environment will continue to be an unhappy place in REX.....Even cadets have quietly sent in hopeful applications to VB and JQ after being online for a very short time!! But why shouldn't they?
So why would someone want to relocate and uproot when he is on a much higher wage, and can visit sunny Qld for a nice long holiday anytime he wants, instead of putting up with disgraceful wages, disrespect from management, low experience, low morale, old equipment, cultureless environment and everyone itching to leave?
Krusty has predicted well regarding Qld and REX's lofty expansion ambitions. Wait another few months and more routes will fold up even before they can find their feet. REX has to realise that their ONE golden resource is their staff at the frontline, upon which their success should be built on and stem from. Too little too late I am afraid. The wheels have fallen off.
you may be right that a qualified Saab Captain would give up the world to live in Qld and experience the Aussie lifestyle.....BUT.....
REX will not pay true market rates for such experience, clearly seen by the drain that has already happened and the second wave to commence in a few weeks, which will be crippling, to say the least.
Their roadshow in EU drew zero candidates and the roadshow to SA got them half a dozen FOs, all of whom have applications in for their Aussie residency so that they can apply to a real airline. Not one will stay a day longer.
Cadets will never get command, morale is low amongst them (and everyone else for that matter) and the flight deck environment will continue to be an unhappy place in REX.....Even cadets have quietly sent in hopeful applications to VB and JQ after being online for a very short time!! But why shouldn't they?
So why would someone want to relocate and uproot when he is on a much higher wage, and can visit sunny Qld for a nice long holiday anytime he wants, instead of putting up with disgraceful wages, disrespect from management, low experience, low morale, old equipment, cultureless environment and everyone itching to leave?
Krusty has predicted well regarding Qld and REX's lofty expansion ambitions. Wait another few months and more routes will fold up even before they can find their feet. REX has to realise that their ONE golden resource is their staff at the frontline, upon which their success should be built on and stem from. Too little too late I am afraid. The wheels have fallen off.
So Townsville-Mackay will end on the 1st Jan 2010, and the new northern route services will not commence 'till Jan 31st? Should be a nice little holiday for the 3 TL based Captains.
Not sure whether the assigned TL F/O's are even on base yet. If not, then line training in the southeren states maybe, or perhaps some shuttleing back and forth.
If you guys (TL based F/O's) have been assigned, make sure you check with the union to make sure you are not disavantaged regarding accomodation/DTA if you are forced to train away from your home base.
Logistical nightmare!
Not sure whether the assigned TL F/O's are even on base yet. If not, then line training in the southeren states maybe, or perhaps some shuttleing back and forth.
If you guys (TL based F/O's) have been assigned, make sure you check with the union to make sure you are not disavantaged regarding accomodation/DTA if you are forced to train away from your home base.
Logistical nightmare!
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So it looks like Rex is moving from a one Saab RPT ops in Townsville to a two Saab RPT ops in Townsville. N1 & N2 = 1 Saab and Mount Isa to Townsville = 1 Saab, excluding any Pel-Air activity.
From a simplistic viewpoint it looks like Rex is expanding and I think the Northern routes are contracted until March 2013?
From a simplistic viewpoint it looks like Rex is expanding and I think the Northern routes are contracted until March 2013?
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SAAB Captains
What do you mean 100s of SAAB captains sitting around overseas, what about the poor buggers still without work here in Oz, particularly FNQ. And even then their is not enough work around. When will we stop promoting overseas interest in our jobs! They don't let us go to EU or the States, why should we let them come here!
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TL ops
How long can REX afford to sit in FNQ with light loads? The population density is not great enough to support the amount of operations starting up. Except for FIFO work, somethings gotta give. Or will it be Skytrans to bite it next? And Rex will move into their operations?