Rex Expanding Into Jets
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: New Zealand
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I think the Jetgo ground equipment is probably still sitting around at various airports from the last time someone had a go with a "regional jet". I'm pretty sure Rex only runs out of BNE because it's got the government contracts. It doesn't go anywhere people actually live, or interstate.
And you said this regarding REX;
“It doesn't go anywhere people actually live, or interstate”.
Really? Aren’t they based in NSW? Don’t they fly also in QLD, SA, WA and VIC. And to places such as Cairns, Townsville and Brisbane? I would hardly call that ‘not flying interstate’ or ‘not going to where people actually live’!
Bud, I don’t think you are well. Please have a good rest, take in some imagine take some lithium pills.
Surely they will recruit all the type rated pilots in Aus who currently don't have jobs, slap up a flimsy agreement and go from there.
Still can't see this getting off the ground for a long time yet, if at all.
We all know that wouldn’t happen, just not feasible to start. However what it would do is give the 340 guys the next step. Yes I’m wading into muddy waters. To start fast you need qualified drivers, you have them. Does Rex have a seniority list? Then it comes into play. Yes might seem unfair at the start but one has to be realistic.
Regional jet pilots transition onto airliners quite easily, turboprop pilots understandably take longer. A realistic timeframe would be at least two years in the right seat before a Saab Captain would be ready for command on an A320/B737. CASA and the insurance company would need to be satisfied with the program as well. There would also be a need for experienced first officers to baby sit the new upgrades for a month or two after release to line. Certain airstrips may have restrictions on them such as minimum time in command or on type before operating there. There would be a further wait while REX pilots gained the experience necessary for check and training approval.
They would need to have "expats" on the payroll for a fairly long time.
They would need to have "expats" on the payroll for a fairly long time.
We all know that wouldn’t happen, just not feasible to start. However what it would do is give the 340 guys the next step. Yes I’m wading into muddy waters. To start fast you need qualified drivers, you have them. Does Rex have a seniority list? Then it comes into play. Yes might seem unfair at the start but one has to be realistic.
People have very short memories. Impulse went from 1900s to 717s without too much trauma. Seniority and who will fly what was all sorted out by the hours requirements and CASA. So what happened? A lot of expats who had flown domestically with IPEC,TAA and Ansett until the end of the 80's came home after a decade in exile. What happened to the existing pilots and their demands for jet seats? They waited and gained jet experience like Rex pilots will have to. When the operation matures and things settle down then the seniority list will reassert itself. Its not like this is a brand new concept and has never been tried before.
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Regional jet pilots transition onto airliners quite easily, turboprop pilots understandably take longer. A realistic timeframe would be at least two years in the right seat before a Saab Captain would be ready for command on an A320/B737. CASA and the insurance company would need to be satisfied with the program as well. There would also be a need for experienced first officers to baby sit the new upgrades for a month or two after release to line. Certain airstrips may have restrictions on them such as minimum time in command or on type before operating there. There would be a further wait while REX pilots gained the experience necessary for check and training approval.
They would need to have "expats" on the payroll for a fairly long time.
They would need to have "expats" on the payroll for a fairly long time.
The only consideration for Rex is $$. If they are going to do this it’s not for the benefit of the pilot group, this is never a factor. There are unfortunately a bunch of boys and girls that are highly qualified and experienced on narrow body jets currently unemployed. 10 jets would mean around 140 pilots. They can easily find these guys already endorsed. Why would they hire 140 pilots, endorse and train them on Saab’s just so they can “promote” 140 existing and non endorsed pilots.
280 endorsements as opposed to 0.
280 endorsements as opposed to 0.
Expect them to run two completely separate pilot divisions with no transfer from turboprop to jet until there are no more type rated experienced jet pilots prepared to work for whatever conditions they offer. And they will milk the current employment situation for every dollar they can. As for 'seniority' - hell will freeze over before that happens!
Not saying this is a very nice way to do business, but better the devil you know than the one you don't. At least Rex knows how to turn a profit where so many others have failed.
There has been a lot of emotionally charged postings on various platforms about Rex giving back the Government subsidy. That subsidy was not the sole preserve of Rex even though they may have been a major beneficiary. I am sure that QLink got some of that money as would Sharp. The domestic jet operators also got a subsidy to maintain a minimum level of service which is also helping Virgin. I don't see anyone suggesting that if Virgin come out of VA that they should pay back the subsidy money. I doubt that Rex are going to be putting any jets on the network until 1) Domestic travel restrictions are lifted and 2) They actually have a HCAOC which is not a tick and flick exercise. I can't see jets happening until at least 12 months.
There has been a lot of emotionally charged postings on various platforms about Rex giving back the Government subsidy. That subsidy was not the sole preserve of Rex even though they may have been a major beneficiary. I am sure that QLink got some of that money as would Sharp. The domestic jet operators also got a subsidy to maintain a minimum level of service which is also helping Virgin. I don't see anyone suggesting that if Virgin come out of VA that they should pay back the subsidy money. I doubt that Rex are going to be putting any jets on the network until 1) Domestic travel restrictions are lifted and 2) They actually have a HCAOC which is not a tick and flick exercise. I can't see jets happening until at least 12 months.
But QF and VA haven’t received that government money, and then tapped the shoulders of investors to essentially start a whole new business venture.
And the other thing of concern is the disproportionate amount that Rex has received. If you compare what Rex has received in total subsidies compared to QF and VA in relation to Total revenues, it’s staggering.
I would liken this to QF now coming out and ordering Project Sunrise aircraft.
To be quite honest, this whole thing stinks. Some hard questions need to be asked of the Deputy PM, especially considering the Government doesn’t pick winners or losers.
Regional jet pilots transition onto airliners quite easily, turboprop pilots understandably take longer. A realistic timeframe would be at least two years in the right seat before a Saab Captain would be ready for command on an A320/B737. CASA and the insurance company would need to be satisfied with the program as well. There would also be a need for experienced first officers to baby sit the new upgrades for a month or two after release to line. Certain airstrips may have restrictions on them such as minimum time in command or on type before operating there. There would be a further wait while REX pilots gained the experience necessary for check and training approval.
They would need to have "expats" on the payroll for a fairly long time.
They would need to have "expats" on the payroll for a fairly long time.
I doubt the Civil Aviation Authority want a Coglan Air flight 3407 happening in Australia and would insist on a higher experience level, and particularly if Airbus would want more time on type. Given that there are likely to be plenty of experienced pilots out of work it would be difficult for REX to justify any dispensation on the basis that they can’t find appropriate crew.
Thanks for the warning, I’ll certainly avoid regionals if I need to get somewhere in the USA.
Thanks for the warning, I’ll certainly avoid regionals if I need to get somewhere in the USA.
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There is a market, there are plenty of narrow body VH registered jets available, and there are plenty of well qualified pilots packing shelves. JQ took in instant captains when they converted to A320's. If you want a place in the future, forget old fashioned contacts and seniority rules.
Rex whatever it is called, will happen by this time next year. And looking at the performance of the VA Administrator, I think the market will be QF, ANZ, JQ and RexNeo.
Intra Australia travel and tourism will happen and it will expand to the NZ, Singapore, Korea, Japan bubble fairly quickly.
Rex whatever it is called, will happen by this time next year. And looking at the performance of the VA Administrator, I think the market will be QF, ANZ, JQ and RexNeo.
Intra Australia travel and tourism will happen and it will expand to the NZ, Singapore, Korea, Japan bubble fairly quickly.
