I've got to say that it is a worrying time for Rex. More so than the previous 'mass exodus'

For anyone considering the cadetship I would say go for it! Barely two years in the right hand seat of the Saab and you'll be a prime candidate for the likes of Cathay, Hong Kong Express or Qatar.

It is now the cadets that are leading the charge out of the company and on to greener pastures.

Why after two years as an FO would they consider yet another two years at least to complete picus for an opportunity in the left hand seat as one of the poorest paid regional airline captains in Australia?

The cadets that have left recently to the above mentioned airlines are only the tip of the iceberg.

ATPL classes around the country are at the moment full of Rex cadets clambering to get their exams done, not so they can start two years of 'PICUS', but so they can send off their applications.

History will show that Rex have done many things right in the last ten years.

History will also show that Rex stumbled and failed in it biggest opportunity and that was the missed chance of forging closer ties with Virgin by becoming their regional arm. In years to come it will be interesting to hear the details of exactly how this chance was missed...

I fear this will be their eventual downfall.

Squeezed now between Qantalink and a Virgin turboprop operation, the latter which, has and will continue to deplete the already thinned ranks of experienced pilots from Rex by offering vastly better conditions.

It is a shame, as I have said before, a good company that has the potential to be a great company, yet seems to do everything it can to discourage the retainment and recruitment of quality, experienced staff. :ugh:

Best post of the thread Thatschecked! :ok:

Those jobs are now terrible because the "likes" of Cathay and Hong Kong Express Human Resources see pilots in Australia buying their career path. So they adjust their package accordingly so you can now buy the rest of your airline apprenticeship too.

The packages offered by those two HKG carriers are unlivable for a family man. But I am sure a single guy will be happy to work at half the pay of other HKG pilots hoping that one day they'll have the experience for a dream contract job with KAL or Air China. I'll guess that by the time they get to that level the contractors will be in on the game as well- looking to continue the exploitation of pilots with jet ICUS and other creative schemes that make this generation of cadets an emerging working poor.

Emerites perhaps? Tax free though you have to deal with the whole sand pit issues, pay off the house and come home. There doesn't appear to be the 'holly grail' of career like there once was. It's just a mash of almost a good job but not quite. Generally screwed up only by pathetic management, which is where this post started, I think.

From what some aussie expat colleagues here in the sandpit tell me, its almost impossible for family men(and women) to survive in Australian Capital cities on Rex F/O salaries.Therefore even a low paid Jet position tax free with accommodation would be a great improvement.

I'm going to change tack here a little. There's not much point comparing REX with the likes of Emerites etc. Regional airline wages and conditions have always been below those of major airines (excluding elements of Jetstar perhaps!!!), and that makes sense. The problem lies not with the difficulties of living in cities such as Sydney on an F/O's wage, but on the future viabilty of REX and it's ability to provide the service that it is charged with. I know what it's like to live in Sydney as an F/O, but there's a bigger picture.

REX once again are on the verge of massive cancellations to it's services. The level of damage will depend on circumstances beyond their control. I say this, because as we all know, REX were only saved last time by the GFC, and the virtual overnight halting of recruitment by the major airlines. Phew! At the eleventh hour, a huge number of REX pilots were on hold with other carriers.

REX need to look seriously at their engagement with their staff, their pilots ability to at least earn a living comesurate with their professional obligations, and a ceasation of the continuing bad faith at EBA negotiations.

Personally, I think such forward thinking from REX would be akin to a creature altering it's DNA! :ugh:

The circumstances are entirely within their control, Krusty. They have been since the Singaporeans took over control years ago. They have just chosen to sit on their hands and not do anything for you blokes.

I like a moderator with an opinion.

Gidday Tid'.

I was perhaps being a little too subtle. The level of damage (IMHO) will depend on factors beyond REX management's control, because, as you have rightly said, REX will choose not to excercise control of their own.

This will leave external factors (beyond REX's control) such as the level of recruitment by other airlines, and the Global and local financial situation etc..., to determine the end result.

They did it last time, and I reckon they'll take the punt again this time. Hell of a way to run a business! :confused:

I hear Brinda B lost quite a few very recently

Be interesting to see how they deal with it?

Megle2; must be their Singaporean management :rolleyes:

Tid; would you like to expand on WHY the Singaporeans had to take over?

To prove he was right; Krusty should do a quick analysis of the last 3 Annual Reports at Rex and then add back say a 30% pay increase for flight crew and then factor reduced pilot turnover / training expenses. That should be pretty easy for someone of his skills and surely then that would show just how pathetic the Rex management is?

Now if we could just solve the QF issue we can get these recurring boring threads off PPrune ......................

Were you at the coalface last time Lester?

You won't find much in the way of customer or CSO anquish in the annual reports! :D

Krusty you winge a lot I bet your painfull to fly with!

I actually enjoyed flying with KRUSTY.

very astute chap!

Chickoroll,
just like your food counterpart; full of leftover crap and unhealthy...... just like that comment. The only thing painful about this thread is it is all true! :ok:

Krusty is fine to fly with, and the best bit is you get to learn. Something that Managment dont want you to do, especially in regard to the EBA!

Sorry guys I'm just a disgruntled fast food shop owner that never made it!

" Sorry guys I'm just a disgruntled fast food shop owner that never made it!"

Better here than in Parliament, with all due disrespect for the former Oxleymoron.

That's OK chickoroll, everyone's entitled to an opinion.

However, if you expect people to take you seriously, you should at least show a reasonable command of the English language.

It's "you're painfull to fly with." :}

ChookRoll
 

you're a Mug Chook. you have no idea.

I've always looked forward to flying with Krusty, never a dull day and always ready to teach and share his experiences.

What comes across to you as whinging is actually someone willing to speak the truth and stand up for the pilot body. Someone who actually has refused to bend backwards and ask for what he actually is worth....

...so how much are you worth??:= Painfulllll