QLK Network Changes
 

With the QLK Dash 8 network currently undergoing a redesign, the feeling is that there will be some significant changes. Anyone got information or speculation?

BNE 300 base to close. Just operate them out of Sydney.

Isn’t the LHI contract up for renewal in 2021? Wouldn’t be surprised to see this one go

That could get interesting - Lots of junior 400 CPT's

From what I’ve heard from those that are on the 300 and have been stood down since early April, the company continues to share very little information about the future of the classic fleet. They continue to deny rumours about planned reductions in the fleet (and even have started asking for who are starting the rumours so they can “have a chat to them”)

The current stance is there is not enough to demand to warrant the Q3 to fly, which hardly makes any sense, how can there be useful work on a 74 seater but not on a 50 seater.

There isn’t enough “useful work” for all the 400 crew to start with, (hence rolling stand downs). How can a senior 300 crew member displace a junior crew member that doesn’t have useful work to do in the first place.
Trade stand down for stand down??

Would they swap them out for some SYD 400s or just add them to the SYD fleet? Either would present crewing challenges

You'd like to think they're designing the network for a post-covid environment where everyone has been stood up?

Well if the Q300 stops operating out of Brissy, there would have to be a reduction in establishment no doubt (keeping in mind pre COVID the classic club was averaging 10 stick hours a month)

The more senior guys will displace the 400 blokes, with those on the bottom of the seniority list most likely getting the wave goodbye

It’s been mentioned several times that there is no “plan” redundancies and that the classic will still have a place in QLink.

What is most likely that the very junior Captain’s on both fleets will head back to the RHS.

The unknown is how many senior F/O‘s will pick up a command at the expense of the Captain’s junior to them.

A lengthy and expensive training exercise for the company.

Pretty easily really. As soon as they announce the 300 is gone they will have to fine tune the establishment numbers on the 400. Should there be an excess once they include the senior 300 pilots then bye bye to the most junior 400 to make way.

technically yes it would be stand down for stand down - But id much rather be a stood down CPT than an FO

Anyone remember Cairns 2014....

Didn't they turn up to a CNS base meeting and try and convince all the 300 drivers, senior captains included that they were off to Bris, regardless of seniority? Either a very bold strategy or incredible naivety?

I remember one individual that would unfortunately become ill after arriving in Sydney for re training sims.
Delay the training=delay the check to line=delay the pay cut.

He is no longer with the company thankfully, if it's the same fella I'm thinking.

One of the two isn't.

I don't remember anyone being told that they were off to Bris. A few went to ADL to retain their command and many just stayed in CNS as F/O's.

A lot of Q400s sitting in Melbourne not doing much with COVID running crazy.

That would match up with what the CP said before about the sims going to either Melbourne or Brisbane (or both?)
Could send the -300 sim to Melb along with the Bris -300 fleet, and use the Melb -400 fleet and -400 sim in QLD!

The 300 is finished in Brisbane and if I was a betting man Adelaide too.
The issue they have, is when this is announced they will need to stand up 50 odd 300 drivers and train them onto a 400. With a fleet still not at 100% (and it won't for a while) its an extra expense that isn't needed.

Its in the companies best interest to keep the fairy tail alive..."The 300 will return" - Rubbish

Sounds like what you’re saying is that the company is using EAA as the dumping ground for the classic fleet.

Just curious as to why you think the 300 is finished in Adelaide?
From my observation it is a pretty good fit on the Port Lincoln, Whyalla and Kangaroo Island routes given the existing market size.