BMed morale...
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BMed morale...
Hi there..
I have a friend who is currently flying for a charter carrier,and wants to join a scheduled airline.
She is thinking about applying to BMed based at LHR as they fly long haul and are a scheduled outfit.
However, she has been hearing worrying stories about the morale/rostering/management within BMed,in particular the cabin crew management team.
Can anyone shed any light on this matter,as I'd hate her to make a move she would regret.
I have a friend who is currently flying for a charter carrier,and wants to join a scheduled airline.
She is thinking about applying to BMed based at LHR as they fly long haul and are a scheduled outfit.
However, she has been hearing worrying stories about the morale/rostering/management within BMed,in particular the cabin crew management team.
Can anyone shed any light on this matter,as I'd hate her to make a move she would regret.
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Hi Gladrags,
Well in response i currently work for Bmed and can tell you it is a great little company to work for. It does have its faults and also some unhappy crew but you tell me an airline that doesn't.
Bmed is not for everyone though. If you want nice beach destinations to stay at we are not the company. We fly to alot of countries with very different cultures which you have to respect. e.g Iran, Syria etc etc
We also spend alot of time away. At the moment we only have 8 days off in the UK however the union is trying to change this. We can also do a 4 day trip come back and go away again for a 3 day trip. Hard work!
However the company is still fairly small so you always know most of your crew, everyone get on. We have the greatest crew parties around and lets face it you need to staying in the places we stay! and the money is good.
If your happy keeping your head down and ready to party when your away then Bmed is definately the place. But if you just like staying in your hotel room and not socialising, you will soon loose the plot!
Hope this helps.
Well in response i currently work for Bmed and can tell you it is a great little company to work for. It does have its faults and also some unhappy crew but you tell me an airline that doesn't.
Bmed is not for everyone though. If you want nice beach destinations to stay at we are not the company. We fly to alot of countries with very different cultures which you have to respect. e.g Iran, Syria etc etc
We also spend alot of time away. At the moment we only have 8 days off in the UK however the union is trying to change this. We can also do a 4 day trip come back and go away again for a 3 day trip. Hard work!
However the company is still fairly small so you always know most of your crew, everyone get on. We have the greatest crew parties around and lets face it you need to staying in the places we stay! and the money is good.
If your happy keeping your head down and ready to party when your away then Bmed is definately the place. But if you just like staying in your hotel room and not socialising, you will soon loose the plot!
Hope this helps.
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BMed Cabin Crew
Hi everyone,
With regard to BMed cabin crew....my friend is also considering applying to them, but is a little put off, because she hasn't much info about them either - in fact, none at all! She doesn't mind travelling out constantly to the Middle East and Central Asia (as long as she can have a drink, or three once she's there with the rest of the crew!!), but she does want to earn a lot and save money to buy a house. Don't we all I hear you say?!
Does anyone know what a typical month's roster would look like and how much a new crew member is likely to take home in an average month?
Hope someone can supply the answers. THANKS.
With regard to BMed cabin crew....my friend is also considering applying to them, but is a little put off, because she hasn't much info about them either - in fact, none at all! She doesn't mind travelling out constantly to the Middle East and Central Asia (as long as she can have a drink, or three once she's there with the rest of the crew!!), but she does want to earn a lot and save money to buy a house. Don't we all I hear you say?!
Does anyone know what a typical month's roster would look like and how much a new crew member is likely to take home in an average month?
Hope someone can supply the answers. THANKS.
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Hi Solution1,
In response to your query here are some details about Bmed.
We are a sole franchise of BA.
Currently have 5 aircraft. (3 A320 + 2 A321) New A321 arriving early next year.
Approx 200 crew
Fly the following routes Egypt, Ethiopia, Lebanon, Jordan, Syria, Iran, Armenia, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, Kyrgestan and Kazakstan With 2 new routes starting next year. We think its Sudan and a place near Siberia!
Trips are between 3 - 6 days
All our destinations with the exception of Ethiopia are very cold in the Winter and VERY hot in the summer. So the winter can get a bit depressing but we all pull through.
We can drink in all of our destinations with the exception of Iran. This is usually the trip that we all dry out!!!!
On average have about 5 trips per roster, 8 concrete days off and 1 special day off.
Take home pay is approx £1300 - £1550 for CC
Perks - We get BA staff travel ID90's + 2 free tickets a year for the Bmed network
Hope this helps. If you need anymore info let me know.
In response to your query here are some details about Bmed.
We are a sole franchise of BA.
Currently have 5 aircraft. (3 A320 + 2 A321) New A321 arriving early next year.
Approx 200 crew
Fly the following routes Egypt, Ethiopia, Lebanon, Jordan, Syria, Iran, Armenia, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, Kyrgestan and Kazakstan With 2 new routes starting next year. We think its Sudan and a place near Siberia!
Trips are between 3 - 6 days
All our destinations with the exception of Ethiopia are very cold in the Winter and VERY hot in the summer. So the winter can get a bit depressing but we all pull through.
We can drink in all of our destinations with the exception of Iran. This is usually the trip that we all dry out!!!!
On average have about 5 trips per roster, 8 concrete days off and 1 special day off.
Take home pay is approx £1300 - £1550 for CC
Perks - We get BA staff travel ID90's + 2 free tickets a year for the Bmed network
Hope this helps. If you need anymore info let me know.
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Thanks PONDSKIPPER, that's most helpful and my friend will be most appreciative for the info.
When the crew are away, do they get days off downroute, or do they fly every day?
Are there a minimum amount of days off you get back home inbetween trips?
It all sounds very busy and hard work to me....compared to the airlines (charter) that I, and my friend, have worked for over the years.
I presume there is a high turnover of crew as they must be very, very tired and worn out...?????
When the crew are away, do they get days off downroute, or do they fly every day?
Are there a minimum amount of days off you get back home inbetween trips?
It all sounds very busy and hard work to me....compared to the airlines (charter) that I, and my friend, have worked for over the years.
I presume there is a high turnover of crew as they must be very, very tired and worn out...?????
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Solution 1 and friend!
Regarding time off downroute, it will depend on the destination. On some of the routes u get alot of time off,and on others, such as the Baku trips u dont get any days off, as typically on a 4 day trip there is always a shuttle in between....this being to places such as Bishkek or Almaty. The shuttle departs early evening ( UK time), but since Baku is 4 hours ahead, its late evening local time.....even later if the flight is delayed. So,if u depart LHR on a sunday for instance, u will arrive late evening local time and will operate the shuttle on Monday evening.....arrive back in Baku mid morning Tuesday,and then operate back to LHR on the Wednesday.....dep time about 8 or 9am local I think.......U will get back to LHR about midday(ish) UK time. U could then be on standby, OR rostered a three day trip on the Thursday....working 7 days in all . I think there is a 4 day trip to Baku ( or could be longer) where there arent any shuttles, which is seen as quite a "prize" amongst the crew! Only for the privileged this one!!!!
Generally U will get about two days off in between trips, but this isnt always so! U may do a 4 day trip, with one day off afterwards, followed by another 4 day trip or 3 dayer! The special day off that Pondskipper is on about is basically something that is tagged onto the end of a trip, and is used for operational reasons, and most DEFINATELY should NOT be taken for granted as a concrete day off!
One of the longest flight duties operated is down to Addis Ababa (Ethiopia) . There are differing slip patterns with this one, and you could find urself operating a 4 day trip followed by a 3 day trip.....so thats Ethiopia twice via Alexandria! Believe u me this is VERY tiring, as each sector is approx 4h20m and 3h50m respectively!!! This doesnt include a tech and pax disembarkation stop of approx 35-40minutes in Alexandria. The money is not bad for mainline crew, however U WILL work for it! Days off in the UK are like I said , the 8 days minimum and that can take its toll after a while.......! Most of the crew are VERY fatigued, especially when working a full time roster.
The two new destinations are most likely going to be Khartoum (Sudan) and Yekaterinburg which is in Russia .
Hope this ( real) insight is of some help for u !
Regarding time off downroute, it will depend on the destination. On some of the routes u get alot of time off,and on others, such as the Baku trips u dont get any days off, as typically on a 4 day trip there is always a shuttle in between....this being to places such as Bishkek or Almaty. The shuttle departs early evening ( UK time), but since Baku is 4 hours ahead, its late evening local time.....even later if the flight is delayed. So,if u depart LHR on a sunday for instance, u will arrive late evening local time and will operate the shuttle on Monday evening.....arrive back in Baku mid morning Tuesday,and then operate back to LHR on the Wednesday.....dep time about 8 or 9am local I think.......U will get back to LHR about midday(ish) UK time. U could then be on standby, OR rostered a three day trip on the Thursday....working 7 days in all . I think there is a 4 day trip to Baku ( or could be longer) where there arent any shuttles, which is seen as quite a "prize" amongst the crew! Only for the privileged this one!!!!
Generally U will get about two days off in between trips, but this isnt always so! U may do a 4 day trip, with one day off afterwards, followed by another 4 day trip or 3 dayer! The special day off that Pondskipper is on about is basically something that is tagged onto the end of a trip, and is used for operational reasons, and most DEFINATELY should NOT be taken for granted as a concrete day off!
One of the longest flight duties operated is down to Addis Ababa (Ethiopia) . There are differing slip patterns with this one, and you could find urself operating a 4 day trip followed by a 3 day trip.....so thats Ethiopia twice via Alexandria! Believe u me this is VERY tiring, as each sector is approx 4h20m and 3h50m respectively!!! This doesnt include a tech and pax disembarkation stop of approx 35-40minutes in Alexandria. The money is not bad for mainline crew, however U WILL work for it! Days off in the UK are like I said , the 8 days minimum and that can take its toll after a while.......! Most of the crew are VERY fatigued, especially when working a full time roster.
The two new destinations are most likely going to be Khartoum (Sudan) and Yekaterinburg which is in Russia .
Hope this ( real) insight is of some help for u !
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Thanks to you too for the info about life at BMed.
Have you been with BMed for long and can you honestly say that you enjoy working there (ie. in general.... coz I know we all have our "days/moments")??
It does sound like you are constantly away on trips, with very few days off back in the UK. Surely that must make it very hard and put a terrible strain on relationships? It can be bad enough when you have to work on the occasional weekend, or be out of the country for a few days at a time. People that are not working in the industry sometimes find that really difficult to understand and accept. Don't know if I, or my friend could - in effect - live out of a suitcase on a permanent basis...???
You say that the money is good, but what on average would a new crew member be taking home each month?
Are you paid an hourly flight pay, or is it meal allowances like mainline BA crew?
Can you request trips with your friends?
Finally ( I could carry on asking a million questions, especially as I've now taken a big interest for myself!), what are the cabin crew management like? I have worked for a few airlines and know that the cabin crew management style and make-up (not cosmetic) can really make a difference to crew morale and their working conditions.
Would really appreciate as much info as possible, as I would hate to make the wrong decision by leaving my current employment. Thanks!!
Have you been with BMed for long and can you honestly say that you enjoy working there (ie. in general.... coz I know we all have our "days/moments")??
It does sound like you are constantly away on trips, with very few days off back in the UK. Surely that must make it very hard and put a terrible strain on relationships? It can be bad enough when you have to work on the occasional weekend, or be out of the country for a few days at a time. People that are not working in the industry sometimes find that really difficult to understand and accept. Don't know if I, or my friend could - in effect - live out of a suitcase on a permanent basis...???
You say that the money is good, but what on average would a new crew member be taking home each month?
Are you paid an hourly flight pay, or is it meal allowances like mainline BA crew?
Can you request trips with your friends?
Finally ( I could carry on asking a million questions, especially as I've now taken a big interest for myself!), what are the cabin crew management like? I have worked for a few airlines and know that the cabin crew management style and make-up (not cosmetic) can really make a difference to crew morale and their working conditions.
Would really appreciate as much info as possible, as I would hate to make the wrong decision by leaving my current employment. Thanks!!
Last edited by solution1; 16th Nov 2003 at 19:53.
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We are away quite alot and sometimes can feel like you do live out of a suitcase! I have been with Bmed for nearly 3 years and i still really enjoy it. But as i said before it is one of those companies you will either love or hate! Alot of people are leaving at the moment but this is due to BA recruiting and what airline is not gonna loose alot of crew! I know a few people that have left Bmed thinking we have it bad and they regret the decision once they have left! not all but a few!
As far as trips go the only trip which you have to do a shuttle is the Baku as mentioned by starbux. Most trips are 4 days, 2 clear days off down route and at the moment there is a 6 day damascas which has 4 clear days off down route.
As far as relationships go! mmmmmm! Yes it can be hard but everyone seems to manage. A big bonus for this is that alot of crew opt to go part time. There is a long waiting list for this but it is an option.
The basic is approx £10,000 and the allowance is paid hourly from the second you check-in to the time you get home which is around £2.50
Management! You hear alot of things about the management but as i said previously if you just keep your head down get on with your work you wouldnt know that they are there. I cant imagine any airline where the crew love the management but personally i dont think our management is bad at all. However alot of people will disagree.
We do fly to the less disirable places however you can use your BA staff travel to go to the good places afterwards.
Hope this helps. x
As far as trips go the only trip which you have to do a shuttle is the Baku as mentioned by starbux. Most trips are 4 days, 2 clear days off down route and at the moment there is a 6 day damascas which has 4 clear days off down route.
As far as relationships go! mmmmmm! Yes it can be hard but everyone seems to manage. A big bonus for this is that alot of crew opt to go part time. There is a long waiting list for this but it is an option.
The basic is approx £10,000 and the allowance is paid hourly from the second you check-in to the time you get home which is around £2.50
Management! You hear alot of things about the management but as i said previously if you just keep your head down get on with your work you wouldnt know that they are there. I cant imagine any airline where the crew love the management but personally i dont think our management is bad at all. However alot of people will disagree.
We do fly to the less disirable places however you can use your BA staff travel to go to the good places afterwards.
Hope this helps. x
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BMED!!! great little company. Hard work and nice to see some of the moaners who grind the crews down are leaving!!! 
Bout bloody time!
Good luck at BA some of you will need it!!
But for those of us left we enjoy it !!!!
And hey might look forward to some profit share next year how many airlines will be saying that ????????
Bout bloody time!Good luck at BA some of you will need it!!
But for those of us left we enjoy it !!!!
And hey might look forward to some profit share next year how many airlines will be saying that ????????
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Pondskipper
May I just how refreshing it is to hear someone with good things to say as well as advising the downsides.
Id like to be a PAX (or even dispacther!) on your flight as you seem to have the right attitude for your position.
Good luck & happy flying!!
May I just how refreshing it is to hear someone with good things to say as well as advising the downsides.
Id like to be a PAX (or even dispacther!) on your flight as you seem to have the right attitude for your position.
Good luck & happy flying!!
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I would like to know the amount of time the champions of the company have been employed for?
One, Two or Three years? I think when u get to the 5 yr and above figure u wont be so "motivated"!!! As for keeping ur head down where the managements concered.....and then u wont get bothered by them?! I think if ur a sycophant u will get along there very well oh and dont question there ideas too much....it wont go down well......anybody heard of constructive criticism? Well it doesnt go down well with them !
BMED has its little click pockets of crew, and if u arent one of the chosen ones <or dont want to be>! then its not a very pleasant airline to work for....... and as for profit share L8MED....how long exactly have u been with BMED......as I wouldnt hold u breath for ur share of the profits!!!!!!
One, Two or Three years? I think when u get to the 5 yr and above figure u wont be so "motivated"!!! As for keeping ur head down where the managements concered.....and then u wont get bothered by them?! I think if ur a sycophant u will get along there very well oh and dont question there ideas too much....it wont go down well......anybody heard of constructive criticism? Well it doesnt go down well with them !
BMED has its little click pockets of crew, and if u arent one of the chosen ones <or dont want to be>! then its not a very pleasant airline to work for....... and as for profit share L8MED....how long exactly have u been with BMED......as I wouldnt hold u breath for ur share of the profits!!!!!!
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HI all, as an ex Bmed employee, I did my time and I think one will have to just say, "it's what you make it" I had a great time when I was there, I was there long enough to know what I'm talking about. There were some really great times and with any company, there were not so desirable times too, but tell me of an airline where there was 100%perfection.
I left because a great opportunity came up, I was happy, but the horizon looked far better, so I chose to leave and if you're not happy with something and an opportunity presents itself, take it, that's how I live my life.
Happy flying folks.
I left because a great opportunity came up, I was happy, but the horizon looked far better, so I chose to leave and if you're not happy with something and an opportunity presents itself, take it, that's how I live my life.
Happy flying folks.
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bmed morale
have been with b-med since the start of the franchise, and that is nearly seven years, and yes still motivated, yes still happy, and happy enough to not apply for other positions with other comanies, and quite happy with my lot, as are a lot of other people in the company as well as people who are going to BA, but felt it was just time to move on!
as for the management team, yes they are reasonably newish, and not everyone is happy with them, but then that might just be that they are not flavour of the month anymore, and their feet are not as warm as they were with previous managements! too bad I say. if they dont like it then move on....... comapnies are recruiting now so whats the problem? cant get a better offer?
the company is increasing in size and with that the crew management are trying to bring the crews in line as with most airlines to its full potential, and some people dont like the change, but it is inevitable, and perhaps they should be looking at the bigger picture than just their own little world.
If anyone is considering b- med as an employer, why not go along to the recruitment day, meet the management team and other crew, hear and see what their visions are, and decide for yourself.
there ae always moaners, and you do it often enough and you get good at it.......... ours excell
as for the management team, yes they are reasonably newish, and not everyone is happy with them, but then that might just be that they are not flavour of the month anymore, and their feet are not as warm as they were with previous managements! too bad I say. if they dont like it then move on....... comapnies are recruiting now so whats the problem? cant get a better offer?
the company is increasing in size and with that the crew management are trying to bring the crews in line as with most airlines to its full potential, and some people dont like the change, but it is inevitable, and perhaps they should be looking at the bigger picture than just their own little world.
If anyone is considering b- med as an employer, why not go along to the recruitment day, meet the management team and other crew, hear and see what their visions are, and decide for yourself.
there ae always moaners, and you do it often enough and you get good at it.......... ours excell
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cariadd,
To be honest I think u should be looking at the "bigger picture", .......its a tad more complex than that.....mortgages, credit cards and other responsibilities come into it. Jobs, (decent ones) arent that easy to come by. At the risk of sounding churlish, I have found a "better offer" and will be moving on. As for bringing out the "potential" amongst the crew, well I dont think they have a clue, and believe you me , I am long enough in the tooth ( so to speak) to know what I am talking about! Most crew embrace change, but only when it is positive and instigated in a professional manner.
As for the "new" management.......there is really only one "cloud" on the horizon, and I think we ALL know who that is.
So, from all the B-Med moaners, thanks for your words of wisdom....shame they came too late!!!
By the way, I take it you have only ever worked for one airline....that being the present one??
To be honest I think u should be looking at the "bigger picture", .......its a tad more complex than that.....mortgages, credit cards and other responsibilities come into it. Jobs, (decent ones) arent that easy to come by. At the risk of sounding churlish, I have found a "better offer" and will be moving on. As for bringing out the "potential" amongst the crew, well I dont think they have a clue, and believe you me , I am long enough in the tooth ( so to speak) to know what I am talking about! Most crew embrace change, but only when it is positive and instigated in a professional manner.
As for the "new" management.......there is really only one "cloud" on the horizon, and I think we ALL know who that is.
So, from all the B-Med moaners, thanks for your words of wisdom....shame they came too late!!!
By the way, I take it you have only ever worked for one airline....that being the present one??
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Starbux, good luck in your new ventures. Cant ever imagine doing a job for 5 years that i didnt like! what a waste of life! Hope you enjoy your next career i presume it wont be a flying career.
And with regards to how many airlines i have worked for it's 3. I think i have enough experience to cast fair judgement on how good BMED is.
Good luck to anyone that applies for BMED. Big recruitment campaign going on now.
See ya.
And with regards to how many airlines i have worked for it's 3. I think i have enough experience to cast fair judgement on how good BMED is.
Good luck to anyone that applies for BMED. Big recruitment campaign going on now.
See ya.
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If your face fits
Fine
That's BMED
If the fat controller don't like you then watch your back.
Crap destinations (Tashkent, Addis I ask you?) low pay (get more on London Underground) and lots of Bull to contend with.
Those that benefit from BMED:
Lord Hesketh and his bum licking minions and the sheep.
Go to BMED if you can't get anything else and are enjoy being brainwashed.
If you have a brain and a personality then stay away.
Maximillian
That's BMED
If the fat controller don't like you then watch your back.
Crap destinations (Tashkent, Addis I ask you?) low pay (get more on London Underground) and lots of Bull to contend with.
Those that benefit from BMED:
Lord Hesketh and his bum licking minions and the sheep.
Go to BMED if you can't get anything else and are enjoy being brainwashed.
If you have a brain and a personality then stay away.
Maximillian
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here here pondskipper, and I really do wish you starbux all the best........ really.
To flyer 38 I know there is a recruitment weekend dec 6/7 and there will be several more in the new year I guess. If you want to send your cv to sue the address is British Mediterranean Airways
Cirrus House, LHR, Bedfont Road, Staines Middlesex, TE19 7NL and good luck. The cabin crew manager is Lynda Francis.
To MAX MET. take it you come under that catagory yourself do you....... no brain and personality, and no doubt still picking up the pay cheque. try picking up the phone and dialing 118118 then ask the operator for london undergrounds recruitments number, it might be the best 52 p you ever spent, as it must be exhausting being that miserable
To flyer 38 I know there is a recruitment weekend dec 6/7 and there will be several more in the new year I guess. If you want to send your cv to sue the address is British Mediterranean Airways
Cirrus House, LHR, Bedfont Road, Staines Middlesex, TE19 7NL and good luck. The cabin crew manager is Lynda Francis.
To MAX MET. take it you come under that catagory yourself do you....... no brain and personality, and no doubt still picking up the pay cheque. try picking up the phone and dialing 118118 then ask the operator for london undergrounds recruitments number, it might be the best 52 p you ever spent, as it must be exhausting being that miserable
Last edited by PPRuNe Towers; 4th Dec 2003 at 10:17.