Go Back  PPRuNe Forums > PPRuNe Worldwide > Middle East
Reload this Page >

Qatar Critical

Wikiposts
Search
Middle East Many expats still flying in Knoteetingham. Regional issues can be discussed here.

Qatar Critical

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 2nd May 2003, 03:54
  #1 (permalink)  
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: May 2002
Location: Middle East
Posts: 806
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Qatar Critical

News from within the Middle East Industry would suggest that morale is at a new all time low at Qatar Airways, and that there is a serious situation developing where the company is about to suffer an implosion of the current shaky structure. The Company is on the brink of anarchy and destruction if appropriate action is not taken very soon, and taken by experienced and professional individuals who are allowed to get on with their jobs without interference.

I am told that there are likely to be significant events in the very near future, that shall raise the public profile of QR - for all the wrong reasons!!!! The company is now, sadly, attracting some very bad press and interest is being shown by various authorities.

I find this very sad, as QR, to me, could have otherwise been an excellent company. It has most certainly now shown drastic signs of going off the boil, so much so that I find myself writing these comments. (Regulars will note that I am usually an Oryx fan!!)

Watch this space, and Good Luck to all my friends at QR. I hope that things get better very soon.

My information suggests that the Amiri Diwan is now taking significant interest in the current critical situation at the company.

Please note!!!!! - the above is NOT NOT NOT designed to be sensational - but is a TRUE and accurate reflection of how the current situation stands. More information will be posted when it becomes safe to do so - management are currently watching every single post being made here. I do not wish to compromise the position of anyone at the Company, since some of the info likely to emerge will come from very definitive sources.

Qatar Airways security department will already be trying to trace the origins of my words here - it is shocking to have heard that QR has an almost dedicated "Pprune Policeman"!!!!!!

Again - watch this space. Good luck to all you guys at QR.

AB6
A300Man is offline  
Old 2nd May 2003, 14:36
  #2 (permalink)  
 
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Adrift upon the tides of fate
Posts: 1,840
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I don't think anyone who follows this site will be surprised by your assertions. Personally, I am surprised that you are the one making them. I would have to agree that at times I almost thought you were an apologist for QR! I respect people who call a spade a spade.

As for QR- anyone following the range of comments, from the bitter rants to the more reasoned posts- would have smelled the roses.

I hope it gets better for you all. If only as much effort was put into fixing the problems as stifling the criticism?
ferris is offline  
Old 3rd May 2003, 07:18
  #3 (permalink)  
 
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: la belle France
Posts: 93
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Exactly ferris i totally agree with you,why don't these people spend money on more productive parts of the company instead of covering up AAB huge mistakes,QR must spend $$$$$$$ on recruitment etc,I don't understand the mentality of the people behind QR,whats going on????
kenoco is offline  
Old 4th May 2003, 21:37
  #4 (permalink)  
 
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Trinidad
Posts: 60
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
It will be sad to see some people do something to a growing airline, remember what happened to the 49's in Cathay be carefull. As for the management let them do the running of the airline, the pilots should fly and go home after the flights do not get involved in the politics you will only lose. Now is not the time to do anything drastic. One day things will get better, good luck to all in QR, and I mean all.
cordy is offline  
Old 4th May 2003, 22:34
  #5 (permalink)  
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: May 2002
Location: Middle East
Posts: 806
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Thanks Ferris. I am not an apologist at all for QR or anything - I just report things as I see them.

Right now, I see them (sadly) getting worse at QR and standards are being compromised due to too rapid expansion.
A300Man is offline  
Old 5th May 2003, 00:39
  #6 (permalink)  
 
Join Date: Apr 1999
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
A300 man

I was very surprised at your initial post being the Oryx fan that you are/once were?.

I am interested to know exactly which standards are being compromised due to the expansion? I haven't seen any being compromised as of yet. But hey, I'm just one of the drivers. We are certainly maintaining our standards to the best of our professional abilities up the front.

I look forward to your reply.

Regards

max
maxtorque is offline  
Old 5th May 2003, 05:39
  #7 (permalink)  
 
Join Date: May 2003
Location: dubai
Posts: 28
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
It is certinly sad what people write about Qatar Airways here but I think some of it if not the most is just kind of sabotage I don't work for QR any more but I did for some long time and I think the management is doing a big mistake by egnoring their working force and treating them just like (do it or do it ) no other way. the contract you sigen with Qr is just one month cotract and the mistakes that has been done is beyond corrrection or it will need time to gain the good emage for the company not as a service provider but as an employer thus only people with less capabiliteis will remain in the company . the passingers will enjoy the clean shiny aircrafts and the nice meal but only lucky people will meet a nice profitional crew to make their flight a pleasiant one .A freind of mine who was a cabin crew as well came with QR and he mentioned to me that the cabin crew were offering the choice to the pax in the row infront of him when he found that he has left only with one choice any way he manged as useual from the crew meal and when he came to serve him his meal he again offerd the non available meal choice . my long story here show that people or some of them are working with great fear and thus they are less creative and confident ,and the management is not doing any thing about it in fact they are encreesing the fear factor, if you want to see the cabin crew manager you have to be introgated first by his secretary who feel that it is not her job to do that if you need any thing you better go strait to the 9th things get done better there .Yet Qatar as a place is wonderfull and I mean it the company as routes ,layovers ,pay , and work condition is not bad the accomodation we had is one of the best you can find in the region the whole benifits was not bad but again it is only one month contract .
digna is offline  
Old 5th May 2003, 07:02
  #8 (permalink)  
 
Join Date: Jul 2000
Location: 3rd Rock from the Sun
Posts: 382
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Why only one month contracts? sound like Air Namibia!

the guys get hired and fired that fast? then surely there is something seriously whacked in management? whats up...or not
Skaz is offline  
Old 5th May 2003, 09:19
  #9 (permalink)  
 
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Never anywhere long enough
Posts: 118
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Heard a rumour that staff at QR might be getting a pay cut yet again, have the crew not got enough to worry about, a junior at EK earns more than a CSD/CS at QR what a insult.

Any truth that QR might be signing up for 30 a/c, one thing to think about where are they going to get the crew from, they are struggeling at the moment and yet more resignations will come, anyone out in Doha Govt going to even think about getting rid of the Bouncer from Mothercare that would solve all QR's problems.

Good luck to all the crew you need a medal for putting up with the rubbish the bouncer gives you
gulf-crew is offline  
Old 5th May 2003, 19:52
  #10 (permalink)  
 
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: la belle France
Posts: 93
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
The "bouncer"has been around for a while now and everybody wordwide knows what a demon he is towards his crew,he is THE only reason for QR woes so I wonder what has he got on his bosses that keeps him where he is.Qatar is a lovely place but if AAB was in any other country in the world he would be up to his neck in lawsuits,and i think somebody mentioned contracts,WHAT CONTRACTS??????in my time in QR i saw people being terminated left right and centre for the most bizarre reasons,I think the local government and the local employment laws need a lot of modernisation,the system in QR is extremely outdated,I hope things get better for all involved,,,,,,,xxM.
kenoco is offline  
Old 7th May 2003, 11:44
  #11 (permalink)  
Aluminum Tubing Inspector
Aluminum Tubing Inspector
 
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Costa Geriatrica
Posts: 1,000
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
A friend of mine was advised to go to the labour courts...

...but a little birdie told that person they would be out the country within 24 hours if they did so!!??
homesick rae is offline  
Old 8th May 2003, 02:18
  #12 (permalink)  
 
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: Boondocks
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I used to use a different log-in ID. Havent read prune for a while. However am not suprised at A300Man's comments one iota.

Most of it stems ,of course, from AAB. But of course, similar to not blaming a child for his action, it starts with the parents. In this case you can only blame the board.

Nobody in their right mind could ever convince logical thinking, experienced businessmen that a company can be run, survive & prosper in the manner in which he runs QR. However the board know this but allow this madman to carry on. QR represent their country and through this guy the reputation of Qatar the country is being or will be dragged through the dirt. Whilst he appeared to be good for the company at the beginning, he's now crossed the rubicon and theres no way back with him in charge.

In the same vein, AAB allows several people in key positions to run their areas despite the fact they are patently unqualified for their roles. You can only blame him for this. 2 people in particular GM commercial (GMC) and Manager HR (MHR) are embarrasingly incompentent.

MHR is akin to (for those who are familiar) Austin Powers Mini Me! Seems to hang on to every word of AAB, makes completely riduculous and meaningless statements and to cap it all call ABB "Your Excellency" (I'm not joking), such is the measure of the man.

MHR's favourite expression is "No" in response to most questions. Possibly the most unlikeable man within the company. Travels the world recruiting people with no set standard for recruitment (those who have been interviewed by him will know how bad he is), even going as far afield as Argentina.

This is, believe it or not, constructive. So AAB please listen. These 2 people "control"(under AAB's so caled management) the company's most important assets, its staff and its most important area for the future, commercial strategy.

With due respect to lower echelons, the company have no idea how to handle expats particularly Europeans, American, Australians etc in terms of personal requirements etc of these people. They desparately need the expertise but the package does not really equate to competitors. Maybe not too apparent at first but the little things like not having non-offloadable annual leave tickets (EK are non offloadble) are just some of the points that are not acceptable. The turnover of staff, particularly management, in last 12 months says it all. Can anybody give figures? The Qatari's themselves are not in a position to take over most key functions nor will be for a long while.

Commercial decisions that basically follow the strategy of EK are completely transparent. Buying aircraft that don't fit the "duplicated" routes don't help. I once went to a meeting where numerous route considerations were banded around the table, some possibly viable, some completely ridiculous. For example Madrid or Malaga via Casablanca. Anyone in their right mind wouldn't fly from ME to Spain via CMN. I once also saw Havana written on MF's board (a result, I believe, of some Cuban dignitories visiting Qatar).

If the company had to make a profit to survive they would have been dead a long time ago. Maybe if the board limited their funding and insisted that they will ultimately cut the umbilical, it may drive changes for the better ie. more informed commercial decisions, based on sound business ideas and proper research.
If they even had a long term strategy it may help but they havent (a fact).

The biggest worry of all is that there is not an effective safety culture, nor could there be whilst there is such a high level of fear culture within the entire company. Other carriers who operate to DOH are aware of this (fact). Even if AAB leaves this would take years to turn around. There is no real conception of the potential impact of the future credibility of QR if the worst happens instead adopting a "it won't happen to us" attitude.

So all in all its not suprising that morale is "at an all time low", in fact you could say its lower than its lowest point....to my memory its never been high. How can you possibly keep people happy and retain their respect in an environment like this?

Frankly AAB and his cronies are their own worst enemies...they can only blame themselves......but I sympathise a little......its always difficult to come face to face with the truth....isnt Mr AAB?
Big Time Charlie is offline  
Old 8th May 2003, 07:05
  #13 (permalink)  
Moderator
 
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: Hilton, Sheraton or Marriott
Posts: 1,817
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Great post BTC. Welcome back. Nice to see some sane, well-thought out comments and observations. Let's hope it sets a standard.

4HP
4HolerPoler is offline  
Old 8th May 2003, 10:17
  #14 (permalink)  
Aluminum Tubing Inspector
Aluminum Tubing Inspector
 
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Costa Geriatrica
Posts: 1,000
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Great post BTC!!

There is no grievance procedure in QR and no appeal system as such.

One ex colleague was sacked but, when they went to hand things back ( manuals etc ), no one knew anything about it! To the point that the person in question was offered a brand new manual!

This was questioned through "personnel" and human remains and they insisted they had no instruction to the effect even though PD had signed the " extermination" letter!?

Appeal? Too busy....

As non flight deck I was sad that DF left. He was always there to hear problems from both sides of the cockpit door.( And he for one TRIED to keep us at Kovalam beach in TRV! Thumbs aloft DF!)
I say this because neither BG ( Lurch ) or SK ( the snake ) listened to anything the Cabin Crew said...oh unless it was a complaint against the supervisors! Or some other malicious gossip!

AAB gets too involved in everything and people's personal lives. He is a control freak and still believes he can do an EK. Too late for that...

I have friends who flew QR and made sure their employees did. Now that has changed and they fly with EK/ GF or any other carrier. Sure there will always be pax but these people were CIPs and I know for a fact that QR did not give 2 hoots!

SO SO SAD...

AAB...your bubble is about to burst! Get used to it! Get over it!

Then leave well alone!





homesick rae is offline  
Old 8th May 2003, 13:16
  #15 (permalink)  
 
Join Date: May 2003
Location: betwen you and me
Posts: 151
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Snoop Hello my fellow crew members

A little bird told me that things will never change in QR ????
thus I've heard Mr. AB is a potential investor in this company and no matter what we post or bashed. Things will go in-out!!! unfortunately

jet4hire is offline  
Old 8th May 2003, 15:37
  #16 (permalink)  
 
Join Date: May 2003
Location: france
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Whats all this rubbish that is being said about QR ?...
weather you like it or not , the airline will reach it's goals and
succeed .

Every airline has it's flaws , and QR is no exception.

QR is backed by the richest country in the world , and when you have that kind of back up ... your on top of the world.


All this baseless talking has no use . Are you in AAB chair to know what's going on?
Just because he is holding a stick in his hand over all the staff , does not make him bad..
It's the $$$ that talks ...and AAB has set a goal for that in 2007..
so why don't we give the guy a chance?

The way he treats people is a complicated issue , that surely has it's reasons to justify it...

What don't you talk about the dissasters happening with airlines in europe for a change? and compare that with QR...
Do you see the difference?
junkyard dog is offline  
Old 8th May 2003, 17:11
  #17 (permalink)  
 
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: southern england
Posts: 1,650
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Exclamation Not the richest yet!

Steady on JD, Qatar just outside top 10 richest countries in the world, depending on which measurement used. If you take Gross National Income(GNI) per head, on 2001 figures(World Bank) the richest countries were lead by Luxembourg, Liechtenstein, Switzerland and Norway, whose GNIs were some 40% above that of Qatar.
newswatcher is offline  
Old 9th May 2003, 00:44
  #18 (permalink)  
 
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: la belle France
Posts: 93
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Also JD if QR was based in the west AAB and his cronies would not be able to operate the way they do because our employment laws are up to date unlike the nonexistant ones in Qatar,his abuse of staff is illegal over here,plus nobody knows whether QR is making any money at all because of the free reign Snackbar has for the next couple of years.
kenoco is offline  
Old 10th May 2003, 05:46
  #19 (permalink)  
 
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: london
Posts: 105
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I hear that the Oryx was referred to publicly by a competitor as "the Goat" recently. Now that is funny!

Much truth in what A300 Man and Good Time Charlie have to say. If the airline fails it will be because of the incompetence of AAB and certain of the senior management, particularly the HR guy and the GM Commercial. Neither is anywhere close to being up to the job, but as "Yes Men" they will not be fired.
Goldstone is offline  
Old 11th May 2003, 03:05
  #20 (permalink)  
 
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: Boondocks
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Junkyard Dog makes me laugh. Seems like it could be AAB himself to me. If all was rosy in the garden you wouldnt have all these pruners (including me) whinging on about what a crap outfit QR are to work for. And No I don't agree that regardless they will not neccesrily reach their goals & suceed. One big accident (god forbid) could see the end of them in their present form. At least prune is a forum to air our views.

Unsafe airlines (see my previous thread) should be publicised (as should anything where companies are taking risks with other peoples lives). Big airlines in Europe whatever you may say generally treat their employees with respect (mostly couldnt be any other way...we live in a democratic society...something that they are not very familiar with in this area) something that is SERIOUSLY lacking in QR.

However, as an employee, I am sad that all the effort I put in in my own way just goes to waste (as does that of present & former colleagues) because idiots like AAB, Mini-Me & PD are trying to empire build. Believe me I (& others) could tell you some stories (not appropriate for this forum..I'll save it for the News of the World, National Enquirer) which would prove without doubts that all three are very very big hypocrites.

So in instead of publishing crap in The Peninsula & other publications and boring most of us stupid about how we should be quivering in our boots and land in jail for telling the truth (sounds like Mugabe doesnt it)...he should get down to repairing Management-Employee relations, delegate responsibility then he might find that the tide may turn...but I fear, no I know, its completely lost on him.

4HP, Goldstone, Homesick Rae...thanks for yr comments on my earlier thread. Nice to know that there are some realistic people out there.
Big Time Charlie is offline  


Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service

Copyright © 2024 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.