Air Pacific - Bright & Rosy?
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Porkchopper, you're an abrasive, provocative chap aren't you.
You ask why I left, so I'll tell you.
AirPac was no more than a stopgap for me; that was made clear to all when I arrived. There wasn't much money in it, but it suited for those times and it was commuting. FJ is not the first good job I've left over the years though.
But I left with a lot of regrets because I really did enjoy it there, and very few, if any, of the problems that are being revealed here were present at the time.
From a pilot's point of view, the issues aren't much different from those experienced in other airlines; envy of pilots by management and those responsible for rostering, etc., can make for an uncomfortable time if you let them get on top of you. Most airline employees across the world are out to points score against pilots, unfortunately.
I read through these posts, and from what I gather, some of what is reported here is no more than hearsay, and I'm sure we've all had experiences with the rumour mills in airlines.
No doubt some is true, but that was not the thrust of my post.
I condemned those who would attempt to influence others in an attempt to achieve their own selfish aims.
I heard (and this is hearsay) that FJ recruits are having a 2 year contract put in front of them with onerous penalties if it was broken. That would (if it's true) be a good enough reason to look elsewhere first. But who are we to say? If it suits the prospective employee to sign a 2 year contract, or 10 years for that matter, do others have the right to intervene. I think not.
You ask why I left, so I'll tell you.
AirPac was no more than a stopgap for me; that was made clear to all when I arrived. There wasn't much money in it, but it suited for those times and it was commuting. FJ is not the first good job I've left over the years though.
But I left with a lot of regrets because I really did enjoy it there, and very few, if any, of the problems that are being revealed here were present at the time.
From a pilot's point of view, the issues aren't much different from those experienced in other airlines; envy of pilots by management and those responsible for rostering, etc., can make for an uncomfortable time if you let them get on top of you. Most airline employees across the world are out to points score against pilots, unfortunately.
I read through these posts, and from what I gather, some of what is reported here is no more than hearsay, and I'm sure we've all had experiences with the rumour mills in airlines.
No doubt some is true, but that was not the thrust of my post.
I condemned those who would attempt to influence others in an attempt to achieve their own selfish aims.
I heard (and this is hearsay) that FJ recruits are having a 2 year contract put in front of them with onerous penalties if it was broken. That would (if it's true) be a good enough reason to look elsewhere first. But who are we to say? If it suits the prospective employee to sign a 2 year contract, or 10 years for that matter, do others have the right to intervene. I think not.
Last edited by KaptinZZ; 18th Dec 2007 at 20:33.
Join Date: Nov 2007
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ai pai
Apart from everything else thats happening around Air Pac, I certainly encourage you to give it a try. Achieving success comes with a bit of sacrifice, thats the way I see it....or look at it as a stepping stone to bigger and better things. I am also not pleased with the way the mgt are handling things around here, but that won't stop me from encouraging other drivers to take their first step, so to speak. If its your first jet job, then Oman Air and Spice Jet may be your other good options. The last I heard was that they were interviewing pilots with type ratings and with no line experience. Good luck mate.
Join Date: Dec 2007
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## News Flash ##
If Air Pacific Mgt are so good, then why come mid Jan will they be short 6 Capts on the 737 fleet? 737 fleet full complement is only 22. They are also short of 767 F/Os. However, us F/Os are bored with the amount of fishing & surfing - on the net that is for other jobs- instead of flying. There are 27 of us on the 737. Yet they have no plans to upgrade us onto the 767. They would rather employ contractors. Whats the logic? Must be to piss us off more so we ALL go overseas.
Join Date: Aug 2007
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Why Are We So Short-sighted
There is a worldwide shortage of pilots and it's only getting worse.
Air Pacific is in an enviable position to not be affected but must act now.
Luckily for A/P being a pilot is still a sort after job in the islands. One only has to glance at the local flying schools busting at the seams. More than enough manpower for our small fleets future needs.
Unfortunately if Mgt doesnt start promoting faster and filling the gaps with locals therefore enabling our domestic boys onboard with the ensueing trickle down effect through the schools.
We will be worse off because the locals will keeping moving overseas were we feel more appreciated.
And when the bigger carriers get really really desperate and lower their standards then the majority of our contractors will be off like a bat outta hell.
Dont forget we locals love our country. And Air Pacific is our national carrier, therefore our first choice. And it is with a heavy heart that many of us have left and will keep leaving.
Air Pacific is in an enviable position to not be affected but must act now.
Luckily for A/P being a pilot is still a sort after job in the islands. One only has to glance at the local flying schools busting at the seams. More than enough manpower for our small fleets future needs.
Unfortunately if Mgt doesnt start promoting faster and filling the gaps with locals therefore enabling our domestic boys onboard with the ensueing trickle down effect through the schools.
We will be worse off because the locals will keeping moving overseas were we feel more appreciated.
And when the bigger carriers get really really desperate and lower their standards then the majority of our contractors will be off like a bat outta hell.
Dont forget we locals love our country. And Air Pacific is our national carrier, therefore our first choice. And it is with a heavy heart that many of us have left and will keep leaving.
jetstar787, you seem to be unaware that QF own 49% of Air Pac - they were Qantas' first LCC and I believe that the Air Pac remuneration is even lower than Jetstar Oz.
I don't believe that Jetstar will ever be given the Fiji routes because no-one can create the holiday ambience as well as the Air Pac cabin crew. Also, the A320/1 would be too small to replace B744's/B767's.
Yes, I do know you were just fishing.
QF to drop code share in new year.
J* will pick up all AUS-FIJI flights with new 320/1
J* will pick up all AUS-FIJI flights with new 320/1
I don't believe that Jetstar will ever be given the Fiji routes because no-one can create the holiday ambience as well as the Air Pac cabin crew. Also, the A320/1 would be too small to replace B744's/B767's.
Yes, I do know you were just fishing.
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Jetstar to FIJI
jetstar 787 is more than just fishing.
info.from a vey reliable source says it will happen.
But then again who gives a stuff,I would rather get off in Hawaii and have 24hrs off than do a return Nadi.
info.from a vey reliable source says it will happen.
But then again who gives a stuff,I would rather get off in Hawaii and have 24hrs off than do a return Nadi.
Join Date: Nov 2007
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Merry Xmas & Happy New year - Ho Ho Ho
Unless you are an Air Pacific pilot.
This airline is going down the drain. Mid Jan the 737 fleet will be 6 Capts short out of 21-22 full str. BUT we have 27 F/O's sitting on the FLAT seat doing safety pilot and only getting ONE handling sector/mth. The CEO who left this year under a $2m Canadian cloud has not been replaced. One would think this would be high priority.
Flights are being cancelled - in the week before Xmas !!!!!!!!!! That will please the punters NO END!!!! Come all the way from HNL/LAX expecting a connection to Samoa - and its NOT OPERATING due CREW shotage. BUT the mgt dont have the ball* to say that . Its always 'technical/operational' reasons.
Happy New Year. More interviews coming.
Moce Vinaka all
This airline is going down the drain. Mid Jan the 737 fleet will be 6 Capts short out of 21-22 full str. BUT we have 27 F/O's sitting on the FLAT seat doing safety pilot and only getting ONE handling sector/mth. The CEO who left this year under a $2m Canadian cloud has not been replaced. One would think this would be high priority.
Flights are being cancelled - in the week before Xmas !!!!!!!!!! That will please the punters NO END!!!! Come all the way from HNL/LAX expecting a connection to Samoa - and its NOT OPERATING due CREW shotage. BUT the mgt dont have the ball* to say that . Its always 'technical/operational' reasons.
Happy New Year. More interviews coming.
Moce Vinaka all
Join Date: Nov 2007
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Merry Christmas
Ho Ho Ho,
Another year is about to close and it looks as if 'The Island in the Sky' is about to close also. If the IATA audit on QF picked up 50 odd points, how many did they find in FJ? - Probably a 'War & Peace' size novel.
Its a shame that such a lovely operation has been screwed by a few AR$E#oles.
Nepotism, lying, cheating, to name a few of the charges. The sad thing is that the main knifeman lives in SYD. His loyalty to HIS country and employer are suspect. Why shaft so many people? His credibility has been proved suspect (if not downright fraudulent) in court, yet he still survives. What has he got to keep his position?
He is certainly a man of NO principles worthy of the position he holds.
Happy New Year to the rest of you.
Another year is about to close and it looks as if 'The Island in the Sky' is about to close also. If the IATA audit on QF picked up 50 odd points, how many did they find in FJ? - Probably a 'War & Peace' size novel.
Its a shame that such a lovely operation has been screwed by a few AR$E#oles.
Nepotism, lying, cheating, to name a few of the charges. The sad thing is that the main knifeman lives in SYD. His loyalty to HIS country and employer are suspect. Why shaft so many people? His credibility has been proved suspect (if not downright fraudulent) in court, yet he still survives. What has he got to keep his position?
He is certainly a man of NO principles worthy of the position he holds.
Happy New Year to the rest of you.
Join Date: Dec 2007
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and a Happy ? New Year
Well another year is about to close BUT I am sure we will NOT see a new leaf turned over by any of our management!
Same old same old........S#it.
The rotten apples are still here.
Merry Xmas all (except those that make our lie miserable)
P.S.
Emirates interviews keep on rollin on - Yippee!!
Same old same old........S#it.
The rotten apples are still here.
Merry Xmas all (except those that make our lie miserable)
P.S.
Emirates interviews keep on rollin on - Yippee!!
Join Date: Oct 2007
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In a report by The Fiji Times, an internal assessment of Fiji’s international airline, Air Pacific, has been ordered by its Managing Director, John Campbell, following a series of disruptions to its flight services caused by technical problems.
The review will examine the airline’s procedures in maintenance and airport management as well as customer service in a bid to prevent further delays which have already affected around 2000 passengers.
Last Friday, a specialist team of engineers from Singapore Airlines arrived to repair Air Pacific’s Boeing 747s after the aircrafts experienced mechanical problems.
"They are here to undertake a thorough review of various faults that have occurred on the B747s over the last two weeks and of the spare parts support provided by their airline,” said Campbell.
Air Pacific leases two Boeing 747s from Singapore Airlines and the wait for new parts from Singapore had been one of the main causes for the delay, said Campbell.
The Boeing 747s will be leased until 2011 when Air Pacific will receive new B787-9 Dreamliners.
For the betting men....JQ will be playing a major role in FJ by mid year....
The review will examine the airline’s procedures in maintenance and airport management as well as customer service in a bid to prevent further delays which have already affected around 2000 passengers.
Last Friday, a specialist team of engineers from Singapore Airlines arrived to repair Air Pacific’s Boeing 747s after the aircrafts experienced mechanical problems.
"They are here to undertake a thorough review of various faults that have occurred on the B747s over the last two weeks and of the spare parts support provided by their airline,” said Campbell.
Air Pacific leases two Boeing 747s from Singapore Airlines and the wait for new parts from Singapore had been one of the main causes for the delay, said Campbell.
The Boeing 747s will be leased until 2011 when Air Pacific will receive new B787-9 Dreamliners.
For the betting men....JQ will be playing a major role in FJ by mid year....
Join Date: Nov 2007
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Pacific Sun -ah la Baby Island in the Sun
Pacific Sun ( ex Sunair) is no more than a shadow of big Mumma. Its identical even down to the internal mgt problems, eg,
- Shortly after being bought by FJ, Sunair (Pacific Sun) was in such a shambles, that even FJ mgt could see that things were not good and THEY needed to do something immediately.
SOLUTION;
- send 3 FJ mgt over to Pac Sun for 3mths to sort the shambles.
Well this might have worked IF FJ had selected competent mgt. BUT FJ chose 3 of the worst - The grand old Aunt of half the airline who was too busy singing gospel to answer tel & email calls from Boeing. (Boeing 747 SIMS were fully booked for months and FJ had committed themselves to trg 747 F/Os BUT you guessed it - FJ had forgot to book SIM slots again as is usual - The Grand old Aunt was responsible for this minor detail!!!!!!!!!!)
Boeing had some cancellations and being the good boys they are called FJ - BUT no answer. The B boys were smart - they called CAA Fiji Islands and got the problem sorted- well done Jim (at CAAFI).
There is more competent management and day to day operational control achieved by the cleaning ladies than by >>>>>>>>>>
.......to be continued (after Arabic lesson)
- Shortly after being bought by FJ, Sunair (Pacific Sun) was in such a shambles, that even FJ mgt could see that things were not good and THEY needed to do something immediately.
SOLUTION;
- send 3 FJ mgt over to Pac Sun for 3mths to sort the shambles.
Well this might have worked IF FJ had selected competent mgt. BUT FJ chose 3 of the worst - The grand old Aunt of half the airline who was too busy singing gospel to answer tel & email calls from Boeing. (Boeing 747 SIMS were fully booked for months and FJ had committed themselves to trg 747 F/Os BUT you guessed it - FJ had forgot to book SIM slots again as is usual - The Grand old Aunt was responsible for this minor detail!!!!!!!!!!)
Boeing had some cancellations and being the good boys they are called FJ - BUT no answer. The B boys were smart - they called CAA Fiji Islands and got the problem sorted- well done Jim (at CAAFI).
There is more competent management and day to day operational control achieved by the cleaning ladies than by >>>>>>>>>>
.......to be continued (after Arabic lesson)
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News Flash!!!!
Saturdays (29/12) Air Pac B747 Auckland flight delayed for 2 hours out of Nadi due to no F/O's. Solution......company asked a mgt 747 Capt (who is RHS qualified and is supposed to be on leave) to fill in...which didn't work out because he wanted to cut his own deal (ie. a third party didn't agree to his proposal)....next solution....the company asked another mgt Captain (who is also RHS qualified and was supposed to be sick) for a favour...he agrees and the company paid for and sent a helicopter to pick him up from where he was. Now that is what you can call proper management 
...ha..ha!
...ha..ha!
Thread Starter
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SICK - But Fit to FLY?
"the company asked another mgt Captain (who is also RHS qualified and
was supposed to be sick) for a favour...he agrees and the company paid
for and sent a helicopter to pick him up from where he was. Now that is
what you can call proper management"
BUT sadly NOT 'FIT and PROPER'
The issue here;
- The Mgt Capt was declared SICK on the Roster, however he OPERATED
a flt.
Now that is bending the rules a little too far.
As I said in the opening thread - NOT FIT & PROPER PERSONS.
These people change rules to suit them selves, and shaft others along the way.
Happy New Year all.
was supposed to be sick) for a favour...he agrees and the company paid
for and sent a helicopter to pick him up from where he was. Now that is
what you can call proper management"
BUT sadly NOT 'FIT and PROPER'
The issue here;
- The Mgt Capt was declared SICK on the Roster, however he OPERATED
a flt.
Now that is bending the rules a little too far.
As I said in the opening thread - NOT FIT & PROPER PERSONS.
These people change rules to suit them selves, and shaft others along the way.
Happy New Year all.