S Minister: Face up to present realities
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S Minister: Face up to present realities
During the impact of SARS and the Iraqi war, SIA pilots and employees suffered wage-cuts to help SIA cut costs and stay competitive. In other sectors in the economy, employees also suffered wage-cuts or retrenchment to help out their companies in the ailing economy.
But the SM and no ministers ever had their salaries cut. This is the reality of the matter. So please SM, face up to the present realities: No minister including the SM did play a part in sacrificing a salary cut. Also, no Minister including the SM dared to do or voice something about cutting their salaries, when all other employees who earned less that the Ministers' salaries had to do their part by sacrificing their hard earned wages or suffered retrenchments just to help the company stay alive or competitive.
And after the pilots had done their part, the Ministers, especially the SM kept harping on the point that pilots must do this or must do that etc. So, SM are going to face up to the present realities before you ask pilots to face the new realities? For a start, I think you and your ministers are paid too much in a time like this.
In The Straits Times, 18 December 2003:
SM to pilots: Face up to new realities
Low-cost airlines and other uncertainties pose serious threats to SIA and its staff if they do not adapt quickly, he warns
By Paul Jacob
SENIOR Minister Lee Kuan Yew yesterday served up a reality check for Singapore Airlines and its employees - particularly its pilots - on the oncoming serious competition from low-cost carriers.
-- LIANHE ZAOBAO
And even as he did so here, back in Singapore the Government showed its determination not to lose out in this new race, by announcing its interest in building a low-cost, low-charges terminal at Changi Airport to attract the budget carriers.
The aim: to retain Changi's hub status.
Transport Minister Yeo Cheow Tong revealed the plan at an airport event in Singapore, while SM Lee, at a press conference after a four-day visit here, drew lessons from the industry's upheavals elsewhere.
If the region's main carriers like Singapore Airlines do not heed the experience with low-cost carriers in America and Europe, they will face an uncertain future, he warned.
Already, there is a slew of new carriers emerging in the region - Valuair, Tiger Airways, Air Asia and Lion Air, among others.
So main carriers, like Singapore Airlines, face competition not just from one another but low-cost carriers as well.
But the Senior Minister wondered if the reality of the serious challenges ahead had sunk in.
Not for the first time, he cited the example of the impact that Sars and the Iraq war had on SIA, and the decision taken then to cut costs.
'So they agreed to cut costs, including the pilots after a lot of argy-bargy,' he recalled.
'And because we cut costs, profits rose $300-plus million in the third quarter. So they say 'Oh you cheated me', sacked the committee that negotiated the agreement, 'restore our wages'.
'Is that helpful? Does that show an understanding of the rough ride that's coming? Are we going back to what it was before or are we going into a new situation?
'I think it's necessary to spell out to everybody - and not just the pilots - that we are into a new situation.'
The comments marked the second time he was addressing the squall in the pilots' union, after a 55-per-cent-majority at a special meeting of the Air Line Pilots Association-Singapore ousted its leaders last month.
Yesterday, Mr Lee said that he believed the regime of regulated and restricted traffic rights will change because of the growing demand for low-cost travel - within 10 years or sooner.
In the United States and Europe, deregulation led to a sprouting of budget carriers, of which only two or three survive.
But they eat into the margins of the mainstream carriers, as the latter also have a large chunk of tourist class passengers.
In the US, he noted, airlines emerge, grow and then go under - some seeking Chapter 11 protection from creditors - and try to start again with a lower cost base.
Do Singaporeans want to see SIA go into the equivalent of Chapter 11, he asked, warning that it would be a painful process for everyone, as jobs would be at stake.
He noted that SIA, with assets of $11-billion, is hoping to make earnings of $600-million in its current financial year ending March 31 - about a 6 per cent return on equity.
But some union members think it is a huge gain.
'If in fact it is a magnificent profit, the price of SIA shares would have risen. It didn't rise. So I think it's necessary to educate the workers that if the company does not produce an adequate rate of return in the end, you lose jobs,' he said.
Yes, the low-cost carriers may have jobs, but he asked: 'If you are a pilot or worker in a low cost airline, do you think you'll get perks and salary as you get in the main airline?'
In Europe, pilots of some low-cost carriers help clean aircraft to save time and cost.
'You don't do that in SIA. You come in clean, nicely dressed,' he said.
Urging them to recognise the rough business conditions ahead, Mr Lee said: 'Think carefully.'
But the SM and no ministers ever had their salaries cut. This is the reality of the matter. So please SM, face up to the present realities: No minister including the SM did play a part in sacrificing a salary cut. Also, no Minister including the SM dared to do or voice something about cutting their salaries, when all other employees who earned less that the Ministers' salaries had to do their part by sacrificing their hard earned wages or suffered retrenchments just to help the company stay alive or competitive.
And after the pilots had done their part, the Ministers, especially the SM kept harping on the point that pilots must do this or must do that etc. So, SM are going to face up to the present realities before you ask pilots to face the new realities? For a start, I think you and your ministers are paid too much in a time like this.
In The Straits Times, 18 December 2003:
SM to pilots: Face up to new realities
Low-cost airlines and other uncertainties pose serious threats to SIA and its staff if they do not adapt quickly, he warns
By Paul Jacob
SENIOR Minister Lee Kuan Yew yesterday served up a reality check for Singapore Airlines and its employees - particularly its pilots - on the oncoming serious competition from low-cost carriers.
-- LIANHE ZAOBAO
And even as he did so here, back in Singapore the Government showed its determination not to lose out in this new race, by announcing its interest in building a low-cost, low-charges terminal at Changi Airport to attract the budget carriers.
The aim: to retain Changi's hub status.
Transport Minister Yeo Cheow Tong revealed the plan at an airport event in Singapore, while SM Lee, at a press conference after a four-day visit here, drew lessons from the industry's upheavals elsewhere.
If the region's main carriers like Singapore Airlines do not heed the experience with low-cost carriers in America and Europe, they will face an uncertain future, he warned.
Already, there is a slew of new carriers emerging in the region - Valuair, Tiger Airways, Air Asia and Lion Air, among others.
So main carriers, like Singapore Airlines, face competition not just from one another but low-cost carriers as well.
But the Senior Minister wondered if the reality of the serious challenges ahead had sunk in.
Not for the first time, he cited the example of the impact that Sars and the Iraq war had on SIA, and the decision taken then to cut costs.
'So they agreed to cut costs, including the pilots after a lot of argy-bargy,' he recalled.
'And because we cut costs, profits rose $300-plus million in the third quarter. So they say 'Oh you cheated me', sacked the committee that negotiated the agreement, 'restore our wages'.
'Is that helpful? Does that show an understanding of the rough ride that's coming? Are we going back to what it was before or are we going into a new situation?
'I think it's necessary to spell out to everybody - and not just the pilots - that we are into a new situation.'
The comments marked the second time he was addressing the squall in the pilots' union, after a 55-per-cent-majority at a special meeting of the Air Line Pilots Association-Singapore ousted its leaders last month.
Yesterday, Mr Lee said that he believed the regime of regulated and restricted traffic rights will change because of the growing demand for low-cost travel - within 10 years or sooner.
In the United States and Europe, deregulation led to a sprouting of budget carriers, of which only two or three survive.
But they eat into the margins of the mainstream carriers, as the latter also have a large chunk of tourist class passengers.
In the US, he noted, airlines emerge, grow and then go under - some seeking Chapter 11 protection from creditors - and try to start again with a lower cost base.
Do Singaporeans want to see SIA go into the equivalent of Chapter 11, he asked, warning that it would be a painful process for everyone, as jobs would be at stake.
He noted that SIA, with assets of $11-billion, is hoping to make earnings of $600-million in its current financial year ending March 31 - about a 6 per cent return on equity.
But some union members think it is a huge gain.
'If in fact it is a magnificent profit, the price of SIA shares would have risen. It didn't rise. So I think it's necessary to educate the workers that if the company does not produce an adequate rate of return in the end, you lose jobs,' he said.
Yes, the low-cost carriers may have jobs, but he asked: 'If you are a pilot or worker in a low cost airline, do you think you'll get perks and salary as you get in the main airline?'
In Europe, pilots of some low-cost carriers help clean aircraft to save time and cost.
'You don't do that in SIA. You come in clean, nicely dressed,' he said.
Urging them to recognise the rough business conditions ahead, Mr Lee said: 'Think carefully.'
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Quote:
>>>In Europe, pilots of some low-cost carriers help clean aircraft to save time and cost.
'You don't do that in SIA. You come in clean, nicely dressed,' he said.<<<
My dear SM, so long as you didn't do your part in taking a salary-cut, please don't tell us to clean the aircraft. You do your part first and then you can tell us what to do.
>>>In Europe, pilots of some low-cost carriers help clean aircraft to save time and cost.
'You don't do that in SIA. You come in clean, nicely dressed,' he said.<<<
My dear SM, so long as you didn't do your part in taking a salary-cut, please don't tell us to clean the aircraft. You do your part first and then you can tell us what to do.
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I think the SM is beginning to lose his "marbles"
Recently he said we Pilots wanted First Class seats reserved for in flight rest when on a long double crew flight like SIN/LHR when in fact it has always been Business Class.
Now he suggests in Low Cost Airlines the Pilots clean the aircraft!! What an absolute load of horses**t
What he did not say was that in Easyjet/Ryanair their Pilots earn MORE than SQ Pilots!!
His deliberate disinformation is to make the general Singapore Joe Public think we are all spoilt and overpaid .
Never before have I witnessed such an onslaught of Government attacks on an Airline that depends to a large extent on an ex-pat Pilot workforce. How does he expect to recruit yet alone retain Pilots if SQ do not pay the "Market Rate"?????
Recently he said we Pilots wanted First Class seats reserved for in flight rest when on a long double crew flight like SIN/LHR when in fact it has always been Business Class.
Now he suggests in Low Cost Airlines the Pilots clean the aircraft!! What an absolute load of horses**t
What he did not say was that in Easyjet/Ryanair their Pilots earn MORE than SQ Pilots!!
His deliberate disinformation is to make the general Singapore Joe Public think we are all spoilt and overpaid .
Never before have I witnessed such an onslaught of Government attacks on an Airline that depends to a large extent on an ex-pat Pilot workforce. How does he expect to recruit yet alone retain Pilots if SQ do not pay the "Market Rate"?????
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Tired Pilots
I wonder if the Senile Minister would like the pilots, after helping out with cleaning the airplane and carrying some of the baggage, to conduct the departure feeling hot and bothered? Perhaps, he should further suggest that during the 12-hour cruise that the pilots also help out with the cabin service, especially the second set of pilots who are taking their in-flight rest, instead of sitting comfortably in their luxurious Business Class or FirstClass seats. Make full use of them; and when they are truly tired out, let them back into the secrecy of their cockpits and then go on to conduct their sedentary tasks of the descent, approach and landing. Flying is so easy, so they should be paid less.
I would not be such a FOOL as to be envious of the pilots having an easy and relaxed time in the cockpit while the plane cruises on autopilot. I would also not begrudge them their Business Class seats during their inflight rest. I would be happy and comforted to know that they are having an easy time during the cruise, so that they will be fresh and well-rested for the final part of the flight, otherwise it might very well become terminal for everyone instead of everyone stepping into the terminal.
I would not be such a FOOL as to be envious of the pilots having an easy and relaxed time in the cockpit while the plane cruises on autopilot. I would also not begrudge them their Business Class seats during their inflight rest. I would be happy and comforted to know that they are having an easy time during the cruise, so that they will be fresh and well-rested for the final part of the flight, otherwise it might very well become terminal for everyone instead of everyone stepping into the terminal.
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These are the facts
SIA and Silk Air cannot retain the pilots they have, let alone recruit additional pilots for any LCC.
Its one thing starting up a LCC in countries where there is some sort of GA industry where you can draw the numbers of pilots required. but no one is going to relocate themselves, and their family to Singapore, for a miserable existance on less than the half baked package on offer at present from SIA.
No Indonesian, Phillipino, or Malaysian is going to leave their house, car, maids, and familily to be enslaved in Singapore. And the Euros have already been burnt, and the word has got around.
SIA have done a lot of damage with their past treatment of expats, and we are all wiser now, and wont work for SIA again.
The day 'self appointed BRIG' Lee cleans the toilets in the Other Ranks mess is the day I'll clean an aircraft.
SIA and Silk Air cannot retain the pilots they have, let alone recruit additional pilots for any LCC.
Its one thing starting up a LCC in countries where there is some sort of GA industry where you can draw the numbers of pilots required. but no one is going to relocate themselves, and their family to Singapore, for a miserable existance on less than the half baked package on offer at present from SIA.
No Indonesian, Phillipino, or Malaysian is going to leave their house, car, maids, and familily to be enslaved in Singapore. And the Euros have already been burnt, and the word has got around.
SIA have done a lot of damage with their past treatment of expats, and we are all wiser now, and wont work for SIA again.
The day 'self appointed BRIG' Lee cleans the toilets in the Other Ranks mess is the day I'll clean an aircraft.
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And not forgetting that the SM, said pilots have "big egos".
He can say anything he wants in Singapore, but the rest of the world don't give him a f**k about what he has to say about pilots. You think, the SM doesn't have a big ego? Look at how he had bankcrupt all his opponents in Singapore through the Singapore courts and the Internal Security Act.
To me, the SM has not done his part to cut costs in the Civil Service. He has taken no wage-cuts, or wage-freeze, so I think he should keep his bloody mouth shut!
Forgot who flew his wife home. So much for saying about pilots.
So, SM, take a wage-cut and do your part, then we shall talk. If not, keep your trap shut, old SM. You have long passed your expiry date.
Quote:>>>'Is that helpful? Does that show an understanding of the rough ride that's coming?<<<
So, SM, show us your understanding of the rough ride that's coming. Take a wage cut. Help cut costs in the civil service. I think you are already paid too much with the taxpayer's money.
So, do your part and let's see if you really believe in what you say about cutting costs.
He can say anything he wants in Singapore, but the rest of the world don't give him a f**k about what he has to say about pilots. You think, the SM doesn't have a big ego? Look at how he had bankcrupt all his opponents in Singapore through the Singapore courts and the Internal Security Act.
To me, the SM has not done his part to cut costs in the Civil Service. He has taken no wage-cuts, or wage-freeze, so I think he should keep his bloody mouth shut!
Forgot who flew his wife home. So much for saying about pilots.
So, SM, take a wage-cut and do your part, then we shall talk. If not, keep your trap shut, old SM. You have long passed your expiry date.
Quote:>>>'Is that helpful? Does that show an understanding of the rough ride that's coming?<<<
So, SM, show us your understanding of the rough ride that's coming. Take a wage cut. Help cut costs in the civil service. I think you are already paid too much with the taxpayer's money.
So, do your part and let's see if you really believe in what you say about cutting costs.
Whats new for us.
Notice to crew soon to be issued.
In keeping with directives from our sharholders it has been decided that crew meals will no longer be catered. However, we will be generously installing sandwich vending machines in all fingers - at least 5 types will be on offer- yet to be decided is a coffe and tea dispencing machine. Rest assured your management are working studiously to ensure the latter is installed. Soon to be implemented directive of no tea or coffee to be served to flight crew, has given us the opportunity to offer thermos flasks at a very reasonable price. For flights over 10hrs where more than one sandwich is purchased, fridge space will be available (at very reasonable prices). A coin operated microwave oven will soon be installed in all flight decks.
Captains and First officers will now have an addittional two hours of SEP training - this will be in the use of all galley systems in the aircraft. Flight deck that position will soon be "part of the cabin crew team" and will versed in trolley prepartion and operation. However all duties will be limited to economy service."
As we aviate our way thru the sky maybe now we should use the call sign
"Srimpmore 333 is off the air for five minutes whilst serving snacks to the low cost passengers. Sorry for the inconvience. "
Notice to crew soon to be issued.
In keeping with directives from our sharholders it has been decided that crew meals will no longer be catered. However, we will be generously installing sandwich vending machines in all fingers - at least 5 types will be on offer- yet to be decided is a coffe and tea dispencing machine. Rest assured your management are working studiously to ensure the latter is installed. Soon to be implemented directive of no tea or coffee to be served to flight crew, has given us the opportunity to offer thermos flasks at a very reasonable price. For flights over 10hrs where more than one sandwich is purchased, fridge space will be available (at very reasonable prices). A coin operated microwave oven will soon be installed in all flight decks.
Captains and First officers will now have an addittional two hours of SEP training - this will be in the use of all galley systems in the aircraft. Flight deck that position will soon be "part of the cabin crew team" and will versed in trolley prepartion and operation. However all duties will be limited to economy service."
As we aviate our way thru the sky maybe now we should use the call sign
"Srimpmore 333 is off the air for five minutes whilst serving snacks to the low cost passengers. Sorry for the inconvience. "
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The SM (Senile Minister) needs to go for a Brainscan to find out how much he has been affected by BSE. The man probably does not hear anything except his own ranting and raving.
Power corrupts! Absolute power corrupts absolutely!
Some years ago I did consider moving from MAS to SIA, but the financial gains did not seem that attractive. Now its even worse!
Power corrupts! Absolute power corrupts absolutely!
Some years ago I did consider moving from MAS to SIA, but the financial gains did not seem that attractive. Now its even worse!
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The SM is past due his expiry date.
If you ask me, the time when the Tengku kicked Singapore out of Malaysia, Lee Kuan Yew should have been voted out. Therefore his expiry date is: July 1965. Long way past.
Believe me, it's the SM who would do Singapore in. Not SIA pilots.
If you ask me, the time when the Tengku kicked Singapore out of Malaysia, Lee Kuan Yew should have been voted out. Therefore his expiry date is: July 1965. Long way past.
Believe me, it's the SM who would do Singapore in. Not SIA pilots.
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Talking of big egos...............recall an account by the operating crew, of said subject of discussion, sending one of his flunkeys up to the flightdeck of a 747 (distinctly obtuse, lest retribution strikes again...) to "arrange" for his personal use of the crew bunk, presumably first class seats being extremely uncomfortable for the ministerial posterior..............
The "request" was refused by the operating crew at the time and that seemed to be the end of that. Upon return to base in SIN, phone calls obviously ensued and the crew were called into STC to ostensibly explain their "decision" re their refusal of the flightdeck bunk facility. Guess being a legend in your own mind goes hand in hand with a gargantuan ego!
The "request" was refused by the operating crew at the time and that seemed to be the end of that. Upon return to base in SIN, phone calls obviously ensued and the crew were called into STC to ostensibly explain their "decision" re their refusal of the flightdeck bunk facility. Guess being a legend in your own mind goes hand in hand with a gargantuan ego!
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Watched over TV, Part 2 in "The Troubled Skies" aired in Channel i on Wednesday, 14 January 2004 that the SM wants SQ pilots to work "split shift".
Split your arse, SM, I say.
Split your arse, SM, I say.
Thought that this may interest some - comes from an investment bank.
"SIA December operating statistics showed that SIA had a very good month.
Capacity continued its seventh month of steady capacity expansion. Planes were effectively full with a pax load factor of 79.4 with total passenger volume (RPK) back to last year's levels. We continue to think the Street underestimates TigerAir and its ability to make up for any cannibalization from budget airlines. We maintain our BUY recommendation, estimates and
target price of S$14.25.
Capacity continues to expand. SIA continues to follow through on its capacity expansion plan with the goal of getting back to pre-SARS levels early next year. Passenger capacity is now 4.2% below last year's level on a passenger basis and cargo is 4.2% above last year's levels with the total
capacity 0.2% below last year's levels.
High load factors hint at extra demand. SIA plans capacity ahead of time but does not know until just before the flights whether they planned correctly. With a passenger load factor of 79.4, it appears that demand was stronger than SIA anticipated. SIA posted its highest December over the
seven-plus years that we have been tracking and the second highest load factor in two years. Americans appear to be the biggest swing factor as America's load factors improved 8.0 percentage points to 81.1. Cargo also surprised on the upside as Cargo Freight Tonne Kilometers (CFTK) surged
6.8%."
The bean counters must be rubbing their hand in glee, pondering how they can loose a few hundred million so that the directive from Some Minister is met that the max profit that WILL be declared Shall be $500 mil. Also think that the 4th floor powers will be pondering just how they are going to crew the summer schedule. Interesting times to come.
"SIA December operating statistics showed that SIA had a very good month.
Capacity continued its seventh month of steady capacity expansion. Planes were effectively full with a pax load factor of 79.4 with total passenger volume (RPK) back to last year's levels. We continue to think the Street underestimates TigerAir and its ability to make up for any cannibalization from budget airlines. We maintain our BUY recommendation, estimates and
target price of S$14.25.
Capacity continues to expand. SIA continues to follow through on its capacity expansion plan with the goal of getting back to pre-SARS levels early next year. Passenger capacity is now 4.2% below last year's level on a passenger basis and cargo is 4.2% above last year's levels with the total
capacity 0.2% below last year's levels.
High load factors hint at extra demand. SIA plans capacity ahead of time but does not know until just before the flights whether they planned correctly. With a passenger load factor of 79.4, it appears that demand was stronger than SIA anticipated. SIA posted its highest December over the
seven-plus years that we have been tracking and the second highest load factor in two years. Americans appear to be the biggest swing factor as America's load factors improved 8.0 percentage points to 81.1. Cargo also surprised on the upside as Cargo Freight Tonne Kilometers (CFTK) surged
6.8%."
The bean counters must be rubbing their hand in glee, pondering how they can loose a few hundred million so that the directive from Some Minister is met that the max profit that WILL be declared Shall be $500 mil. Also think that the 4th floor powers will be pondering just how they are going to crew the summer schedule. Interesting times to come.
