First Choice

[GROUNDSTAR]

BB,

6.5 yrs time to command at Monarch does not really give the full picture.
Some of last years temp captains, currently awaiting upgrade, are in their ninth year. 6 - 8 yrs is a more realistic figure.

The new scale c pilots (after lengthly negotiation involving BALPA, the company and an independent arbitration service) now have the opportunity to transfer onto the old payscale after 5yrs service. They will not be able to progress beyond pay point 10 under the current new agreement.

[CosmosSchwartz]

Thanks anyway ott. but false alarm. The info on ppjn is from November last year, so missed that chance.

[Cruise Alt]

First Choice issues upbeat trading statement


Bookings are showing strong year on year volume growth for First Choice.

In a trading statement issued today, the company said: "Our strategy of product differentiation across the sectors and the remixing of our destination focus in the mainstream holidays sector is resulting in earlier bookings and strong year on year volume growth.

"Our margins continue to be ahead of last year and we remain confident that trading will be in line with expectations."

Long haul sales are doing best, with sales for summer 2005 up 30%, while medium haul is up 26% and short haul up 9%, giving an overall rise of 21%. Sales in the groups' specialist businesses are up by 33%.

Online sales growth is up by 149% while Island Cruises - the joint venture with Royal Caribbean International - has seen a 29% rise.

ABN AMRO analyst Simon LArkin, quoted by Reuters, said: "Bookings are stronger than we expected, margins are stronger than expected, they are 5% better sold year-on-year. It's difficult to interpret this trading statement as anything other than extremely good."

[Airbus Girl]

Yes, but over 80% of pilots who voted in the recent pay ballot voted NO to the company's offer, which included, surprise, surprise, a much lower entry salary for new pilots (amongst many other things).

As mentioned previously the pay deal was meant to be sorted by January 1st I believe. Due to the gap between the expectations of the pilots and the company a third party, People in Business, were called in and interviewed a large number of pilots and have now reported back to the company. The Director of Flight Ops and Chief Pilot have been out to just about every base this week to talk to pilots. The Union is currently back in talks with the company, who hoped to have everything sorted by May 1st.

The company is doing well but the pilot's ain't happy!!!

[frank einstein]

Can anyone give me any info regarding future recruitment ( F/O ) prospects , what they're like to work for and what the interview entails ..

Thanks in advance to those who do spare a mo.

Cheers .

[MrBernoulli]

You have looked at the other FC thread on this form, havent you?

http://www.pprune.org/forums/showthr...hreadid=162525

[frank einstein]

Thanks , I have now ....

If , however , anyone could pass me info regarding the interview format I'd be greatful .. The groans , gripes and whinges sound amazingly like every airline I , or friends , have worked for .

Thanks again ...

[flystudent]

Hi All

I wonder if anyone may be able to help please. There is a chance that I may have an interview on the cards with First Choice and I am looking to find out a bit about life in the company and the life of an FO with them on the 757.

If anyone would be able to offer a bit of information about life there, the flying, 757 destinations, 757 bases etc etc it would be much appreciated either on reply to this thread or feel free to personal message me.

Thanks
FS

[WindSheer]

If you listen to any FCA pilots on here you will get the old "overworked, underpayed" feedback.

FCA are a good company to work for, and are financially sound which speaks for itself these days.
Destinations are your typical bucket and spade holiday areas - Spain, Greece, Cyprus, Turkey, Bulgaria plus all the main others. You mentioned 757/767 so of course you would eventually get longhaul aswell.


Good luck with it all!!!

[flystudent]

thanks

Many Thanks WindSheer

[Cleared ILS approach]

First Choice Airways

Dear all,

I'm looking for infos about FCA. I'm interested to know as much as possible about the airline :
What is the basing policy?
On which fleet do you join?
How long before promotion (left seat/other aircraft)?
How much do you fly? (number of legs, hours, duty time, nights away)
How many days-off a month?
Is it possible to commute from Europe?
Is it seen in UK as a career airline or do poeple leave after some years?

And last but not least, what's the "take home" pay per month for a SFO?

Any other info is also interesting.

Thanks a lot for your help.

Regards

[zero-lash valve lifter]

First Choice a320 SFO take home pay?

Hello
Anyone know the answer for a new starter?

Many thanks
zero

[RMC]

What is the current situation with FCA?

Still recruiting? Was a lower pay scale imtroduced for new joiners?

[beamer]

Still recruiting pilots - more 767's on the way - share price going through the roof yet for all that morale low - mmmmmmmmmm

[CanAV8R]

Good luck to those trying to get into FCA. I know a few chaps who have been offered positions recently.

Having joined Monarch last winter I would say that it is much better than is being portrayed on this site. The pension issue is still being dealt with and the pay scale is now basically bridged to the old one. To be honest if one did an entire career here you would hardly know the difference.

The real change is the potential time to command. As it was high in the past this is now changing. With the Scheduled stuff growing very quickly it is possible and I stress possible that those taken on last winter (early in recruitment) may see a crack at the left seat in only a couple of years. The company has hired many CTC cadets in the past who may or may not have the required hours for command.

All and all both good companies going down different roads.

Good luck.

[Talking Checklist]

Last Choice Airways

Following the recent recruitment drive by this Airline I just wanted to share my experience of applying for a position. I have over 4000 hours flight time, of which 2500 are command hours on heavy turbo prop and EFIS equipped aircraft and a good academic background with all the ticks in the right boxes!

I'm 45 years of age and have always taken a positive view on future career progression, not allowing other people to disuade me from applying to Airlines that have an alledged policy of discriminating against the more "mature candidate"

Well here you have it positive proof of age bias - I applied at exactly the same time as one of the FO's in my airline ( a good friend) who has a similar educational background but one quarter of the experience I have and 10 years my junior - guess who got the interview and the job?

I received a PFO letter staing that the calibre of applicants was extreemly high and on this occassion, blah, blah etc etc.

Now dont be mistaken, I'am very pleased for my colleague but come on First Choice have the credibility to admit that you actively discriminate on age and stop everybody like myself wasting our time in applying to you in the First Place!

Pitty the legislation is not in place just yet that would allow me to have a pop at you as you certainly deserve it!

Comments on a postcard please!!!!!!!!!!!

[Airbus Girl]

They may have thought that you would be bored sat in the RHS for the next 15 years waiting for command.
Or perhaps its your lack of military experience?

[Eye off the ball]

I'm not sure that this constitues 'positve proof' etc etc.
Have you asked why you weren't called to interview? There may be reasons other than age to blame. Were your application forms the same as well?

They've taken on some 'older' pilots - what did they have that you didn't?

[Pin Head]

Once heard a story of a recruitment manager who had a pile of CV's. He split the pile in half and threw one of the halves away. His comment was, we don't want unlucky people working for us.

Chin up lad, something will turn up.

[Torycanyon]

I know they are recruiting, as a few guys from my airline have got job offers.
They are from a different Base to my self though, so can't get the correct info.

PPJN link does not work and neither does the E-Mail Address for Kerry Fox. Infact even after E-Mailing FCA directly, they say that Kerry Fox is not known ?

So what is the deal here then?

Who do I E-Mail my CV to?

Thanks in advance.