Oh No! not another announcement at BA CON
Join Date: May 2006
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Why don't you all wake up and smell the coffee. Bacon is a 2006 version of the Titanic! The whole operation is holed beneath the waterline, the rudder is jammed and the crews are jumping into the lifeboats- BACON is doomed and the sooner you nice chaps see the future the better.
The business model does not work and W.W. knows this very well- he has thrown it a lifeline but only one that is to short.
It amazes me that Professional pilots are by definition clever people however at BACON so many stick their neck in the sand hoping the storm will pass! BALPA will save you in the nick of time, wont it?
Making money as a traditional regional airline in Europe is no longer possible- Look how FlyBe realized this in 2003 and made the leap.
I have said this before but not to labor my point I will say it all again, had Cassini been allowed to move ahead with GO then a packaged GO/BA Regional/Brymon and even those hat wearing Muppet's from IOM could have made an invincible 737 LoCo package in the UK. Instead it has not happened, No way can the current fleet/management/culture stay afloat for much longer. If INV closes then more are sure to follow.
The business model does not work and W.W. knows this very well- he has thrown it a lifeline but only one that is to short.
It amazes me that Professional pilots are by definition clever people however at BACON so many stick their neck in the sand hoping the storm will pass! BALPA will save you in the nick of time, wont it?
Making money as a traditional regional airline in Europe is no longer possible- Look how FlyBe realized this in 2003 and made the leap.
I have said this before but not to labor my point I will say it all again, had Cassini been allowed to move ahead with GO then a packaged GO/BA Regional/Brymon and even those hat wearing Muppet's from IOM could have made an invincible 737 LoCo package in the UK. Instead it has not happened, No way can the current fleet/management/culture stay afloat for much longer. If INV closes then more are sure to follow.
well said bacon slicer
We at the Danish franchise could see it 10 yrs ago, a 737 LoCo with BA backing would have been unbeatable because we had everything in place and a world class brand to boot.
I still can't understand why BA dropped the ball and let the opposition stick it in the back of the net.
The attitude at the time was "let's stick our heads in the sand and paint our tails stupid colours. That'll show Stelios and the Camel how to run an airline!"
We could have had Danish BaCon years ago!
I still can't understand why BA dropped the ball and let the opposition stick it in the back of the net.
The attitude at the time was "let's stick our heads in the sand and paint our tails stupid colours. That'll show Stelios and the Camel how to run an airline!"
We could have had Danish BaCon years ago!
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Join Date: Jun 2001
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And in the Times Online today in an article about WW trying to sell off assets to fix the BA pension. Wonder who would make an offer for BAcon when it too has a relatively large (although improving) pension deficit.
Thats nice, Mr E and has sidekick Mr E using every excuse under the sun to shaft the BAcon pension so that it can be sold to support their own scheme.
Or is it the much rumoured management buyout?
Walsh is thought to have received offers for BA Connect, a regional airline that flies from Birmingham and Manchester, but has not made a decision on its future. He is understood to be eager to cash in on BA’s holding in The Airline Group, the consortium of seven UK airlines that holds a 42% stake in National Air Traffic Services, the company that runs air traffic control in Britain.
As usual, WW communicating with staff through the press.
Thats nice, Mr E and has sidekick Mr E using every excuse under the sun to shaft the BAcon pension so that it can be sold to support their own scheme.
Or is it the much rumoured management buyout?
Walsh is thought to have received offers for BA Connect, a regional airline that flies from Birmingham and Manchester, but has not made a decision on its future. He is understood to be eager to cash in on BA’s holding in The Airline Group, the consortium of seven UK airlines that holds a 42% stake in National Air Traffic Services, the company that runs air traffic control in Britain.
As usual, WW communicating with staff through the press.
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See this morning's Sunday Times Business. Amongst the main bit about BA selling off Air Miles was a line or 2 about Walsh receiving offers for BA Connect. It'll go with the rest of the tarnished silver. Inverness's demise has been on the rumour mill for at least the past 5 years and if 'they' decide to operate the service with 73s from LGW then the same logic must extend to Fraggle.
Join Date: Mar 2001
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Well False Capture from a personal point of view I hope the 146's stay till I can make good my escape. I've heard a rumour that they are only leased on a monthly basis, except the festering junk heap GMABR which is owned by the company. As such it should be easy to dispose of them when required.
At the moment though, they are the only >50 seat A/C at MAN and are required for the MXP and MAD routes, so I think they will stay for a while.
I've got to agree with Bacon slicer. This company is ****ed. I only wished I'd realised this a little sooner, and made more positive efforts to leave.
At the moment though, they are the only >50 seat A/C at MAN and are required for the MXP and MAD routes, so I think they will stay for a while.
I've got to agree with Bacon slicer. This company is ****ed. I only wished I'd realised this a little sooner, and made more positive efforts to leave.
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Senior Didsbury contact confirmed over a beer or five (OK not in as many words, but was very helpful in discussing potential bases for me to bid for) that INV for the chop. Wouldn't confirm propsective buyer, but wouldn't deny it was Eastern either, which means nothing one way or t'other. RJs are definitely not leased on a monthly basis, though I was told that handbacks start next year for four years before they are all gone. I believe GOINV is also owned as well as MABR. Not sure, but I believe yet another 146 may also be owned.
My only problem is believing that Eastern have or could raise the money. No, my other problem is working out why anyone would want to buy us, since all they would have to do is wait a while, acquire thye routes for nothing and the aircraft at a lower lease rate than the current one, which was set up in the glory days of CityFlyer Express!
On the other hand, just because WW mentioned an offer in passing, doesn't mean it was either factual or serious. Can any of you imagine who would put in an offer??? I can't.
My only problem is believing that Eastern have or could raise the money. No, my other problem is working out why anyone would want to buy us, since all they would have to do is wait a while, acquire thye routes for nothing and the aircraft at a lower lease rate than the current one, which was set up in the glory days of CityFlyer Express!
On the other hand, just because WW mentioned an offer in passing, doesn't mean it was either factual or serious. Can any of you imagine who would put in an offer??? I can't.
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Lufthansa had a sniff around BA CON not sure if they were serious though and i did here from a management bod that BMI were close to buying a few months back!!!! not sure how much truth you can put to this tho, i cant think why either would want us, unless it is for routes or more likely slots
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but BA bought us for the only slots we had which were worth anything, ie the Manx LHR slots. Classic asset stripping.
What would be the effect of the pension deficit on any sale? I mean, if (for example) we were bought by BMI, would they have to asssume the pension deficit, and would they then be bound to make it right? I've got ten years plus, and it's really the only reason I'm still here. Yet another career mistake....
What would be the effect of the pension deficit on any sale? I mean, if (for example) we were bought by BMI, would they have to asssume the pension deficit, and would they then be bound to make it right? I've got ten years plus, and it's really the only reason I'm still here. Yet another career mistake....
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I cant see our present mismanagement buying out BA CON lets face it they are not smart enough ,and besides they would rather take the golden parachute from BA then show how bad they are at management by trying to run the company on money they have raised themselves, if you were an investor would you take them seriously?
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The reason BA mainline is moving onto the INV route is because they also are Ailing (no pun intended) - they will close ranks and take any cream you guy's may have made.BACON is not salable, they own now't and like Kodak who cant sell 35MM camera film because we have all gone digital,...... they have simply missed the last life boat to be lowered.
If BACON had about 25-30 old 737's then they would possess a critical mass to jump into the thriving loco market. Instead they have equipped with a monstrous fleet of unsuited aeroplanes. They have no place to go.
tell me otherwise!
I know some really nice people at Bacon, however others have assumed too much that the parent will save the day. Disruption payments, 2 sector days, confirmed world travel, final salary pension for some etc etc etc and the BAR remnant has ensured the sea cocks are open and the old hulk will disappear below the waves. The good news is that the real business remains fizzing and jobs are available to those who can change and adapt to the future.
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Announcement by GB Airways
I will leave the interpretaion of this annoucement to others with more knowledge than I have. The following is taken from the GB Airways website:
Franchise partner joins BA Connect at Manchester
British Airways’ franchise partner GB Airways is to fly under the new BA Connect brand from Manchester from September 1, 2006.
The airline has enjoyed a highly successful franchise partnership with British Airways for 15 years and currently flies to 35 destinations from Manchester, Gatwick and Heathrow airports.
However, with the launch of BA Connect, the wholly owned British Airways subsidiary flying from 14 airports in the UK, GB Airways has decided to fully become part of the regional operation.
Its flights from Gatwick and Heathrow are unaffected
The move to become a BA Connect franchise partner means that from September 1 GB Airways flights from Manchester will offer:
• A single class cabin on all aircraft.
• High-quality, buy on board, hot and cold catering.
• Year-round, changeable, one-way fares
• A new offering for business and frequent flyers called ‘BA Connect Plus’.
Restricted and non-changeable tickets disappear, all tickets will be changeable, no matter how little they cost*. British Airways’ Club Europe brand will no longer feature on the GB Airways services from Manchester.
There will be two ticket types:
• ‘BA Connect’ - a non-restricted and changeable ticket*. Travellers will also accumulate BA Miles on every fare.
• ‘BA Connect Plus’ – a non-restricted and changeable ticket with airport lounge access and instant seat selection at the time of booking included in the price. Travellers will be able to earn Executive Club frequent flyer points and BA Miles.
All customers will be eligible for membership of British Airways’ Executive Club, as well as having access to on-line check-in, on-line boarding pass printing, and self-service check-in.
The GB Airways BA Connect service will takes to the air on September 1, 2006. Bookings will be made through the ba.com website from June 6 as well as through travel agents and the British Airways telephone reservations centres.
Prior to the official move to BA Connect GB Airways customers may continue to make reservations through the normal booking channels**
The aircraft livery and staff uniforms will remain unchanged.
Kevin Hatton managing director of GB Airways, said: “This is a natural and strategic business move for us and will avoid any confusion for passengers travelling from Manchester. There will be a consistent and high quality product offering across the BA Connect network with the distinctive British Airways brand and the wide range of benefits associated with a full service airline at competitive prices.”
David Evans managing director of BA Connect said: “In the five weeks since BA Connect was launched we have had some very favourable feedback from our customers who are enjoying new low fares, quality food and drink to buy on board and the same quality services. These include on-line check-in, home printed boarding passes and the ability to buy fares that give them access to the Terraces Lounges and seat selection at time of booking.
"GB Airways customers will also be able to enjoy all these benefits in future and I'm sure their customers will be equally impressed. I wish them all the very best in their new venture."
*Changes to tickets will incur a competitive £30 administration fee per transaction, with the exception of the highest level, refundable ‘BA Connect Plus fare’, which will be exempt from administration fees for changes.
** Customers with existing Club Europe bookings, or making new bookings before 6 June for flights from 1 September will have the opportunity to change to the new fares or claim a refund without penalty
Franchise partner joins BA Connect at Manchester
British Airways’ franchise partner GB Airways is to fly under the new BA Connect brand from Manchester from September 1, 2006.
The airline has enjoyed a highly successful franchise partnership with British Airways for 15 years and currently flies to 35 destinations from Manchester, Gatwick and Heathrow airports.
However, with the launch of BA Connect, the wholly owned British Airways subsidiary flying from 14 airports in the UK, GB Airways has decided to fully become part of the regional operation.
Its flights from Gatwick and Heathrow are unaffected
The move to become a BA Connect franchise partner means that from September 1 GB Airways flights from Manchester will offer:
• A single class cabin on all aircraft.
• High-quality, buy on board, hot and cold catering.
• Year-round, changeable, one-way fares
• A new offering for business and frequent flyers called ‘BA Connect Plus’.
Restricted and non-changeable tickets disappear, all tickets will be changeable, no matter how little they cost*. British Airways’ Club Europe brand will no longer feature on the GB Airways services from Manchester.
There will be two ticket types:
• ‘BA Connect’ - a non-restricted and changeable ticket*. Travellers will also accumulate BA Miles on every fare.
• ‘BA Connect Plus’ – a non-restricted and changeable ticket with airport lounge access and instant seat selection at the time of booking included in the price. Travellers will be able to earn Executive Club frequent flyer points and BA Miles.
All customers will be eligible for membership of British Airways’ Executive Club, as well as having access to on-line check-in, on-line boarding pass printing, and self-service check-in.
The GB Airways BA Connect service will takes to the air on September 1, 2006. Bookings will be made through the ba.com website from June 6 as well as through travel agents and the British Airways telephone reservations centres.
Prior to the official move to BA Connect GB Airways customers may continue to make reservations through the normal booking channels**
The aircraft livery and staff uniforms will remain unchanged.
Kevin Hatton managing director of GB Airways, said: “This is a natural and strategic business move for us and will avoid any confusion for passengers travelling from Manchester. There will be a consistent and high quality product offering across the BA Connect network with the distinctive British Airways brand and the wide range of benefits associated with a full service airline at competitive prices.”
David Evans managing director of BA Connect said: “In the five weeks since BA Connect was launched we have had some very favourable feedback from our customers who are enjoying new low fares, quality food and drink to buy on board and the same quality services. These include on-line check-in, home printed boarding passes and the ability to buy fares that give them access to the Terraces Lounges and seat selection at time of booking.
"GB Airways customers will also be able to enjoy all these benefits in future and I'm sure their customers will be equally impressed. I wish them all the very best in their new venture."
*Changes to tickets will incur a competitive £30 administration fee per transaction, with the exception of the highest level, refundable ‘BA Connect Plus fare’, which will be exempt from administration fees for changes.
** Customers with existing Club Europe bookings, or making new bookings before 6 June for flights from 1 September will have the opportunity to change to the new fares or claim a refund without penalty
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"David Evans managing director of BA Connect said: “In the five weeks since BA Connect was launched we have had some (one?) very favourable feedback from our customers who are enjoying new low fares, (poor and extortionately priced)quality food and drink to buy on board and the same (degraded)quality services. These include on-line check-in, home printed boarding passes and the ability to buy fares that give them access to the Terraces Lounges and seat selection at time of booking.(well whoopy-do!)"
What complete and utter ballcocks! When oh when is this guy going to get the axe. Oops! Sorry, 5 years of muti-million pound losses and complete chaos has to ensure many more years of unencumbered incompetence at BA.
What complete and utter ballcocks! When oh when is this guy going to get the axe. Oops! Sorry, 5 years of muti-million pound losses and complete chaos has to ensure many more years of unencumbered incompetence at BA.
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Originally Posted by Bacon Slicer
Bacon is a 2006 version of the Titanic!