FlyBe to acquire BA Connect (Crew thread - no spotters)
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 247
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From: England
has anyone seen this, most info I have seen anywhere yet including pay, relocation etc.
http://www.nextgenerationairline.com/staffqa.htm
http://www.nextgenerationairline.com/staffqa.htm
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 215
Likes: 2
From: British Isles
Is the BA Connect Isle of Man Base being kept open?
The Flybe recruitment page suggests otherwise:
http://www.flybe.com/vacancies/pilots.htm
The Flybe recruitment page suggests otherwise:
http://www.flybe.com/vacancies/pilots.htm
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: Oop North
Interesting how things move on isn't it? Not quite so much 'take it or leave it' from the FlyBe side of the fence and not too much 'this is our position and we're not going to change it' from those in blue and silver. What a pleasant change! I do however strongly suspect that certainly some of those 'experienced' BAConnect pilots so coveted by BW and IC (well so they said) have decided to take matters into their own hands and vote with their feet. Another 3 years of integration? A lottery with regard to the T&C's? The possibility of unemployment if it all falls through? Hardly attractive options. Particularly when there's so much recruitment . . .
According to the HR department at easyJet, they estimate that they will employ a 'significant number of the senior BAConnect pilots by the end of 2007' . . . speculation? Wishful thinking? Not if the sheer number of pilots going for and being successful at easy interviews from ALL Connect bases is taken into account.
So to quote BW, 'if you don't like our terms and conditions and don't want to work for FlyBe, off you go to easyJet with my best wishes.' Thanks Brian, I have, and so it would appear have many of my senior colleagues.
According to the HR department at easyJet, they estimate that they will employ a 'significant number of the senior BAConnect pilots by the end of 2007' . . . speculation? Wishful thinking? Not if the sheer number of pilots going for and being successful at easy interviews from ALL Connect bases is taken into account.
So to quote BW, 'if you don't like our terms and conditions and don't want to work for FlyBe, off you go to easyJet with my best wishes.' Thanks Brian, I have, and so it would appear have many of my senior colleagues.
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
From: UK
Expectations .....
Hi Guys. First posting ever here. I would be grateful if anyone could help with this one. I am an ex BA medically retired pilot who has got his licenece back after a long while. I am very keen to get back to flying and have applied to Flybe.
What is the situation over the timing over recruitment at the moment? Is there really some sort of a shortage of pilots within? I would be grateful for any info. Many Thanks
What is the situation over the timing over recruitment at the moment? Is there really some sort of a shortage of pilots within? I would be grateful for any info. Many Thanks
Last edited by Bonzoboy; 8th January 2007 at 10:02.

Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 266
Likes: 1
From: Your Worst Nightmare
Hi Guys. First posting ever here. I would be grateful if anyone could help with this one. I am an ex BA medically retired pilot who has got his licenece back after a long while. I am very keen to get back to flying and have applied to Flybe.
What is the situation over the timing over recruitment at the moment? Is there really some sort of a shortage of pilots within? I would be grateful for any info. Many Thanks
What is the situation over the timing over recruitment at the moment? Is there really some sort of a shortage of pilots within? I would be grateful for any info. Many Thanks
If you've got the experience you'll probably be exactly what is wanted, just don't expect a cheese board
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
From: UK
Thanks for your reply......Mr. Angry from Purley (I was born in Purley!) what do you mean 8 from BA connect and five today? I have around 9000 hours on various types....just miss it all so much and cant wait to get back.
Any info on required numbers of pilots required would be very much appreciated.
Cheers
Any info on required numbers of pilots required would be very much appreciated.
Cheers

Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 791
Likes: 56
From: A better place now!
Put it this way Bonzoboy, we currently have approx 30% of the pilot workforce working their notice according to senior crewing managers! Bearing in mind that it was previously considered a bad sign to have more than 10% turnover in a year, and there are three times that amount right now! EasyJet have admitted to having already received applications from 50% of the total pilot workforce! I don't think you'll have too much trouble getting into BACON/Flybe if you so choose. 
PS just want to add that the table thumping and "we are saving your jobs" attitude would appear to have backfired to quite a phenomenal degree!

PS just want to add that the table thumping and "we are saving your jobs" attitude would appear to have backfired to quite a phenomenal degree!
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
From: UK
Rytham Method.........thanks for that. It sounds absolutely incredible...what on earth has happened in Flybe to make it that bad? I picked out Flybe as No.1 because of the type of flying and the bases available.
Perhaps I should now read all of the Flybe related posts on this forum. Many Thanks again.
Perhaps I should now read all of the Flybe related posts on this forum. Many Thanks again.

Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 791
Likes: 56
From: A better place now!
Let me clarify... I am talking about resignations from BACON at the moment. Flybe already had considerable crewing problems and were keen to get all or most of the BACON crews to smooth over the cracks. They are beginning to realise that they will have quite a job convincing people to stay.
On the other hand, this ought to work well from crews perspective in convincing the new flybe managers that they have serious problems which need addressing. If they create a company which people want to stay with, it will benefit both sides.
Unfortunately, the early posturing from one side of the table ("you guys will never get your hands on a jet", "be thankful we are here to save your jobs", and "if you don't like it go try your luck at easyJet") has seemingly backfired in spectacular fashion.
Don't get me wrong here.. I wish no ill to anyone who remains. I know not everyone will jump, and I would hate to see any of my former colleagues struggling; my point is merely that the 'take it or leave it attitude' has actually driven many to look elsewhere, and the market is rife with vacancies at the moment for qualified crews!
On the other hand, this ought to work well from crews perspective in convincing the new flybe managers that they have serious problems which need addressing. If they create a company which people want to stay with, it will benefit both sides.
Unfortunately, the early posturing from one side of the table ("you guys will never get your hands on a jet", "be thankful we are here to save your jobs", and "if you don't like it go try your luck at easyJet") has seemingly backfired in spectacular fashion.
Don't get me wrong here.. I wish no ill to anyone who remains. I know not everyone will jump, and I would hate to see any of my former colleagues struggling; my point is merely that the 'take it or leave it attitude' has actually driven many to look elsewhere, and the market is rife with vacancies at the moment for qualified crews!




