Flybe to aquire BA Connect. Crew thread. (No Spotters)-(Part 2)
Join Date: Jan 2001
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Big Willie met with BALPA today and has confirmed that as the OFT have given the nod the deal will now be signed.
Meanwhile, outside, there's a robin sitting on the fence and the kids next door have built a snowman. A very festive scene. Lets hope that when Mr French opens his belated christmas present, he's not too disappointed to find that the parcel is now only half full.
Meanwhile, outside, there's a robin sitting on the fence and the kids next door have built a snowman. A very festive scene. Lets hope that when Mr French opens his belated christmas present, he's not too disappointed to find that the parcel is now only half full.
Join Date: Oct 2004
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Thanks BC.
Exactly what I meant. Did not intend to cast aspersions on existing FYBEs.
Id say that the CAA will want to take a long hard look at resulting experience/competency levels.
Exactly what I meant. Did not intend to cast aspersions on existing FYBEs.
Id say that the CAA will want to take a long hard look at resulting experience/competency levels.
Join Date: Dec 1999
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Regarding experience levels remaining at Bacon, I have a very good friend there who is trying hard to ignore the apparent buffoonery all around him while he gets on with his life.
With lots of quality wide body command time and training experience he is not too concerned about running to join the low cost ratrace.
So Ghengis, there's at least one you won't have to worry about!
With lots of quality wide body command time and training experience he is not too concerned about running to join the low cost ratrace.
So Ghengis, there's at least one you won't have to worry about!
Join Date: Mar 2000
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I think the Fat Lady is about to sing!
For what it's worth, a very reliable source tells me the the Fromage has been severely b0llocked regarding his communication skills (mind you, that's a Crab Ginger Beer for you) with prospective Slices of Bacon, and the resulting exodus from the frying pan into the fire. Best of luck is all I can say, it will be interesting to be reading coments on here in six and twelve months; I genuinely regret the amount of quasi bad mouthing which has gone on here, I'm sure it's done no good for anyone, but has enabled Jim to prise even more moolah away from Willie. There's professionalism and skill on all sides, surely otherwise people would not be retained in employment - LPCs would be failed, never mind line checks! The trouble is that insecurity of any description breeds disunity, and then we suffer in our small collectives, and look round for someone to blame. Aviation's a funny old world isn't it. I still look forward to flying with more of my old mates, some of whom are already on board, and seem to be enjoying it. After all, a big shiny jet was not what we all wanted when we decided to become regional pilots in the first place, so the original objective is still on the table with Flybe. Jim is only doing his job, and even the Fromage to the best of his ability (?) as are we all. Here's to some definitive good news soon!
For what it's worth, a very reliable source tells me the the Fromage has been severely b0llocked regarding his communication skills (mind you, that's a Crab Ginger Beer for you) with prospective Slices of Bacon, and the resulting exodus from the frying pan into the fire. Best of luck is all I can say, it will be interesting to be reading coments on here in six and twelve months; I genuinely regret the amount of quasi bad mouthing which has gone on here, I'm sure it's done no good for anyone, but has enabled Jim to prise even more moolah away from Willie. There's professionalism and skill on all sides, surely otherwise people would not be retained in employment - LPCs would be failed, never mind line checks! The trouble is that insecurity of any description breeds disunity, and then we suffer in our small collectives, and look round for someone to blame. Aviation's a funny old world isn't it. I still look forward to flying with more of my old mates, some of whom are already on board, and seem to be enjoying it. After all, a big shiny jet was not what we all wanted when we decided to become regional pilots in the first place, so the original objective is still on the table with Flybe. Jim is only doing his job, and even the Fromage to the best of his ability (?) as are we all. Here's to some definitive good news soon!
Nothing wrong with the Q400 on the right routes. It’s load carrying ability and short strip performance sounds impressive, but I have my doubts about it’s suitability on long routes. JF was very quick off the blocks to call the EMB 145 a 90’s aeroplane. The difference is though it can climb well above the 25,000ft limited cruising altitude of the Q400 and although it is a little tricky on running costs due to overheads v pax seats, if it is run on the higher yield major city routes, it can be a winner. Its fuel consumption is similar to the 400 and on longer routes, possibly less. BMI regional don’t appear to think of it as a 90’s machine. More on the way and an endless supply of no cost fully trained and experienced rashers to fly them. 
The 400 would be ideal on routes into near Europe and domestic, but it is certainly not ideal for Vienna, Madrid or Milans. Who needs to sit in the middle of Cbs and ice for two hours when the 145 or any other jet will be cruising well above in smooth air. (Sorry, any other jet apart from the 146).
Like many others who chose the regional lifestyle, I don’t mind going back to a prop if it’s on sensible routes, but I am certainly not going to hang around if JF tries to use it on European “long-haul”. There are alternatives and you don’t need to spill your coffee.
As for the fromgage, let him get on and manage something if that's what he thinks is for him, but he has to learn that he is not god and cannot do ten jobs at once. FO to Fleet Manager, new type converson TRE TRI TRof everything under the sun, head of recruiting, chief negotiator.... in two years, - not really on.
But then that was the old Bral way, managers had to boost their pay with evey add on they could think of. Shame they didn't just pay them properly and train them for one or two roles at a time.
The 400 would be ideal on routes into near Europe and domestic, but it is certainly not ideal for Vienna, Madrid or Milans. Who needs to sit in the middle of Cbs and ice for two hours when the 145 or any other jet will be cruising well above in smooth air. (Sorry, any other jet apart from the 146).
Like many others who chose the regional lifestyle, I don’t mind going back to a prop if it’s on sensible routes, but I am certainly not going to hang around if JF tries to use it on European “long-haul”. There are alternatives and you don’t need to spill your coffee.
As for the fromgage, let him get on and manage something if that's what he thinks is for him, but he has to learn that he is not god and cannot do ten jobs at once. FO to Fleet Manager, new type converson TRE TRI TRof everything under the sun, head of recruiting, chief negotiator.... in two years, - not really on.
But then that was the old Bral way, managers had to boost their pay with evey add on they could think of. Shame they didn't just pay them properly and train them for one or two roles at a time.
Join Date: Sep 2005
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I can't believe some of you are debating the pros and cons of jets vs turboprobs and the operating ceiling of the Q400.the merger of Bacon and Flybe will create a disfunctional airline with an embittered workforce and an incompatible fleet which will mirror all the failings of BAconnect which has lead to this dreadfull situation we now have, being repeated once again.this deal is bad for Flybe and as for Bacon,Willie threatens to close it down if the merger doesn't go through.i pity the resulting monster that will be created and don't hold out much hope for it's long term future.if the merger does take place,which seems more and more likely as time moves on,i can only suggest to those that can move to pastures new,don't hang about too long.we are approaching another very sad day in the history of British aviation.whoever would have thought it would come to this?
Join Date: Jun 2000
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Just been on the news that the bird flu strain H5N1 may have entered the food chain. I know Bernard Mathews is a close friend of the Walker family and supplies Turkeys to Flybe staff including Aircrew as a Christmas gift each year. It has been reported that the majority of consumers will be unaffected if the Turkeys have been cooked properly, however a risk exists and consumers are being warned to be vigilant. Questions have to be asked if there is a connection between the high sickness level in Flybe and Bernard Mathews Turkeys.
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But he is oh so funny isn't he...err wait...no he isn't. Fool, stick to flying in very straight lines not looking out of the window.
P.S. I've never had a Turkey.
P.S. I've never had a Turkey.
Join Date: Sep 2006
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Hudson, you are correct about the high levels of sickness amongst the Flybe crews. Unfortunately it is the poisioning due to faulty engine and APU seals allowing oil to enter the airconditioning system that seems to be the problem.
Constant headaches, dizziness, frequent Flu/cold like symptoms to name but a few.
Constant headaches, dizziness, frequent Flu/cold like symptoms to name but a few.
Join Date: Sep 2006
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The turkey theory is far funnier though.
Never mind Hudson, your wit is too rapier-like for many of your constituents. I liked it though. The turkey is so emblematic of the problems facing flybe...
Never mind Hudson, your wit is too rapier-like for many of your constituents. I liked it though. The turkey is so emblematic of the problems facing flybe...
Join Date: Jun 2000
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Only those in Exeter got Turkeys for Christmas. The rest of us had to make do with the Turkey who came from Bacon to take over the training dept. Spends his time changing Bacon paperwork to flybe headers. Oh and telling us just how crap we really are. 
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Bermuda said
"the merger of Bacon and Flybe will create a disfunctional airline with an embittered workforce and an incompatible fleet which will mirror all the failings of BAconnect which has lead to this dreadfull situation we now have, being repeated once again.this deal is bad for Flybe and as for Bacon,Willie threatens to close it down if the merger doesn't go through."
Disagree
The workforce will just get on with it - as usual. The only failings of BACON were the twats at the top - Evans, Witts, Eadon, Hutchings & Co and the link with BA. Rumour has it that French could not afford the cost of not completeing the deal and that Willie will use BACON to give him a bloody nose if he tries to wriggle!
"the merger of Bacon and Flybe will create a disfunctional airline with an embittered workforce and an incompatible fleet which will mirror all the failings of BAconnect which has lead to this dreadfull situation we now have, being repeated once again.this deal is bad for Flybe and as for Bacon,Willie threatens to close it down if the merger doesn't go through."
Disagree
The workforce will just get on with it - as usual. The only failings of BACON were the twats at the top - Evans, Witts, Eadon, Hutchings & Co and the link with BA. Rumour has it that French could not afford the cost of not completeing the deal and that Willie will use BACON to give him a bloody nose if he tries to wriggle!
Join Date: Jun 2006
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Its not a rumour Mr Spaceman, Willie W is directly quoted from a meeting with our reps two days ago.
He made it clear that if FLYBE try to wriggle out of the deal he will be out for blood and, most interestingly, would use BACON aggressively to deal that bloody nose.......!!! His view is that legally FLYBE are on the hook and have got to complete the deal.
He also said that if the deal fell over BA would protect all its slots and routes and ,contrary to what FLYBE think, they would not be able to pick them up for nought.
That I find a very odd statement because
1 It implies that BA would hang on to the company if French pulls out
2. How the hell does he think BA could suddenly succeed in pulling BACON out of the mire
I am confused and have more than a sense that this will end in tears all round.
As for FLYBE I am more and more convinced that this deal will be a disaster and is just too big for them. They dont have the skills or the capital to make it work.
(PS Id say their new advertising campaign for Q400 pilots smacks of desperation!)
He made it clear that if FLYBE try to wriggle out of the deal he will be out for blood and, most interestingly, would use BACON aggressively to deal that bloody nose.......!!! His view is that legally FLYBE are on the hook and have got to complete the deal.
He also said that if the deal fell over BA would protect all its slots and routes and ,contrary to what FLYBE think, they would not be able to pick them up for nought.
That I find a very odd statement because
1 It implies that BA would hang on to the company if French pulls out
2. How the hell does he think BA could suddenly succeed in pulling BACON out of the mire
I am confused and have more than a sense that this will end in tears all round.
As for FLYBE I am more and more convinced that this deal will be a disaster and is just too big for them. They dont have the skills or the capital to make it work.
(PS Id say their new advertising campaign for Q400 pilots smacks of desperation!)
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Just how would Walsh protect the Bacon routes if the reports of the rapidly dwindling pilot workforce and a probably nonexistant 'backroom' are true? I would suggest that Walsh needs this deal more than flybe. Walsh needs to offload an albatross while flybe, although the collapse might mean a setback to expansion by a couple of years, can carry on regardless. Sounds as if it is entering the brinkmanship phase. What's the advice always given? If it's a bad deal then walk away. flybe will survive but Bacon is beyond economical repair; come back and pick over the wreck in 6 months time.