easyJet buys GB Airways
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Best of luck to GB employees
As a commuter between AGP and LHR/LGW for 4 years, and BA employee, I am sorry to see GB sold to EZY, rather than incorporation into BA. With the growth of Club volumes on certain routes, it was perhaps only a matter of time before that 'work' returned to BA Mainline.
Nevertheless, on behalf of the ID90 commuters, Iwould like to thank all the GB employees for their sterling service and help with j/s over the years.
Notwithstanding the whys, wherefores and the do you mind if I don'ts in the EZY process, we wish you all luck in any changes to come.
Every cloud has a silver lining - could just be 5/4/5/3?
Kindest regards,
GZip
Nevertheless, on behalf of the ID90 commuters, Iwould like to thank all the GB employees for their sterling service and help with j/s over the years.
Notwithstanding the whys, wherefores and the do you mind if I don'ts in the EZY process, we wish you all luck in any changes to come.
Every cloud has a silver lining - could just be 5/4/5/3?
Kindest regards,
GZip
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A P Great to hear that you are doing well. I have to say that after you left quite a few of us should have seen the writing on the wall. For what it's worth (because i couldn't make your leaving do!) thanks for your help and guidance during your tenure. I always found you to be a gentleman, let's hope i find a few more in orange suits!!
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As a long serving GB inmate I am pleased at the outcome of the buyout.
The future was at the least uncertain and most parties will have a benefit.
The real loser in all this must be B.A , they have missed a trick , GB was a class act severely disadvantaged by being squeezed on one side by low cost and the other by BA's inability to compromise on 'service'.
In effect GB had to offer an outdated product in a fast moving world , unable to take full commercial advantage .
I can't see our excellent multicultural cabin crew staying around any longer than necessary and where ,during the change over period will replacements come from?
For most of the GB pilots , no real hardship , in fact a wonderful opportunity for both factions to improve terms and conditions.
Personally I will lose out a bit but overall value the security more highly.
Easy jet would benefit from the experience and common sense of the GB rostering and operations boys and girls.
Good luck to all over the next year , (frankly I never really saw 'club food' as a desirable perk anyway!)
AP and NSF nice to hear from you!
The future was at the least uncertain and most parties will have a benefit.
The real loser in all this must be B.A , they have missed a trick , GB was a class act severely disadvantaged by being squeezed on one side by low cost and the other by BA's inability to compromise on 'service'.
In effect GB had to offer an outdated product in a fast moving world , unable to take full commercial advantage .
I can't see our excellent multicultural cabin crew staying around any longer than necessary and where ,during the change over period will replacements come from?
For most of the GB pilots , no real hardship , in fact a wonderful opportunity for both factions to improve terms and conditions.
Personally I will lose out a bit but overall value the security more highly.
Easy jet would benefit from the experience and common sense of the GB rostering and operations boys and girls.
Good luck to all over the next year , (frankly I never really saw 'club food' as a desirable perk anyway!)
AP and NSF nice to hear from you!
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I remember having the 'privilege' of sitting with a certain Johny Vegas in the Beehive boardroom about 7 odd years ago where he referred to the 'orange brigade/mob' and the business course GB would have to follow to beat them. For me that was day was when the days were numbered for the 'old' GB. The years that followed under the leadership of Mr Vegas, Slippery Bill and 'the Witch' were the slow death of a company that was unique in the industry and loaded with staff that really were a cut above the rest.
With the frustration of a failing mangement strategy many left (were forced to leave) during those years and it a disgrace that this was allowed to happen. Some (very) highly payed senior mangament figures should hang their heads in shame for their antics, including the crocodile tears filled Gibraltarian Mafia. The back end of the nineties was the right time to have taken GB to the level and capacity where it had the potential to be. But no, we decided to fly to GRX instead and we were trounced - (i could fill 10 pages with similar failings) in the process some highly dedicated Spanish staff in GRX lost their jobs and for this only the management were responsible. Disgraceful.
So now the year is 2007 and EZY has bought GBL. I always respected EZY as they have taken lots of stick over the years but have proven everybody wrong who doubted them or made fun of them.
What to make of this if you work for GB? Well if you work at the pointy end and your concerns are crew food and staff travel then you dont have all that much to worry about in your life. If however your work at the pointy end and have concerns over your pension/Pay/seniority etc then make sure that you dont get shafted over the next few months. The pilot community has always been pretty well organized within GB and that should see you guys through the next few months.
If you are CC, well if you work as an A/P then you will have something to worry about. On an economy of scale those guys would be facing left hand seat to right hand seat demotion. This presuming that the Psr's will keep their rank and get similar pay and can stay at LGW. Those at LHR have already felt the pain and stresses of last weeks announcement.
But hey, also spare a thought for those in the offices. Relocate to LTN? In todays economics of the region where we live most live in two earner homes and relocation is not all that easy. More job losses. Not to mention some of the over seas guys. This includes all those that lost their GB contracts overseas over the last 2 years. I would hope that the current senior management team are senstitive in regards to the pay off bonuses/golden handshakes they will receive.
It is obvious that BA would never have extended the current franchise and GB would never ever have survived with its current set up all by itself in todays market. So it is a good thing that this has now happened for you guys with a company like EZY. EZY seem to have some great staff (friendly) and is a company that will offer all of you many opportunities. When I left GB after more than a decade I realized how insular working for GB makes you become - there is a great aviation world outthere full of opportunity and I believe for most of you 12 to 18 months from now it will have been a blessing in disguise.
To my former friends (many of you!) at GB I say this; grab this opportunity, be positive but most of all dont let anyone shaft you over the next 2-3 months regardless if you are a pilot, CC or ground based.
Good luck!
With the frustration of a failing mangement strategy many left (were forced to leave) during those years and it a disgrace that this was allowed to happen. Some (very) highly payed senior mangament figures should hang their heads in shame for their antics, including the crocodile tears filled Gibraltarian Mafia. The back end of the nineties was the right time to have taken GB to the level and capacity where it had the potential to be. But no, we decided to fly to GRX instead and we were trounced - (i could fill 10 pages with similar failings) in the process some highly dedicated Spanish staff in GRX lost their jobs and for this only the management were responsible. Disgraceful.
So now the year is 2007 and EZY has bought GBL. I always respected EZY as they have taken lots of stick over the years but have proven everybody wrong who doubted them or made fun of them.
What to make of this if you work for GB? Well if you work at the pointy end and your concerns are crew food and staff travel then you dont have all that much to worry about in your life. If however your work at the pointy end and have concerns over your pension/Pay/seniority etc then make sure that you dont get shafted over the next few months. The pilot community has always been pretty well organized within GB and that should see you guys through the next few months.
If you are CC, well if you work as an A/P then you will have something to worry about. On an economy of scale those guys would be facing left hand seat to right hand seat demotion. This presuming that the Psr's will keep their rank and get similar pay and can stay at LGW. Those at LHR have already felt the pain and stresses of last weeks announcement.
But hey, also spare a thought for those in the offices. Relocate to LTN? In todays economics of the region where we live most live in two earner homes and relocation is not all that easy. More job losses. Not to mention some of the over seas guys. This includes all those that lost their GB contracts overseas over the last 2 years. I would hope that the current senior management team are senstitive in regards to the pay off bonuses/golden handshakes they will receive.
It is obvious that BA would never have extended the current franchise and GB would never ever have survived with its current set up all by itself in todays market. So it is a good thing that this has now happened for you guys with a company like EZY. EZY seem to have some great staff (friendly) and is a company that will offer all of you many opportunities. When I left GB after more than a decade I realized how insular working for GB makes you become - there is a great aviation world outthere full of opportunity and I believe for most of you 12 to 18 months from now it will have been a blessing in disguise.
To my former friends (many of you!) at GB I say this; grab this opportunity, be positive but most of all dont let anyone shaft you over the next 2-3 months regardless if you are a pilot, CC or ground based.
Good luck!
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I am not sure that anyone really knows the disposal yet of the various GB aircraft. Nonetheless, it is clear that the new 'easyJet Gatwick' will be a large beast which is bigger than many airlines. 35 aircraft, going to wherever they finally end up is a big outfit and all pilots should be happy at this deal.
I note that some people at GB are concerned they will somehow be earning less as easyJet employees. It is simply not correct and it is only when you become an 11-year captain that you start earning more (and that includes all pension contributions and medical benefits).
Regarding 'seniority', it does not exist at easyJet in the same way it does at GB. There is an understandable concern that everyone will be shoved on the same 'year 1' salary. There will no doubt be some discussions, but such insensitivity would be a recipe for industrial unrest on a grand scale. It is inconceivable to me that easyJet will not just assume a date of joining going back to the date of joining GB (or at least dating back to the start of easyJet!) for salary purposes. That only affects 'loyalty bonuses' (5%, 10%, 15% of basic after completion of 2, 5 and 10 years' service) paid net annually on the anniversary of joining. I would hope that would be taken as a given. Other less clear areas would be the dreaded car parking 'base seniority' system in operation and place on the list should subsequent redundancies ever occur. Like all these things, there will be winners and losers but there is nothing that cannot be dealt with to everyone's mutual satisfaction if a sensible approach is taken.
There is no reason for any GB pilot to be anything else other than very happy to be part of easyJet, despite the inevitable changes that must occur. As these things go, this is a great outcome for all concerned and we genuinely look forward to working for the first time (or in my case the second time!) with our new colleagues. Come on down - you'll love it!
I note that some people at GB are concerned they will somehow be earning less as easyJet employees. It is simply not correct and it is only when you become an 11-year captain that you start earning more (and that includes all pension contributions and medical benefits).
Regarding 'seniority', it does not exist at easyJet in the same way it does at GB. There is an understandable concern that everyone will be shoved on the same 'year 1' salary. There will no doubt be some discussions, but such insensitivity would be a recipe for industrial unrest on a grand scale. It is inconceivable to me that easyJet will not just assume a date of joining going back to the date of joining GB (or at least dating back to the start of easyJet!) for salary purposes. That only affects 'loyalty bonuses' (5%, 10%, 15% of basic after completion of 2, 5 and 10 years' service) paid net annually on the anniversary of joining. I would hope that would be taken as a given. Other less clear areas would be the dreaded car parking 'base seniority' system in operation and place on the list should subsequent redundancies ever occur. Like all these things, there will be winners and losers but there is nothing that cannot be dealt with to everyone's mutual satisfaction if a sensible approach is taken.
There is no reason for any GB pilot to be anything else other than very happy to be part of easyJet, despite the inevitable changes that must occur. As these things go, this is a great outcome for all concerned and we genuinely look forward to working for the first time (or in my case the second time!) with our new colleagues. Come on down - you'll love it!
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Operated into RAK the other night and was given a genuine "welcome to the world of orange" by the crew over the rt. They were on finals as we went o/head VOR. On landing and after our pax got off was going to go and say hi to the crew...but their pax already walking out to a/craft!!!!!!Guess am going have to adjust my watch for those short turnarounds.Nice to read positive comments from both sides. Don't suppose Orange is going to fly to the Channel Islands soon!!!!!!!!!
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It is inconceivable to me that easyJet will not just assume a date of joining going back to the date of joining GB (or at least dating back to the start of easyJet!) for salary purposes. That only affects 'loyalty bonuses' (5%, 10%, 15% of basic after completion of 2, 5 and 10 years' service)
These payments are loyalty bonuses, not rewards for experience levels or any seniority-based system. They reward an employee for long service to easyJet. That is why they are called what they are and not an 'incremental salary' or some such.
I can understand a one-off payment á la the GO employees, but for those crews, whose company has had to be rescued, to leap ahead of easyJet crews who have put in the hard work to make the rescue possible is a little steep.
I am certain almost all GB crews will be made welcome and will enjoy working for easyJet, but do hope they won't sour the relationship by expecting to be handed on a plate what easyJet crews have to work damn hard for.
I share your view that a mutually satisfactory compromise can be worked out between the CCs, but let's not start setting unrealistic expectations at this stage, or the whole thing gets a lot harder for BALPA!
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When easyjet took over Go the crews date of joining was taken as the date they joined GO and loyalty bonus's were paid on this command opportunities were also based on the date of joining GO!
As an exeayjet pilot I can see nothing but benefits for the GB crews that will be taken into easyjet. You should be thank full for small mercies as you could easily have been taken over by Ryanair and we're all aware of how they take over companies!
The writting has been on the wall for GB for a long time and only a fool would not have seen this coming.
I can say with absolut certainty that the easy guys and gals will welcome you!
For me easyjet was a great company but airline flying is not for me I'm much happier in the corporate world, and much more suited to it, however if i had to go back to airline flying easyjet would be one of my first choices!
Good luck to all ex GB'rs Just try not to spend the next 5 years crying about how good GB WAS! move on and enjoy it!
As an exeayjet pilot I can see nothing but benefits for the GB crews that will be taken into easyjet. You should be thank full for small mercies as you could easily have been taken over by Ryanair and we're all aware of how they take over companies!
The writting has been on the wall for GB for a long time and only a fool would not have seen this coming.
I can say with absolut certainty that the easy guys and gals will welcome you!
For me easyjet was a great company but airline flying is not for me I'm much happier in the corporate world, and much more suited to it, however if i had to go back to airline flying easyjet would be one of my first choices!
Good luck to all ex GB'rs Just try not to spend the next 5 years crying about how good GB WAS! move on and enjoy it!
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I think in these circumstances, it would not be unacceptable for the company to not pay the loyalty bonus to GB staff for a year or two. That way no one should be too unfairly paid or penalised.
However, as the pension difference has already been discussed, then this could also be the source of the compromise.
I also wish to add my welcome to the GB team. Being ex-Go too, I know how it feels and the 'resentment' takes time to fade, but it does. Ezy is a great company, as you will soon find out! Far from perfect, but a lot farther from the worst...
However, as the pension difference has already been discussed, then this could also be the source of the compromise.
I also wish to add my welcome to the GB team. Being ex-Go too, I know how it feels and the 'resentment' takes time to fade, but it does. Ezy is a great company, as you will soon find out! Far from perfect, but a lot farther from the worst...
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RS999:
Issues regarding the current cadets training at Jerez has been discussed here:
http://www.pprune.org/forums/showthr...=234204&page=5
Cheers.
Issues regarding the current cadets training at Jerez has been discussed here:
http://www.pprune.org/forums/showthr...=234204&page=5
Cheers.
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If easy had not bought GB, then further slot expansion out of LGW would have been tricky, so it would have made sense,too me anyway, to buy the 21's and increase the yield by size of aircraft not by increasing the frequency on the route, freeing up the next available slot for a new destination. I do believe the 21 has a future in this company. But what would i know, i only fly the things. As a GLA based pilot, with only 5 19's it would be great to get the 21 to allow an increase in yield on all our routes. If you can fill a 19 on all six sectors imagine what you could do with a 21!?!
To confirm a few previous comments, i too was integratred from go into easy's loyalty bonus, fast approaching the 15% mark....
happy birthday to me.....
To confirm a few previous comments, i too was integratred from go into easy's loyalty bonus, fast approaching the 15% mark....
happy birthday to me.....
Commercially it has become accepted wisdom in the LCC world not to mix your types in the fleet if possible, and certainly not to mix them at a single base. Easy have made the transition from 737 to Airbus base-by-base, and the two types are of similar size, therefore avoiding many of the pitfalls (though not all).
The additional size of the A321 in Easy configuration (what, about 220 seats ?) would compromise the standard turnround time allowance and extra time would need to be allowed for this, impacting on daily productivity. It's a difficult size for a Low Cost operator.
The additional size of the A321 in Easy configuration (what, about 220 seats ?) would compromise the standard turnround time allowance and extra time would need to be allowed for this, impacting on daily productivity. It's a difficult size for a Low Cost operator.
WHBM.... accepted wisdom maybe, but what of Air Berlin (3rd largest LoCo in europe?) ordering 25 B787 Dreamliners for long haul destinations?
That will not be a common type with the rest of their fleet...
That will not be a common type with the rest of their fleet...
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You've answered your own question. 25 Dreamliners will be a fleet in itself. They are for long haul flights, not short haul, hence they are not mixing fleets. If they tried to operate 787s and 737s on the same routes then that would be a mess.
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On behalf of the BA Ground Staff, may I wish our GB Airways friends all the best with their new employer! I'm glad to see that, already, EasyJet seem to be making the pilots and cabin crew welcome.
No doubt there will be some obstacles along the way, but I'm sure the difficulties won't be insurmountable.
I can honestly say it has always been a pleasure to look after your boarding and disembarkation during my career both at Gatwick and Heathrow (except for those awful arrivals in the middle of the night so characteristic of "Gobby Airways"!!!)
There's a little tear in the corner of my eye when I think of all the good times we shared!
.........and there will always be a little soft spot in my heart for G-TREN - the 737 GB bought when Dan Air was wound up (sorry, "merged" with BA) and the final 737 in GB's service during the transition to an Airbus Fleet.
Good Luck!!!
No doubt there will be some obstacles along the way, but I'm sure the difficulties won't be insurmountable.
I can honestly say it has always been a pleasure to look after your boarding and disembarkation during my career both at Gatwick and Heathrow (except for those awful arrivals in the middle of the night so characteristic of "Gobby Airways"!!!)
There's a little tear in the corner of my eye when I think of all the good times we shared!
.........and there will always be a little soft spot in my heart for G-TREN - the 737 GB bought when Dan Air was wound up (sorry, "merged" with BA) and the final 737 in GB's service during the transition to an Airbus Fleet.
Good Luck!!!