Thank you for that info :ok:

Most of these negative comments seem to refer to the 757/767 fleet, the one merged from Air Atlanta, and those that have come with it.

As most of us here are really interested in the 737 fleet, as that was what the advert was for, probably as we are already rated with time on type, could some of the 737 pilots comment on what has been said.

Is the roster on the 737 unstable? Are people very unhappy or is it as one or two here have said, a minority of contractors?

On the plus side I understand there's some good varied flying to be had, a decent salary - and I am not comparing to the like of RYR here but to other loco 2 sector operators - and probably a very quiet winter. For those who don't want to fly the 757's, would this be so bad?

Then you are presumably currently employed and thus in the wrong forum. This topic will be moved to the correct forum.

Scroggs

My .02$
Excel is a good company. The line Cap’s I have flown with (management included) were more than helpful no attitudes just normal people going to work. There are a couple of wieners but the majority are very relaxed and easy to get a long with. The trips are mostly good. (excluding sharm, and all night ter)
I have made the effort to introduce myself to the 75/76 crews and they have been nothing like some of the posts would have you believe. There worse. No just joking there grate. one crew even gave me a tour of the mighty 76. I only got nervous when he kept calling me Timmy and asked if I liked gladiator movies.:)
The only real problem I have is scheduling, 100 in 28 is a goal. We are short captains and fo’s so they make everyone pick up the slack. They don’t relies it just burns more out and we keep getting shorter and those that are left have to carry the load. The thought process is to hire full time so this doesn’t happen again next year and I hope it works.
This link is accurate for pay scales and contact info: http://www.pilotjobsnetwork.com/fact...3h521ggcusvrhe



Excel still doing joint work with Miami Air?


Yes, But it is not Excel crews, they send storm contractors that have green cards or the right to work in the US. I have asked about it and a lot of people don’t think it is fair on both sides of the pond. I think BALPA is looking into making some changes.

Rosters change sometimes, but as I have said before your days off don't unless you want to sell them to the company. So does it matter if your going to RHO or SMI or where ever.

I think it is true that the skippers are flying flat out but I only have 55 hours on my roster this month about 60 last and 70 July and August, so I don't think that is to much, and I expect the winter will be very quiet.

Thanks Omni.

Anyone know about the finer points - Pension, medical, insurance etc?

Is there anything offered for staff travel?

Excel Airways Fleet:
-01 Boeing 737-400
-12 Boeing 737-800 + 04 In 2007
-04 Boeing 757-200
-O5 Boeing 767-300
I only have those information but as you I am considering putting an application into Excelairways. I don't know anyone there and would like to know what is the general feel about the company, and what sort of salary would you be on as a 737 Captain?
I would appreciate somes informations.
Best regards,
ALCHPA

Any1 heard any news bout LGW, I understand some have been offered places at MAN. Was just wondering whether any1 had been offered employment (or informed otherwise) specifically at LGW on the 737?

Thanks in advance:)

Latest;

XL Leisure Group sold in £237m MBO
30 Oct 2006
Icelandic conglomerate Avion Group has sold XL Leisure Group for $450m (£237m) to a buy-out vehicle led by current CEO Phillip Wyatt.

XL Leisure Group comprises Excel Airways Group in the UK, Star Airlines in France and Star Europe in Germany.
Excel brands in the UK include XL.com, Travel City Direct, Kosmar, Excel Holidays, Aspire and Freedom Flights. It is the fifth largest travel group in the UK with a combined ATOL requirement of 1.1m to Sept07.


Could this make a difference..............?

PP

Pete,

The XL group includes the Travel City Direct 743s? Does anyone know anything about that company, and flying for them? I think they fly from MAN and LGW to Sanford?

-Cheers mates!

Like you 747, I am still waiting to hear ...I also want the 737 at LGW. Fingers crossed for the pair of us! The drive to STN is killing me.

Marvo and 747,
I'm still waiting to hear also re:737 but no news. I've tried a follow up but no replies. Did they give you any idea of when you might hear? They seemed a nice bunch when I met them so my fingers are firmly crossed. Good luck to you anyway.
Oggy

Oggy,

They said it would be a while ! No rush I suppose, the summer season is a long way off.:rolleyes:

Was supposed to be last week possibly running into this week. I imagine it will run into next week at the very least. Still working out how many guys they need for next year.

Playing the waiting game now, can't be too many of us (well 3 on this forum so far). All the best when the decision does come marvo+ oggy oggy

Time is up.....said yes to Easy this morning ! Start an Airbus course in Feb, Hopefully based at Gatwick... good luck to oggy, downwind etc!

All the best Marvo, I too have started to look down other avenues, however, company I am with still have failed to expand at my base. If they do ever offer me a place??? I may well see you on the crew bus rushing to X car park, how I miss the those days:confused:

All the best at Easy.. hope the A319 is as rewardable to fly as the mighty 737! I've heard it's a nice base there

74 Downind:ok:

I think it is rather sad news that the Avion Group has sold its part of the Excel group and associated companies. Please be very aware that the reason that the Avion Group got so involved in the first place was it took shares in lieu of payment for the use of its B767's for a summer season that I believe cost 40 % and next year another 40%...... Excel is not what one would call a very profitable company. With the present management I have my doubts as to its viability. Perhaps someone with more info might like to comment. £250 mil seems to be a great price for the Avion Group shareholders to rid themselves of a real dead duck

Although I am no great city buff,I get the same feeling as Saddest.This MBO was a coup for Avion,even if it only gets them out of the business with some of their money intact.The buy out team's financing is heavily underwritten by Avion(who have now changed their name to something a bit more Icelandic;Hlutafelagid Eimskipafelag Islands).The 2006-7 winter operations are underscored by Avion too.It all comes to an end in March 2008 when the thing must stand up financially by itself.This will be about the same time new A330s are due to arrive,with all the attendant investment and costs to get that fleet going.More recent management structure changes,Eamonn Mullaney's retirement(nice timing Mr M!), rebranding,ongoing problems with an ageing 757 and 767 fleet,morale problems in both the flight and head office workforce and a rarely seen distant leadership all suggest some serious challenges to pull the thing off.I wish them luck.

What's happened to the Chief Pilot? I see there's an advert out looking to fill the position.

MK

What has happend to the chief pilot?
 

He is now the flight opps director.

Let's hope someone told the CAA!

Abra,

Your first post may have some credibility until you read your second .Do you honestly think the CAA wouldnt be informed of a change of post holder. Shows a distinct immaturity or ignorance of how the regulatory system or the industry operates.:rolleyes:

Now back to your first post, maybe as you say avion have a vested interest until 2008., or maybe its a maneuvere to avoid regulatory problems with the size and scope of avion interests in the eu. But then Im speculating as are you.
Poor morale? amongst some, dare I say the usual suspects. The core workforce ( no movement despite a bouyant market) is pretty happy.Lots of issues with the merger, and a previous culture of temp pilots with all the problems of loyalty that brings,but it will settle down as the chaps mentioned above move on to moan at another company. To harp on about how things should be done and how at xxxxxairways it was much better..etc etc...ad nauseum.:ok:

Same Sh1t different depth.

Mr Farty,
You must work for them as you have obviously taken my comments too personally.Yes I probably am immature and ignorant but I can see no 'harping on' about how things were done in xxxxxairways(isn't it called XL.COM now?)in my posting.I even wished the MBO enterprise luck.RTFQ as they say!
But to answer your 'points'.
This is a rumour network.The XL crew members I was with yesterday suggested the rumour of the CAA omission.I have little doubt that if true,it would have been rapidly addressed by the more mature and intelligent.
A UK led MBO of part of an Icelandic owned European based company would only require aviation authority approval in each of the AOC awarding countries.The CAA in this country would need to approve the financial governance arranged by the MBO team.Size and Scope(good words Mr Farty) are not changed in this instance,unlike MyTravel's move on some First Choice business announced today.Therefore there would be little to interest the competition commisioners by the change in ownership.
At least we agree about poor morale,even if you reckon you can see the problem resolving itself.Of course the modus operandi of Excel up to now has been to have a core of pretty happy loyal pilots(let's call them the Excelites..I guess that would be you Mr M) and to bring in seasonal contract disloyal crews as and when required(lets call them the er..AAEites).Loyalty is a two way affair.I have been told that most of the people leaving are doing so because of chaotic crew rostering.According to the chaps yesterday,the 737 has always had a more stable time than the 757 and 767.This has mainly been the result of difficulty finding 757/767 crews qualified to fly both types,on different AOC's,with different SOPs, ETOPS checked,and strip ASI checked for one of the odd 767s.This presented a tough assignment for even the most experienced of crewing managers. But of the mixed bunch yesterday,only one had thought of leaving(to easy).He had then thought better of it.
All the above is title tatle Mr Farty.I still maintain that XL.COM will need to overcome many challenges in the next 18 months or so to succeed.Making a buck will be the key.I still wish them luck,don't you?
PS MANOEUVRE one hundred times by tomorrow morning please..don't want to look ignorant do we!

oooo get you.:ok:

Well done Marvo and good luck.
Anyone elso out there with any reliable information on what the company situation is at the moment would be much appreciated. Not interested in the politics as such but whether XL are actually recruiting any of the guys that have been to interview last month. What is their future plan etc.
Regards

No news yet Oggy, any1 else heard anything? Maybe there planning the recruitment for the summer now.. or not at all :uhoh:

Who knows?? ... well XL management obviously:O

Best of luck when.. IF the decision comes

Has any1 heard anything from xl (tried calling put no conclusive answers)

Congrats for those who got offered BRS and MAN.. any news on LGW for any1??