Check the link
http://flyopenskies.com/Nivsy
OpenSkies
20 Posts
Well it seems official - 3 British Airways B757's to be converted into 3 class layout with a total of 83 seats to fly between JFK and Brussels or JFK - Paris CDG.
Check the link http://flyopenskies.com/
Nivsy
Check the link
http://flyopenskies.com/Nivsy
I smell trouble. And a big strike at British Airways.
Totally agree with you on that one bagand96.
Crew reaction appears to be met with a mixed response...and as for BALPA ..............
Crew reaction appears to be met with a mixed response...and as for BALPA ..............
I gather BALPA are to make their stance public within the next week. From what I know though the BA crews are ready to fight this one all the way.
What is there to fight?
Its all rather complicated Quatarman and probably not for a Holiday Truths forum to go into great detail. Basically the introduction of this service using "transfered" mainline BA equipment will have an effect on Terms and Conditions, depending on its over riding size and operation and could also mean the "transfer" of more or various other equipment to Europe, an effect on pilots seniority listings, recruitment, retention and pay issues.
The situation is I understand even being monitored closley by crews and ground support handling of other operators closely, many who have BALPA members whwho just may also be prepared to take action in support of BA.
Nivsy
The situation is I understand even being monitored closley by crews and ground support handling of other operators closely, many who have BALPA members whwho just may also be prepared to take action in support of BA.
Nivsy
Yep spot on nivsy. Also BA have always been seen as a benchmark for the UK airline industry in terms of employment Ts and Cs etc. If they start reducing employment conditions, the perception is the floodgates will open. For that reason the BA crews have a lot of support should it come to it.
Aha...more exciting times for wee willie walsh!
Expect this news to hit the headlines soon folks!
Nivsy
Expect this news to hit the headlines soon folks!
Nivsy
For information to those interested- from 29th Jan over a 3 week period a ballot for strike action (or not) will be undertaken.
Nivsy
Nivsy
BA pilots vote to strike
Pilots at British Airways have voted to walk out overe the airline's plans to create a transatlantic subsidiary.
Members of the British Airline Pilots Association are angry over plans for BA OpenSkies, due to operate from the Continent to the US.
Pilots claim crews will work or inferior terms at the new arm of BA, which is due to start serving New York from Paris in June.
BALPA said 86% of members working for BA voted to strike with a turnout of 90%.
"This is one of the highest ever percentage turnouts in an industrial action ballot in any union," said BALPA general secretary Jim McAuslan.
The union represents 3,000 BA pilots and claims the action, if it goes ahead, "would effectrively ground BA worldwide".
No strike dates have yet been set but if it goes ahead it will be the first action by pilots in almost 30 years.
Union representatives were meeting with BA today and has set up a strike support fund.
With permission from Travelmole
Pilots at British Airways have voted to walk out overe the airline's plans to create a transatlantic subsidiary.
Members of the British Airline Pilots Association are angry over plans for BA OpenSkies, due to operate from the Continent to the US.
Pilots claim crews will work or inferior terms at the new arm of BA, which is due to start serving New York from Paris in June.
BALPA said 86% of members working for BA voted to strike with a turnout of 90%.
"This is one of the highest ever percentage turnouts in an industrial action ballot in any union," said BALPA general secretary Jim McAuslan.
The union represents 3,000 BA pilots and claims the action, if it goes ahead, "would effectrively ground BA worldwide".
No strike dates have yet been set but if it goes ahead it will be the first action by pilots in almost 30 years.
Union representatives were meeting with BA today and has set up a strike support fund.
With permission from Travelmole
Yep - as suspected. Who would like to place bets on either Easter or opening dates of Terminal 5 being the "selected dates?"
Nivsy
Nivsy
well I'm panicking as I just happen to be flying out on the 27th March. I would imagine that that would be the ideal date for pilots to take action. I seem to be forever worrying about some probable action or other re BA.
OpenSkies releases ticket price details
British Airways new transatlantic subsidiary has confirmed prices for the start of services on June 19.
The first flight by OpenSkies will be between Paris Orly and New York on a refitted 82-seat Boeing 757.
Prices range from 2,269 euros return in ‘Biz' featuring fully lie-flat beds, 1,159 euros in ‘Prem+' with seats giving a 52" pitch and 830 euros for the 30 seats in the economy section.
Rates include fuel, insurance and security surcharges but have limited availability and require seven days advance purchase.
OpenSkies claimed its pricing approach is designed to provide "true value for money" compared with what has been traditionally offered by the long-time incumbent carriers on the Paris-New York route.
Managing director Dale Moss claimed the Prem+ cabin "will compete with what our competitors offer as business class but at a much more compelling price point".
Economy fares valid for peak summer travel season. Prem+ fares must be booked by June 16 with travel completed by August 31. 2008. A Saturday night stay is required for Biz and economy fares.
Tickets for the "premium" flights go on sale today (Thursday) on http://www.flyopenskies.com with travel agents and the BA.com website.
With permission from Travelmole
British Airways new transatlantic subsidiary has confirmed prices for the start of services on June 19.
The first flight by OpenSkies will be between Paris Orly and New York on a refitted 82-seat Boeing 757.
Prices range from 2,269 euros return in ‘Biz' featuring fully lie-flat beds, 1,159 euros in ‘Prem+' with seats giving a 52" pitch and 830 euros for the 30 seats in the economy section.
Rates include fuel, insurance and security surcharges but have limited availability and require seven days advance purchase.
OpenSkies claimed its pricing approach is designed to provide "true value for money" compared with what has been traditionally offered by the long-time incumbent carriers on the Paris-New York route.
Managing director Dale Moss claimed the Prem+ cabin "will compete with what our competitors offer as business class but at a much more compelling price point".
Economy fares valid for peak summer travel season. Prem+ fares must be booked by June 16 with travel completed by August 31. 2008. A Saturday night stay is required for Biz and economy fares.
Tickets for the "premium" flights go on sale today (Thursday) on http://www.flyopenskies.com with travel agents and the BA.com website.
With permission from Travelmole
Pilots union withdraws OpenSkies objections
Pilots union BALPA has withdrawn from legal proceedings which could have threatened the launch of new British Airways transatlantic arm OpenSkies.
The union accepted in court that its ballot in support of industrial action was time-expired and gave an undertaking not to pursue any future ballot on the same issue, according to the airline.
BALPA withdrew its action on the fourth day of trial - and halfway through the cross-examination of its BA branch chairman.
BA said: "We welcome the withdrawal of proceedings by BALPA, which represents acknowledgement by the union that the creation of our subsidiary, OpenSkies, poses no threat to the jobs, pay or conditions of mainline British Airways pilots.
"In January, we offered guarantees that OpenSkies would not be used to worsen the terms and conditions of BA mainline pilots. These guarantees remain in place.
"We are proud of the professionalism and high reputation of our pilots. We never wanted or sought a conflict with them."
OpenSkies will operate its first flight from Paris to New York on June 19. Tickets went on sale today (see previous TravelMole story).
With permission from Travelmole
Pilots union BALPA has withdrawn from legal proceedings which could have threatened the launch of new British Airways transatlantic arm OpenSkies.
The union accepted in court that its ballot in support of industrial action was time-expired and gave an undertaking not to pursue any future ballot on the same issue, according to the airline.
BALPA withdrew its action on the fourth day of trial - and halfway through the cross-examination of its BA branch chairman.
BA said: "We welcome the withdrawal of proceedings by BALPA, which represents acknowledgement by the union that the creation of our subsidiary, OpenSkies, poses no threat to the jobs, pay or conditions of mainline British Airways pilots.
"In January, we offered guarantees that OpenSkies would not be used to worsen the terms and conditions of BA mainline pilots. These guarantees remain in place.
"We are proud of the professionalism and high reputation of our pilots. We never wanted or sought a conflict with them."
OpenSkies will operate its first flight from Paris to New York on June 19. Tickets went on sale today (see previous TravelMole story).
With permission from Travelmole
well that is interesting. I have been half following the arguments elsewhere and did not realise that the pilots' T&Cs had been guaranteed that to worsen.
It must be a relief for BA as a further strike would be all they need just now. Not sure how happy the pilots will be though.
It must be a relief for BA as a further strike would be all they need just now. Not sure how happy the pilots will be though.
While most of us were surprised to a degree with the outcome of discussions related to Openskys it does seem to be on the cards that first flight will be June 19th departing Paris (Orly) for New York JFK. Ex BA Workhorse B757 G-BPEK now fitted with winglets will do the flights.
Nivsy
Nivsy
Brussels, Milan, Frankfurt, Amsterdam... Does anyone know about further route expension?
thanks
Migajos
thanks
Migajos
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