You do have to wonder, don’t you?

For instance, what if Airline A were to ‘encourage’ each of their employees to place a series of small bets on Airline B going bump in the night? Acting as private individuals rather than as employees, naturally.

Airline B’s shareholders could see the odds on its demise shortening, or may see reports to that effect in the media, and might decide to cut their losses – with predictably dire results for Airline B.

Seems (to my twisted and cynical mind at least) like a highly cost-effective means of knackering the opposition.

Sounds like an element of short selling, Short selling itself is not illegal – it is a practice widely used by traders to make money when they think that a share price is likely to fall.

However, it is illegal if a trader then deliberately tries to force the share price lower by spreading false rumours about the company. If caught, traders can be fined or even imprisoned. These trades are known as “trash and cash”. No one has ever been successfully prosecuted for “trash and cash” trades. It is difficult to identify the short sellers as they do not own the stock they sell but borrow it.

To encourage employees of a company to begin rumours may not fall under the same law, but long term could cost them as staff would not be able to keep this quiet..once the rumour was out that this had occured, if people are offered cash for media reports many people wont say no…. and then its a victim of your own game…

If stock market traders get invloved short selling following bets or making their own suggestions, any unstable comapany could fall over night, it all depends on who has the power and trust….

Anyway… back on topic….. I would expect the XL fleet to be returned to leasing companies or used to pay off debt.

Rick

about the industry right now with airlines shutting and people saying it’s the end.

Time for some good news.

Flybe has announced record annual profits before tax of £35.4m and its sales are up by 46% to £535.9m.

http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/Business/Flybe-Airline-Weathers-Rising-Fuel-Cost/Article/200809215095318?lpos=Business_0&lid=ARTICLE_15095318_Flybe%2BAirline%2BWeathers%2BRising%2BFuel%2BCost

Hi,

After using flybe 2 months ago I can understand why they have made a nice profit, it’s one airline which always never fails to impress me, everything from checkin whether its online or onsite, to the flights ontime to the great cabin crew.. Its alway been a pleasure using them.

Also with been close to 3 airport which they use, I can always get a good deal now and again with them.

Below is just a bit of info regarding their profits.. I think at this moment in time they really need to work on a long term plan to ensure its postivie at the end of 2008.

Well done in the current market..

Flybe announces record annual pre-tax profits
12 September 2008

Flybe, one of Europe’s largest and most successful regional airline, has announced record financial results for the year ending 31 March 2008, with a 46% increase in turnover to £535.9 million and an underlying profit before tax of £35.4million, representing an improvement of £20m over the previous year.

With global airline losses forecast to exceed $5bn* this year and with many industry players struggling in light of the current economic instability, Flybe continues to go from strength to strength, recording pre-tax earnings of £12.2 million for the first quarter of this year (April – June 2008), an increase of 14% on last year, as well as an 18% increase in passenger figures on the same period last year.

Other notable developments in the last 15 months include:

– Successful integration of BA Connect
– Continued growth of the airline, now selling over 190 routes across Europe making Flybe one of Europe’s largest and most successful regional airline
– Launch of the world’s first aviation ecolabel
– Continued commitment to deliver a dual-type environmentally sensitive fleet by mid-2009
– Groundbreaking Loganair franchise deal positioning Flybe as Scotland’s second largest airline

Over the last six years, Flybe has grown from an airline with 41 routes and 1.9 million passengers to what it is today – a nationally recognised brand that flew 7-million passengers last year, with new aircraft orders worth $2bn and now selling to over 190 routes throughout regional Europe today. This has all helped to deliver passenger and turnover growth considerably since 2002.

In a year of outstanding achievement and strategic development, which also delivered an exceptionally strong trading performance despite a challenging economic climate, Flybe Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Jim French says:

“Flybe became one of Europe’s largest regional airlines in 2007/08 in what was a transformational year for the business as we successfully integrated and realised the benefits of the acquisition of BA Connect.

“This year, with passenger volumes of over 7 million being flown on 520 flights a day across a route network of over 190 routes being sold under the Flybe brand, serving the major business and leisure destinations of Europe, Flybe can count itself as one of the major players in the airline industry which is a remarkable achievement.

“With current fuel costs at 24% of total costs, Flybe’s fuel costs represent one of the lowest percentage burdens in the industry. With one of the most fuel-efficient fleets and a passenger base that is less dependent upon discretionary leisure spend, Flybe is continuing to perform strongly in the current difficult environment. In the first quarter’s trading of this year, both revenues and operating profits were significantly higher than in the same period last year.

“The combination of our long-term strategy, focussed management actions and strong cash position gives us a major opportunity to maximise the opportunities that will surely come as the industry enters a period of consolidation.”

Source – http://www.easier.com/view/Travel/Flights/Flybe/article-202863.html

Thanks.

Rick

haha.. We should not laugh.. but it is funny….

I think thats a great idea to introduce this system… hopefully it will help the passengers who seem to get lost in the terminal or forget they are meant to be boarding a flight when they are in the airside pub!!! :dev2:

Cheers

Rick

Couple of photos below… Not great quality… taken in a point and shoot fashion with the compact…. Just give you an idea though of what to expect..

Cheers

Rick

IFE

TOm Cabin in Premium..

Leg room in Premium.. (im 5ft 9in)

IFE again…. sky map..

IFE in ECO… (Smaller screen)

Raw Photo of the TOM 767-300 – (BYE) through the gate, blue tinted glass..

Below is a poor quality photo of FCA 767-3 — with the “relax” lighting

as said above… not the best quality photos i know.. but should give you an idea..
Cheers

Rick