THE LEGACY

The Legacy of the Airlines

The European aviation industry - and I'd include the entire world air transport sector - is undergoing an enormous upheaval on all continents.

Worth highlighting is the firm position of the North American companies which remain without any huge changes but are beginning to dabble in the South American market such as the case with Delta in Latam or United in Avianca. There still remains a lot to be seen.

The loss of Thomas Cook is dramatic but was expected. Now experts, financial consultants and important auditors are sitting in their cosy armchairs explaining to us how this occurred.

What do the handling employees, pilots, cabin crew or airport staff and their coleagues in flight watch or offices care about the causes? I would say a great deal as it is them that are going to pay the consequences for the total lack of management. Management is not the sole responsibility of the CEO. It is also the responsibility of the Board of Directors and the shareholders. It is these who are truly responsible. It never fails to amaze me when I peruse all types of information on Linkedin where the majority of cases - in spite of being considered a professional network - are some FAKE CONTACTS.

The problem is that the airlines look for executives with bombastic, preferably anglosaxon names because they believe it gives them credibility and security - a gross error!

The airlines which we consider to be legendary only survive when viewed from afar. I personally believe that it is better to be hated but better still to be viewed as a threat.

There are many traitors amongst the executives. I prefer companies to choose between someone who is half detested and half loved in order to understand this and choose someone who fits.

The non legendary airlines like to bite the bullet instead of co-operating. Companies should endeavour to put up a fierce fight otherwise they will die. 

In the meantime the stars blink indifferently. Thomas Cook and its management have fled; only to die tired and without glory.

Hurray for the legendary companies; they will all be content with a smile. However revenge is lukewarm.

We should all remember that aviation breeds ambition and betrayal. However, betraying your work team is unforgivable.

I have fought hard in this industry and I have also admitted defeat. But defeat does not come about if we fight for victory.