Post by Humberside on Oct 22, 2010 21:34:33 GMT
Essentially BLK seem to be making losses providing handling to Jet 2 so will tell them to make their own arrangements. There is then a risk this could mean Jet 2 leave BLK, and they have indicated they see little growth potential at BLK
www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/blackpoolnews/Crisis-at-airport-amid-Jet2.6594574.jp
www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/blackpoolnews/Crisis-at-airport-amid-Jet2.6594574.jp
BLACKPOOL Airport is in crisis today with two thirds of its staff potentially facing the sack and bosses admitting they could lose their biggest airline.
All 125 workers were called in for a mass meeting yesterday and told as many as 85 of them could be made redundant.
The shock move has come after low-cost airline Jet2.com told the airport there was "no potential for growth" in its European services from Blackpool.
Airport bosses admit their business has suffered "substantial loss" due to the recession.
They blame a downturn in the aviation market and say a ground crew agreement with Jet2 is no longer viable. It has left them £1m out-of-pocket over the last five years.
Now the airline is being asked to provide its own 'handling' staff or bring in a contractor.
There are fears Jet2 - which has flights from Blackpool to holiday hotspots Spain and Portugal - may even opt to quit the resort, despite having 10 years on its contract.
In a letter to staff, Airport Director, Paul Rankin said: "There are two possible outcomes we are required to consider.
"One being Jet2 self-handle their aircraft or contract to another handling provider in which case we would envisage a transfer of employment.
"Despite Jet2 being contractually committed to Blackpool for several years and the airport remaining fully committed to working with Jet2, indeed we have invested enormous sums to create an environment within which Jet2's low cost services could thrive, the second possible outcome we have had to consider is that Jet2 could make the decision to withdraw services from Blackpool.
"Both these outcomes may result in a reduced requirement for work and the number of contracted hours in business."
Blackpool staff man the check-in desks, handle baggage and basically look after Jet2 aircraft and passengers while on the ground. The current handling agreement runs out on December 8.
Mr Rankin added: "Jet2 has confirmed that despite operating successfully from Blackpool there is no potential for growth for the foreseeable future."
Ian Doubtfire, managing director of Jet2 would not be drawn on the handling agreement, but pledged: "We remain fully committed to our ever popular base here in the North West.
"Jet2 flights are already on sale to seven destinations for next summer, with further routes planned for winter 2011/12 including the Tenerife flights which are already on sale for next winter.
"We remain 100 per cent dedicated to providing our customers using Blackpool Airport with friendly low fares for many years to come."
All 125 workers were called in for a mass meeting yesterday and told as many as 85 of them could be made redundant.
The shock move has come after low-cost airline Jet2.com told the airport there was "no potential for growth" in its European services from Blackpool.
Airport bosses admit their business has suffered "substantial loss" due to the recession.
They blame a downturn in the aviation market and say a ground crew agreement with Jet2 is no longer viable. It has left them £1m out-of-pocket over the last five years.
Now the airline is being asked to provide its own 'handling' staff or bring in a contractor.
There are fears Jet2 - which has flights from Blackpool to holiday hotspots Spain and Portugal - may even opt to quit the resort, despite having 10 years on its contract.
In a letter to staff, Airport Director, Paul Rankin said: "There are two possible outcomes we are required to consider.
"One being Jet2 self-handle their aircraft or contract to another handling provider in which case we would envisage a transfer of employment.
"Despite Jet2 being contractually committed to Blackpool for several years and the airport remaining fully committed to working with Jet2, indeed we have invested enormous sums to create an environment within which Jet2's low cost services could thrive, the second possible outcome we have had to consider is that Jet2 could make the decision to withdraw services from Blackpool.
"Both these outcomes may result in a reduced requirement for work and the number of contracted hours in business."
Blackpool staff man the check-in desks, handle baggage and basically look after Jet2 aircraft and passengers while on the ground. The current handling agreement runs out on December 8.
Mr Rankin added: "Jet2 has confirmed that despite operating successfully from Blackpool there is no potential for growth for the foreseeable future."
Ian Doubtfire, managing director of Jet2 would not be drawn on the handling agreement, but pledged: "We remain fully committed to our ever popular base here in the North West.
"Jet2 flights are already on sale to seven destinations for next summer, with further routes planned for winter 2011/12 including the Tenerife flights which are already on sale for next winter.
"We remain 100 per cent dedicated to providing our customers using Blackpool Airport with friendly low fares for many years to come."