WORLD'S BEST AIRLINE NAMED AT ANNUAL AWARDS

[tonysoprano]

I think some of our orient and believe it or not some European. If BA offers it to LHR, we should too. If Cathay offers it to HKG, we should too.

[bmc]

BA took F off of YUL-LON a couple of years back. If the 744 is on YYZ, they'll have F. Same with YVR. YYC and YUL are B777's.

As for CX, not sure about that. Converting airplanes and launching/maintaining a new product is costly. The F markets are limited and it could work if you close cycle the airplanes on those routes.

BA's first is OUTSTANDING. They upgraded me in SIN one night. The longest nonstop sector in the BA network. 13 hours. I drank the wine menu. Every time the flt attendant came along and asked if Mr.M would like some more St.Julien, I said " No thank you. I would now like to try the ...". Boarded, put on the pijamas, and started into the wine. I can be a real class act sometimes.

[tonysoprano]

Haha. Yeah I can just picture you in the pj's and your smoking jacket sipping on a fine red at 35,000'. Um, from what I recall, AC only had first on a few selected routes worldwide and now it's completely gone which brings me to the point I was making earlier about how service has changed in this part of the world perhaps attributable to "the new way" of doing business. In other words, competing with the low costs. However, if we are competing with a company on aroute who provides first, then I think we should do the same. The average joe in economy at AC is complaining. You can imagine what our "elite" are saying. Especially the ones that have been around and use to the old system. Having said that we get much praise as they deplane and say goodbye to us. Thank you.

[squawk 7600]

Tony,

So it sounds like it's not a customer service issue with AC, but an upper managment problem. How long before someone finally says enough already, forget what the shareholders think...lets get this company back on it's feet. From what I understand, Jazz has done a good job of refineing and streamlining, maybe their management group would be better qualified to bring this miss under control.

[tonysoprano]

Good question squawk. and I agree with your Jazz comment. I'm sure if and when the right people take over, you'll see a different mentality (?). We have always said it starts from the top. Yes unions share some blame in some areas. I have seen it. But the biggest problem is top down. Hey, maybe you're right. Jazz management should take over. Uh. Naaaaa.

[bmc]

Hey TS...just tossed some money your way last night. Bought a round trip ticket on AC to get my little girl home from YYJ for the summer.

[Old fella]

Maybe with that act of kindness he will part with a bottle of his best from the renowned TS cellar!!!!

[tonysoprano]

I don't think so Old Guy......Thanks bmc, we need all the help we can get. Hope she has a good trip.

[bmc]

I have been so delinquent with the wine lately. We're down to one bottle a week. I'm getting worried. Is there a health risk associated with drinking only one bottle a week?

FYI...I'm babysitting a black Fiat Barchetta for a week. (vroom vroom). One hour to the Mont Blanc tunnel with the roof down. The mrs is having knee surgery as I write this. She will not be able to sit beside me. Don't you guys see the value in developing a friendship with me? A bed. A roof. Italian sportscar. Airplane geek. Wino. Croze Hermitage, Cornas, Cote Rotie.

I participate in another non-aviation forum and I would have been booted long ago for thread hijacking like we do here.

You two clowns bring it out, you know.

[tonysoprano]

I think having access to a Barchetta and driving it through the Alps calls for a bottle of wine or perhaps some Prosecco. The wife's successful operation and coming home probably deserves another bottle. There are many ways to avoid the one bottle a week deficiency. I'm sure Old Fella has a few tricks of his own.

[Old fella]

Well chaps......... a three way chat again. Hope bmc's lovely lady has a fast recovery and will be up and around in jig time. And yes...... friendships always welcome fast cars/nectar(although not in combination as I am sure you will agree).

Off to the Caribbean next week on a certain island as Mrs OF having a particular rough winter on the teaching circuit insisted that a week of Sun, Rum and other associated activities is essential the health of the soul(hers and mine). Been hearing the vino at this particular spot ain't up to my standards and I even thought of packing away 2 bottles of quality Burgundy for one of the a la cartes but that may be dangerous. I don't care about the clothes but would cry if my nectar got smashed up enroute.

And Tony, hope you won't be dissappointed in me and we will remain on speaking terms but I didn't book with AC. Had to go with Air Transat, it wasn't because of money but the tight time frame to this certain spot was only available through AT. I think the actual flying trip is through WJ B737-800 and AT vacations charters them

See you in a bit, chaps

[tonysoprano]

Old fella.
Have a good one. Enjoy the rum punch.

[bmc]

Have a good one O.F. Wish you lots of sun.

Tony...keep the blue side up. Expect a wave of emails as I've been tied up at work and have'nt sent anything out in over 10 days.

[tonysoprano]

Thanks b. I was wondering about that.