Sir - It was with cynical amusement that I read the article "Trans-Tasman partners study operations link for efficiency" on the proposals by Air New Zealand and Ansett of Australia for mixed-crewing economies (Flight International, 20-26 August, P16).
Savings in crew utilisation and accommodation costs, with crews getting more home-base time, were declared as major advantages. Anyone who actually believes that the third benefit will result from the first two must be living in a dream world.
My own experience is that efficiencies on the track result in more time on the track, as duty days are increased and contractual limits massaged to maintain the same level of home-base time, but with much more work conducted to get it.
Capt M Collins
Exmouth, Devon, UK
Source: Flight International