Anyone working for a start-up has to be flexible and ready for a challenge. It is Chris Humphrey's job to prepare new pilots to grow along with Oasis Hong Kong Airlines - and one new recruit is his son Richard
After 35 years at British Airways, in 2005 Chris Humphrey took a chance on a new long-haul low-cost start-up. So far the decision has paid off, and at the end of October the base training captain and his first officer son Richard flew the airline's first anniversary flight together from London Gatwick to Hong Kong.
What was it like moving from an established airline to a start-up?
I was used to an immense support system and resources, so it was similar to starting a jigsaw without all the pieces initially. Now more pieces have arrived and are falling into place. This time last year was very intense as we took delivery of the first aircraft and had to train the first batch of pilots at Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia in time for the first flight at the end of October.
How are your customers different from BA passengers?
Our passenger profile is markedly different from British Airways. Rather than the bankers and lawyers in traditional first and business class, we are flying many more mature couples who want to travel business class and find our price and service more attractive than economy elsewhere. We also fly several small entrepreneurs who regularly do business in the Hong Kong area.
What are your major daily challenges?
Initially we had four base training captains and have done base training in Manston in Kent every weekend. We are a small operation with a five-year plan and it was an immense logistical challenge making sure everything ran smoothly. Our ground manager Chris Youlten and his assistant Carmen Ma are the cornerstones of the company. They keep the aircraft flying on a daily basis.
Did you train Richard? If so, how was that?
Richard asked if he could apply after we ran the roadshow at Gatwick last December. I had said during my presentation that you only get the opportunity to join a new airline once in a career. Atholl Buchan, our director of flight operations, conducted Richard's interview and I did some circuits with him at Manston. He performed very well in a 20kt (37km/h) crosswind, which I attribute to the quality of his previous instruction. We asked if we could fly the anniversary flight together.
What qualities does Oasis look for in its pilots?
Oasis selects captains for the future. Our early intake was predominantly ex-Cathay Pacific and British Airways pilots. There has been a demographic change and we look for highly motivated individuals with a strong career commitment who set and achieve high standards. We also look for good business and customer focus, as well as people with 2,000h. We will take on 150 new recruits over the next 15 months. The application flow is pretty fluent and we have a good backlog on file. We use the same selection techniques the majors use to ensure we get the best people.
What are the highlights of your job?
Last year was the most challenging, demanding and rewarding of my career so far - from delivering and flight testing the first aircraft to simulator training and roadshows. The people are what make the difference. The best part is the Oasis people with whom I work. We all pull together and the prospects for the future are very exciting.
Family business: Chris and Richard Humphrey both fly with Oasis
Source: Flight International
