Originally Posted by
oliver2002
Well, I wouldn't diss Norwegian so fast.
Their operating costs are so low because they have a homogenous fleet that has a very low fuel burn. The maintainance is contracted out and of decent standards, otherwise the aircraft lose value. Pilots need to be paid industry wages or else they are gone, as there is a severe shortage of qualified pilots in Europe. If you take a peak at the pprune forum you will see that they also have hiring standards.
https://www.pprune.org/terms-endearm...n-updated.html
https://www.pprune.org/terms-endearm...lgw-based.html
Irreg handling at LoCos is defintely sub par and that is a clear case of 'you get what you pay for'.
Oliver, I don't visit PPrune very often, but I am aware of the quality of applicant Norwegian has been getting over the last few years based on information I have within the industry. They do not attract the cream of the crop in large part due to their pay and benefit package and have pretty minimal hiring standards. A Norwegian 787 Captain makes less than a year 2 737 copilot at most established airlines. You get what you pay for.
If you think IRROPS is the only place where Norwegian cuts corners, I don't know what to say. It's the place where the public is currently noticing problems in Norwegian's business model; it is not the only place where they have gone with the cheapest solution. As for their maintenance, on what do you base that it is 'of decent standards'? I've seen some pretty shoddy outsourced maintenance in this business.