2008-11-21T12:59:07Z No Author Copyright 2008, No Author SPHPBLOG
Seriously.

Did you know that many of the people who write allegedly informed posts on various web-based industry forums are not part of the inner circle at all? Some are wannabe pilots (who will never make the grade), some are baggage handlers... and some have even applied for a job at the target of their ignorant and ill-informed negative comments! This latter group, because they did not meet the standards of airlines such as flyforbeans, and were rejected, rather unprofessionally and immaturely started spreading false rumours. Tsk tsk!

Anyway, as flyforbeans blog readers know, our blog is the only official source of flyforbeans news and information at this stage. We update it when we have something to say publicly. We may not update it every month or week as we are busy behind the scenes. Those we do business with are kept up-to-speed and quite appropriately, have access to a lot more information on our development which we cannot and will not make public for a myriad of reasons, ranging from commercial senstivity to legal points.

We are still here, still working hard, and are more committed to making flyforbeans your favourite low cost airline than ever.

It is no secret, as we have openly stated previously, that the dire state of the UK economy and financial markets has slowed us down. Obviously (forgive me for emphasising this point, but there are clearly some people out there who need to be taken by the hand and have things spelt out to them!), we would be flying now if we were in a massively booming part of the economic cycle. No, we haven't gone away and the state of the economy and high fuel prices actually proves out point - and the point of many research organisations - the true low cost sector is the way forward for European air travel as consumers become more discriminating and value driven.

In a nutshell... we are still here and waiting for the optimum time to launch. We would be foolish in the extreme to do so now. Both we and our expert advisors are both pleased and relieved that we did not launch sooner into such an unexpected and challenging market, that has, very sadly, seen a number of airlines and related businesses cease operations.

So, if someone whispers in your ear that flyforbeans has gone away or disppeared, or you read an inflammatory posting on a scurrillous industry forum, I suggest you come back and see if we have posted a new blog. If we haven't, it means that the information is at best wrong and at worst, a deliberate untruth born of a bitter mind. We'll keep you updated via the blog when we have something to say that we can share publicly. That could be a few weeks, or a few months. This is because we have better things to do - such as starting an airline - than respond to gossip-mongerers.

Best wishes

Tim]]> http://www.flyforbeans.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry081017-113540 2008-10-17T00:00:00Z 2008-10-17T00:00:00Z
However, if starting an airline was easy during the flow-on effects of the US sub prime mortgage crisis and subsequent international equity markets volatility, then everyone would be doing it. We won’t mention the high oil prices, which some airlines are even using as an excuse to reduce services. Unbelievable.

It’s a difficult thing too, because while we want to share as many of the exciting developments and milestones we continue to achieve with our supporters, due to commercial sensitivity (you know what we mean, allowing potential competitors to see our amazing, industry-leading ideas before we go on sale and potentially filch them off us – one carrier has even introduced a blog!), there is a lot going on in the background that is very hush-hush.

Particularly the development of our website. There have been informed debates among the management team (no one was seriously injured), our creative agency have had lots of ground-breaking ideas (they are quite, quite mad) and our ancillary service providers have been incredibly helpful (thank you chaps!).

The resultant developing site is looking superb. It will be very simple and fast to use, and there will be targeted added extras and functionality that we believe will be useful, fun and informative. We obviously are not going to unveil this to anyone aside from our founder investors until we go on sale. However, we are keen for regular bean blog readers to have a play around with it once it is launched and give us your feedback so we can continue to improve it.

As always, we will keep you updated and we are genuinely grateful for the e-mails of support we receive and you interest in our development – thank you.

The Beans Team]]> http://www.flyforbeans.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry080630-142912 2008-06-30T00:00:00Z 2008-06-30T00:00:00Z
Our plans are based on what at the time we wrote them were very high fuel costs, which then seemed incredibly pessimistic, but we have been proved right... That’s a prediction we would have liked to have got wrong, I can tell you! British Airways reported this week that it was once again hiking its fuel surcharges – FFB will not, ever, have fuel surcharges, and you can hold me to that.

We’ve seen a few airlines fail recently. Interestingly, none of them have been true 'low cost' airlines, which suffer much less in times of economic squeeze than full service airlines.

We continue to work with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), and we can report that our route plan analysis supports our view that Cardiff needs our routes very badly – the market is most definitely there, and our fares will be very competitive. The people of South Wales want to travel from their local airport – for those who think the road to Cardiff Airport isn’t exactly a four lane highway, they should try the road to Bristol!

We’re working very hard to make FFB happen. No one is more frustrated than me that we are not in the air right now, but we are sure that we will repay your patience.

We do have very positive news on our progress and plans to share with you as soon as we can. So bear with myself and the rest of the team, and I'll keep you updated.

One more thing - we believe in open and honest communciation. Yes - we were hoping to go on sale some time in April. Clearly it wasn't possible. But you won't see us amending or deleting our previous blogs which we hope will serve as an interesting, insightful journey to the first flyforbeans flight! ]]> http://www.flyforbeans.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry080430-185005 2008-04-30T00:00:00Z 2008-04-30T00:00:00Z
Forming the very base of our foundations is the absolute requirement that the flyforbeans team will provide our customers with the highest possible levels of safety and quality.

Getting things absolutely right is my priority as flyforbeans’ Head of Quality.

As you probably know, the commercial aviation industry is highly regulated to ensure aircraft are operated safely and kept airworthy.

Safety and quality cannot be inspected into our systems and services as a matter of ongoing process or hindsight; it must be systematically planned, designed and built into them from the outset.

To ensure this happens the whole team have been busy refining our business processes, procedures, policies and standards that will ensure this happens and that we comply with regulatory requirements.

For example, one of my key priorities right now is to ensure a robust and integrated Quality Management System is implemented that will monitor compliance with requirements so that everything - from training to toilet rolls - will be fit for its purpose.

Additionally, I’m also involved with the establishment of a Safety Management System to ensure the highest possible levels of safety are maintained.

We are currently in the process of gaining the necessary approvals from the Civil Aviation Authority that will allow us to start flying as soon as we are ready to. As part of the flyforbeans team, I am confident that we will be able to offer you new and exiting destinations and service that will take you to places you have never ‘bean’ before!]]> http://www.flyforbeans.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry080317-115158 2008-03-17T00:00:00Z 2008-03-17T00:00:00Z
It’s incredible, when you really think about it, that no international carrier before flyforbeans has decided to base itself by Europe’s youngest, and arguably most dynamic and progressive, capital city. But so often the most brilliant ideas are the ones that have been there for the taking for a long time. Sliced bread springs to mind.

My role as a head of marketing and strategic communications is all about managing our brand, our reputation and ensuring our communications with all our stakeholders – from investors to customers – are of an industry-leading standard.

It’s a stressful and challenging role, but at the same time is fun (we have a great team, though I am the only female right now!) and incredibly rewarding.

Projects I’m currently involved with (yes... simultaneously!) include finalising our Communications Policy, ensuring our investors are getting all the information they need, putting our ancillary service programme in place (this means our customers will not only be able to access fantastically-priced flyforbeans flights, but simply and quickly book hotels or villas, car rental, travel insurance and other services), working on our launch marketing and media campaigns, and, what I’m really, really excited about, our website. I’ve said it to my colleagues – and I’ll tell you too, so feel free to come back and haunt me if I’m wrong - the flyforbeans website is going to be fantastic!

It was disappointing when we couldn’t launch last year (it’s amazing what a flow-on effect the US sub prime mortgage crisis has had), but we are now gearing up for first flights in June and plan to go on sale in April, subject, of course, to Government approval.

I know you must be wondering: “What great European destinations will flyforbeans take me to for fantastically low fares?” Well, I can’t tell you. Not just yet. But, trust me – we have a brilliant range of unserved business and leisure routes that will make all of you living within a comfortable drive of Cardiff Airport the envy of those living closer to many other airports.

So, it’s all happening right now. And you’ll be hearing a lot more about our plans very soon. In the meantime, if you want to make sure you are personally kept up-to-date and one of the first people to receive news from us, please e-mail me at iamfullofbeans@flyforbeans.com, clearly stating that you are happy for us to place your on our VIB (Very Important Bean) Customer Contact List and I’ll respond with a welcome e-mail. We are really looking forward to you flying with us.

Polly Stewart
Executive Director, Head of Marketing & Strategic Communication

]]> http://www.flyforbeans.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry080131-124414 2008-01-31T00:00:00Z 2008-01-31T00:00:00Z
We look forward to you travelling with us in the New Year.

Tim Lee

]]> http://www.flyforbeans.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry071220-134504 2007-12-20T00:00:00Z 2007-12-20T00:00:00Z
My name’s Tony Bevan and I’ve been involved with flyforbeans’ financial planning and modelling since May. I’m an enthusiastic convert to the low cost airline concept, mainly because it works, because it enables us to travel more often and because as a rule the only people who like paying more than they have to are doing it with someone else’s money!

You can tell I’m enthusiastic about what we’re doing because I’m not frowning. It’s a Finance Director thing, if I ever make the mistake of smiling at someone they usually interpret it as: “The FD thinks it’s a good idea and I can spend what I like.” Umm… NO. But to be fair to my colleagues they have a strong grasp of the low cost ethos –costs saved equals fares lowered.

Currently, one of the projects I’m leading is our work with the Civil Aviation Authority in support of our operating license application. The CAA sets very stringent rules relating to airline business financial models, and Tim and I are working with them to ensure that they are satisfied with our plans. Without a license, we won’t be advertising or selling any seats, so you can see just how key a role this is!

With any new business, comprehensive and relevant market research is integral to its success. As part of that process, one of my most important ongoing tasks is to exhaust all possible trading scenarios and review and evaluate all possible contingencies and sensitivies to ensure our model is robust in any environment. And it must feel right.

And I think what we’re trying to deliver does feel right – a European airline with an excellent range of routes which prioritises safety and good value. If your first thought after flying with us is to browse our website to see where you can go next month then we will have done our job.

If your idea of flying is to be carried shoulder high, borne on a litter by a group of strapping, modestly clad Chippendales from a stretch limo to the check in desk as your credit card spontaneously combusts then I guess we’re not for you...
]]> http://www.flyforbeans.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry071109-111613 2007-11-09T00:00:00Z 2007-11-09T00:00:00Z I am Captain Brian Bibb, Director of Flight Operations for flyforbeans, the new low fare airline for Europe.

My primary role is to oversee and ensure that all our aircraft, and the way they are operated, comply with the Civil Aviation Authority’s regulations. This includes everything from pilot recruitment and training to working with Neil Helling, our Head of Cabin Services, on cabin crew recruitment and training, with Executive Director and Head of Operations & Licensing Keith Chatten on ground operations, and Head of Engineering Nigel Bullimore on all aspects of our engineering programme. I’m also responsible for building our safety culture, ensuring compliance with all regulatory bodies, crew welfare, discipline issues and liaising with my fellow board directors with regard to the future development of our airline - to name just a few of my current priorities!

The last few months have been very busy and the team has been very focussed on achieving some of the significant milestones that lead to our first flight. flyforbeans is going to be a very professional, fun, modern airline. We’re going to really enjoy taking you to some of Europe’s most exciting destinations, and we’re sure that you’ll love our low fares and our great service.

Recruitment has been ongoing and I have been very pleased with the calibre and number of applicants and I’d like to thank all those who have applied so far. The training of all our flight crew is an issue we take very seriously. I have been talking to a range of training providers, with an emphasis on quality and professionalism, and their high standards will be reflected in our crew’s high standards.

The route structure is very exciting. I have been flying for 20 years and have been all over Europe, but there is one route we’ll be going to that even I have never flown into! I know that when the tickets become available, there will be a quite few pleasant surprises in store for you.

As you may appreciate, we all are very keen to get our airline ‘up and away’ as soon as is possible. Until that time, we are making sure that when you step on board our aircraft for the first time, you will be very impressed with flyforbeans and be very keen to fly with us again!

As your Captain, I’d like to say WELCOME ABOARD!
]]> http://www.flyforbeans.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry071025-153000 2007-10-25T00:00:00Z 2007-10-25T00:00:00Z
Asking a computer geek to write this kind of stuff isn’t easy - I’m used to source code, network topologies and fault tolerant systems, not writing a blog! Well, to be technically correct, a weblog.

Being in charge of IT at flyforbeans is a role that’s incredibly important. We all know about how vital the implementation of IT is across all industries. In the aviation industry, particularly with low cost carriers that sell most tickets via websites, it’s crucial that our systems are fast, efficient and reliable.

You may be surprised to know just how much background work goes on behind the scenes in terms of putting together the internet home of the airline.

Our holding pages – how you ended up on this blog - have had tens of thousands of visits over the past few months. People all over the world have been checking us out, from Honduras to Zimbabwe - and a lot from Wales and the south west of England!

My most important project so far has been to identify the most appropriate CRS (computer reservation system) for flyforbeans, a business critical function. The CRS must allow real-time access to all flight details, automated booking, payment and ticketing processes as well as integrate seamlessly within our website. It will enable our customers to access all the relevant information necessary to book a flight with us easily. Regarding payment methods, I’ve been finding ways for the website to accept a wide range of them – I’m sure many of you have been in a situation where you were unable to buy something because your credit or debit card wasn’t one the site could accept, it’s happened to me!

I believe the currency exchange system will be a really nice added-value functionality on the website as it will let passengers pay in their preferred currency, which will usually be their own. Ever paid for something on the internet, but been charged more because it was in another currency? On our website, that won’t be the case – no more surprises at the end of the month when you receive your credit card bill. I can’t wait for our website to go live, I think we’ll impress quite a few people with its fantastic, easy-to-use features and functions.

Internally, I work with all the other heads of departments to find the most appropriate IT tools to answer their needs. This also means I have to test any systems we put in place. A good example would be the DMS (document management system) and the intranet. DMS is used to track and store electronic documents as they are modified or altered. Such a system is used by members of our team, ranging from our engineers to our crew, where documents can be continually amended and remain accessible to those who need them via our intranet.

I could go on for hours explaining all that I have been up to, but I think it best I stop before I bore you to sleep. We geeks love what we do and sometimes forget others aren’t that interested – though you’ll definitely love the results!
]]> http://www.flyforbeans.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry071004-110000 2007-10-04T00:00:00Z 2007-10-04T00:00:00Z
My first - and arguably most important - task for the airline back in May was applying for our Air Operators Certificate (AOC) from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). Lots of people ask us: “When will you have your AOC?” This is a difficult question to answer because it’s a complicated and multi-stage process that involves balancing a number of factors. However, I’d like to give you some of the background.

flyforbeans applied for both its AOC and Operating Licence at the same time, processes which are overseen by the CAA. The airline industry is rightly one of the most highly regulated industries in the world. Safety is paramount at all times and the CAA is charged with ensuring any licence granted to any airline operating in the UK satisfies all its stringent safety requirements across all areas of business and flight operations.

The major part of my work at the moment is spent producing our Operating Manuals. These documents tell all our crew members and staff how our airline operates. These have to be written to comply with the Joint Airworthiness Regulations Operations Volume 1 – more commonly known as JAR OPS-1 – the rules we must fly by. While we have not yet taken physical possession of our aircraft fleet, we still have to ensure that our manuals are living documents that reflect the latest regulations. Once the manuals are written, we go through a proofing phase with several individuals reading each manual. After this process, we present the manuals to the CAA for approval. When do we hope to have our AOC? We anticipate having our AOC a few days before our first service. Why then? This is quite usual as the final step in obtaining the AOC is to do a demonstration flight for the CAA and as this does not have any fare paying passengers on board it’s best to do this as close as possible to the first commercial flight.

So what else is going on? I am also setting up the Operations Department. What is Operations? Operations ensures that there are aircraft, crew, fuel and handling in place for each flight and helps to ensure that the appropriate information is fed to all departments of the airline. We will have a dedicated team of Operations Officers who will ensure a 24-hours-a-day, 365-days a year coverage. Currently I am reviewing several highly specialised IT systems that will assist the department including flight planning and a system that allows us to monitor our aircrafts’ flights.

September is a particularly busy time for me as I am in the final stages of obtaining our Summer 2008 runway slots, which must be submitted by October 11. I would love to tell you where I have applied for, but all I can say is we have increased the number of destinations we are going to be operating in our first year to well over 12.

Well enough from me - I will keep you updated but keep checking the website for other blogs from the beans team.
]]> http://www.flyforbeans.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry070920-101907 2007-09-20T00:00:00Z 2007-09-20T00:00:00Z