Security woes

Security is naturally aviation's biggest concern, and the impact on aviation deepens every time a plot is uncovered or foiled. The fallout of the failed attempt to blow up an aircraft on Christmas Day last year now affects millions of travellers. A few days ago I was connecting at JFK's Terminal 4 from Montreal to Dubai. Although the security queues were horrendous, no-one was complaining - except, that is, the security staff who were shouting and yelling at compliant travellers. Yes, it is a stressful job. Yes, they need to be strict. Yes, they are working under pressure, and in conditions that are not well adapted to performing security checks. But it is a sad indictment of our industry that travellers are herded and treated like cattle on the way to the slaughterhouse.

And what happens when travellers at JFK were emerging from the security checks? We were all shouted at by airline staff for delaying the aircraft departure. So much for the glamour of flying. You just can't win.

Please be kind to Monarch Airlines

A Happy New Year to all readers.

The silly season has arrived early. UK bookmaker Paddy Power reported that 100 people had a flutter over Christmas on whether Monarch Airlines will be the next airline to go bust. They shortened the odds from 50 to 1 to just 4 to 1. My good friend Tim Jeans, Managing Director of Monarch Airlines, did not find Paddy Power's 'book' on his airline at all funny. Tim did not lose a moment in reassuring people that his airline is as safe as houses. Said Tim, Paddy Power's odds of 18 to 1 on Ryanair boss Michael O'Leary to be the next CEO of British Airways would be a better bet.

But there are still people in this crazy world who are willing to bet on Elvis being alive and well.