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Stuart Weaving - Nationwide Airlines COLLAPSE OF NATIONWIDE Do you remember my old friend Freddie Laker, whose independent airline brought a new era into the pricing of North Atlantic air travel until the “big boys” wiped him out? Over the last couple of years I have been expounding the virtues of Nationwide, South Africa’s independent airline. Many members will endorse my opinion that their service, courtesy and comfort outstripped other airlines and, at the same time, Nationwide produced fares at a level that enabled more people to travel more frequently to enjoy reunions with their families. I suppose it was inevitable that such an airline was a thorn in the side of the more established airlines. The protracted grounding of Nationwide’s fleet, mandated by the South African Civil Aviation Authority, for a whole week at peak time in December hurt them greatly and, since then, the efforts in recapturing their market, plus the escalating fuel prices have forced them out of business. Throughout this period, Nationwide Airlines continued to work towards securing investment by a black empowerment consortium which for some reason did not come to fruition. It’s a pity that the powers that be do not recognise the value to the general public of having an independent airline challenging the national carriers. THANK GOODNESS YOU’RE A MEMBER: When I heard of the collapse, I flew to Staines to make sure that the members who had booked through the Friendship Associations on Nationwide would not suffer. When I arrived at the office I was so proud once again to witness the staff “grasping the nettle” and putting members at their ease by assuring them that they would not lose out financially in that the whole amount that they had paid for their ticket would be credited to a new booking (mostly on the same dates) with another airline. Of course they will have to pay any difference between their original booking and the cost of the booking. In fact in some cases, we managed to get them on a cheaper flight and make a refund! During this peak of activity the staff made sure that the phones were answered promptly by a human being – NO pre-scripted, recorded messages or press button 1, 2, 3 or 4 for our members. Our personal reaction proved to be a considerable comfort to members who had found it impossible to get through to the airline itself. We felt very sorry for the few members who contacted us but had booked elsewhere, regrettably our Scheduled Airline Failure cover only applies to members booking through us. Anyone booking on the internet found no joy at all in their endeavours to contact the airline. We must not think that it is only the independent airline that collapses. If you recall a few years ago a shock to the world was the collapse of Swissair. Who knows what the long term fall-out will be from the fiasco at Heathrow’s Terminal 5? A recent notice from the UK Civil Aviation Authority said “we want DIY holidaymakers to understand that they will not be protected”. As an old friend of mine from my early days in business, Wilfred Wooller (a great cricketer and cricket administrator) who was a partner in an insurance broking business said “put yourself in our hands and we will make sure that all the essentials are covered”. I would say the same when you are planning your visit to South Africa “put yourself in our hands and not only will we get you the best fare available but also the best protection”. The collapse of Nationwide and our swift and successful handling of this sad situation is once again proof that our organisation cares deeply about you, the member, and affords you maximum protection. Yours very sincerely, Stuart Weaving |
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