CTA Airlines gone bust

tarry67


Joined: 16/05/2008
Posts: 1053

Message Posted:
22/06/2010 07:55

CTA airlines have gone bust this morning leaving many people at ercan wondering what is going on. Not heard any further news too date.

nurseawful



Joined: 06/02/2009
Posts: 5934

Message Posted:
22/06/2010 08:00

It's been on the cards for months now it was just a question of when! Lots of people going to be stranded here and in the UK. Wonder if Pegasus knew yesterday when they put some really cheap flights for July on here.

When my son went back last Wednesday they ended up on the tarmac at Antalya for 2 hours befor finally getting on their way and he said the crew didn't really give an explanation for it.



Chris

Lilli



Joined: 21/07/2008
Posts: 13081

Message Posted:
22/06/2010 08:34

tarry where is this news coming from oplease as i cannont find out any details.

sloan



Joined: 24/02/2009
Posts: 808

Message Posted:
22/06/2010 08:37

http://www.haberoku.net/haber/2827--kthynin-ucuslari-durduruldu.html



plus phone calls from family and friends stuck in Stanstead and Ercan.

Lilli



Joined: 21/07/2008
Posts: 13081

Message Posted:
22/06/2010 08:44

thank you sheila x

Groucho



Joined: 26/04/2008
Posts: 7993

Message Posted:
22/06/2010 08:48

Cyprus Turkish Airlines (KTHY) flights, the Turkish General Directorate of Civil Aviation is stopped by the three month period, were confiscated in a plane. Debts falling due to the difficult situation of Cyprus Turkish Airlines was a blow to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation. Turkish planes were registered by the Civil Aviation KTHY's not healthy business yesterday with the idea of flight was stopped in the evening. Moreover, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, to fulfill their obligations on a plane seized in KTHY not been announced. Cyprus Turkish Airlines owes more than $ 100 million as stated.



Badly translated... but basically, they've been grounded as 'a company trading whilst insolvent' it would appear.

Gramps


Joined: 21/03/2010
Posts: 18

Message Posted:
22/06/2010 09:36

Beware!! you can still book on line, and no mention that they have gone bust.

Earlybird


Joined: 28/04/2009
Posts: 816

Message Posted:
22/06/2010 09:37

I supported the country's airline and have booked all summer tickets with them. I wonder what happens now?

tarry67


Joined: 16/05/2008
Posts: 1053

Message Posted:
22/06/2010 09:40

My friend just called and has just been lucky and got a ticket from turkish airlines desk as he needed to get back urgently.

snakes



Joined: 28/10/2008
Posts: 1512

Message Posted:
22/06/2010 09:41

Earlybird it happened to us when XL kicked the bucket but we paid by credit card and got a refund eventually !! regards Barry

TheScarlets



Joined: 14/04/2009
Posts: 877

Message Posted:
22/06/2010 09:41

Hope everything works out well for those who have purchased tickets and perhaps this maybe a false alarm with a resolution later today. Glad I'm flying into the dark side

Earlybird


Joined: 28/04/2009
Posts: 816

Message Posted:
22/06/2010 09:48

Re msg 10 - yes, we always book using credit card...just in case!

Sideways



Joined: 21/01/2009
Posts: 529

Message Posted:
22/06/2010 09:55

I've just booked with B.A. to London @ £268 Return

KTHY were £347

Cyprus Airlines were £334

Pegasus were £479 yes £479 (1125TL).



I'm sure KTHY will get sorted, it is the National carrier!!

Lilli



Joined: 21/07/2008
Posts: 13081

Message Posted:
22/06/2010 09:55

Hi Ian i think more will book via south now. My son arrives sunday via laranca , I almost booked direct to ercan but he would have had to go to stanstead. I feel for all who have booked and now have to make alternative plans.

flightholiday


Joined: 19/07/2007
Posts: 3217

Message Posted:
22/06/2010 10:21

Do not panic - you all know this was expected but I understand that a plan is in hand and if it works you will all know in 24/36 hours.

everon


Joined: 18/04/2009
Posts: 956

Message Posted:
22/06/2010 10:24

we vowed we never would, but we always fly from the south now

MajorieDawes


Joined: 23/10/2008
Posts: 62

Message Posted:
22/06/2010 10:26

Well I've just re-booked my Summer holiday flights with Turkish before the fares go sky-high for the remaining seats. There's no fun looking forward to a holiday whilst worrying about whether the airline will be flying or not.

phylray



Joined: 21/09/2007
Posts: 1727

Message Posted:
22/06/2010 10:38

I /am sorry to hear that, and there have been rumours for some time.

It was a good airline and they did have special rate for kids which made

family bookings more reasonable, I heard. Hope something gets sorted out

take-over etc. I use Pegasus mostly now as they are very reasonable and

reliable (fingers crossed) Vowed I would never fly into Larnaca again in

summer as it was absolute chaos a year last summer, with Glas/LutonNewcastle

flights all in one big queue, and then a 2 hour wait because of breakdown in system.

Then the min. £80 return taxi and longer journey.

kazbo


Joined: 05/04/2009
Posts: 208

Message Posted:
22/06/2010 10:47

just been told by ankara travel that is the ground staff that have gone on strike at ercan today, not CTA. Not sure what they mean, but they have mentioned that Pegasus has taken on 50/50 with CTA. say flights will be disrupted for about a week until they get sorted but hopefully will be ok then.



Here are some numbers for CTA 0392 2314142 and 0392 2271706

StGeorgeI


Joined: 27/08/2009
Posts: 973

Message Posted:
22/06/2010 10:52

Never fly through the South as I live in Northern Cyprus and would rather put my money back into our Economy than give it to the Greeks. However I can see the attraction for people that want to fly from some of the smaller airports in the UK.



We go with whatever is cheaper into Ercan and that is normally Pegasus - although you have to book early with them (then there are some real deals).



This is a great shame about CTA, but i'm sure they will be rescued in the next 48 hours. Just hope they can get someone in that knows how to manage things. This is all down to bad management at the end of the day!



G

Tenakoutou



Joined: 27/07/2009
Posts: 4110

Message Posted:
22/06/2010 11:02

It's down to too many Chiefs AND too many Indians!

cyprusishome


Joined: 31/03/2007
Posts: 2381

Message Posted:
22/06/2010 11:05

Cynical, Me!!!!



The government had a meeting planned for late Tuesday morning, airline gets grounded overnight mon/tues.



There are several more auctions pending before the parliament breaks for summer.



So, pressure is now taken away from auctions before "schools out for the summer"!!!!!



Convince me I am wrong?

RoxyBob


Joined: 13/07/2009
Posts: 205

Message Posted:
22/06/2010 11:06

Message 29



Also been told by our travel agents (Ankara travel) that it is the ground staff that are on strike. The said they would send us more information when they received it

catalkoykid


Joined: 15/02/2009
Posts: 1190

Message Posted:
22/06/2010 11:09

cta are crap,the cabin crew are crap,and the best thing they can do is let it go down the pan

cyprusishome


Joined: 31/03/2007
Posts: 2381

Message Posted:
22/06/2010 11:23

I like KTHY. Never had a problem, family never had problem so would always fly with them.

Dusterbruce


Joined: 03/08/2007
Posts: 1125

Message Posted:
22/06/2010 11:26

The website is down 'for reconstruction'



I never had a problem with CTA either.

zcacmxi


Joined: 30/11/2008
Posts: 388

Message Posted:
22/06/2010 11:29

I'm guessing that they needed to let KTHY go into Administration / Bankrupt to clear all the debts.



Any assets / landing slots, etc can then be sold to a "new" company and flights can be resumed....



Hopefully, they would have learned from the mistakes made at KTHY and the new airline will provide a competitive and sustainable / profitable service.

fiendishpaul


Joined: 18/05/2008
Posts: 1720

Message Posted:
22/06/2010 11:30

I always fly from the South. I appreciate the 'need' to support the local economy but I am afraid that I put decent service, choice and value over any loyalty to the 'Republic'. CTA should be allowed to die a death and the government can then spend all those millions of TL spent propping up a mismanaged and overstaffed airline on something worthwhile.



Just my opinion of course.



Paul

flightholiday


Joined: 19/07/2007
Posts: 3217

Message Posted:
22/06/2010 11:36

It looks like Ercan is open as flights with Turkish Airlines that were scheduled to depart at 05.05 07.00 and 09.45 (local time) have all departed.

davedee



Joined: 01/12/2008
Posts: 479

Message Posted:
22/06/2010 11:40

Just called CTA London say they are in meetings at the moment all flights grounded!! will have news of rescue tomorrow.

Message 24 and 28 you would not make such remarks had you paid for four tickets to fly out on Thursday,you gobby twonks should think of others before making such statements.



'just my opinion of course'



Dave

malsancak


Joined: 23/08/2009
Posts: 2874

Message Posted:
22/06/2010 11:47

"gobby twonks!" Nicely put davedee, I also have a number of CTA tickets booked and paid for and I do think CTA is a good airline that needs the over-staffing sorted.

flightholiday


Joined: 19/07/2007
Posts: 3217

Message Posted:
22/06/2010 11:49

Dave Msg 30 Grounded does not mean bust. As I understand it (from another source) your information is correct.

I do understand your other comment, the airline staff know there is space to improve and all this uncertainty and the negative attitude by a small number of people may be a large contribution to the problem.

davedee



Joined: 01/12/2008
Posts: 479

Message Posted:
22/06/2010 11:53

Agreed Tom Thanks.

fiendishpaul


Joined: 18/05/2008
Posts: 1720

Message Posted:
22/06/2010 11:56

Dave



As I stated in message 28, I always fly from the South so I wouldn't be in your predicament anyway.



I have been espousing my opinion about CTA for a number of months......the writing has been on the wall for ages. I am genuinely sorry that people may lose their tickets and I truly hope that I am proved wrong and if not that people are able to gain refunds.



However, CTA has been uneconomical for years and has only survived due to the intervention of the government who have consistently refused to streamline the operation and have appointed board members who have little or no knowledge of the aviation industry - a recipe for disaster I am sure you would agree ?



I just think it is time that a line was drawn in the sand for CTA and that a date should be given for it's winding down. This would then (hopefully) prevent future tickets being sold and people like yourself being left in the unfortunate position that you now find yourself.



Best Wishes



Paul

fiendishpaul


Joined: 18/05/2008
Posts: 1720

Message Posted:
22/06/2010 12:47

Tom



"the airline staff know there is space to improve"



With the greatest of respect, the staff have 'known' this for months/years but have consistently failed to step up to the plate and have instead resorted to frequent, unannounced industrial action which has in turn further exacerbated CTA's debts . CTA should not be a 'job for life', poor service will be rewarded with poor patronage as it does in all walks of business. I very much doubt that the negative attitude of a small number of people has contributed significantly to CTA's woes. They need to look much closer to home !!



Regards



Paul

hattikins


Joined: 17/02/2008
Posts: 2793

Message Posted:
22/06/2010 12:56

I have flights booked for July so will just have to see what happens, not good but not unexpected.

What CTA need is someone of the ilk of Ian Macgregor, an American who will take no crap, won't give in to unions or strike action and will run an economic business come what may !

For too long now this problem has been brushed under the carpet with each government blaming the one before, for the sake of TRNC it has to be dealt with once and for all.

TinLondon


Joined: 20/07/2009
Posts: 171

Message Posted:
22/06/2010 13:00

Paul - Msg 35



I totally agree, there is no room for poor performers in today's world, and reading through the headlines today, it amazes me how surprised the staff at CTA are this morning that all their planes have been grounded (and one confiscated on safety issues, what ever that means). CTA management and the ranks below have bought this on to themselves and I have very little sympathy for them. However, I do feel for all the innocent people who have purchased tickets with this airline but i'm sure something will be resolved for them. I'm not sure what ATOL and IATA are all about exactly but i beleive there is some sort of protection in situations like this and CTA were members of both.... Not to mention credit card protection for those who have purchased tickets using this method.

zcacmxi


Joined: 30/11/2008
Posts: 388

Message Posted:
22/06/2010 13:31

We can only hope that whatever is actually going on leads to something better for us "customers."



A streamlined, efficient airline... Staff that are interviewed/screened and given jobs because they deserve them...



Ultimately, the airline must be able to compete with the competition. The competition is'nt just at Ercan either, but at Larnaka.

Pogle


Joined: 28/08/2008
Posts: 1536

Message Posted:
22/06/2010 13:43

Does anyone actually know what is happening on the ground? Anyone due to fly today? my elderly parents in law are due to leave home today to travel to Istanbul airport ( from 200 miles away) to catch the early morning flight to Ercan tomorrow. Guess they better pack a few extra Borek.

zcacmxi


Joined: 30/11/2008
Posts: 388

Message Posted:
22/06/2010 13:50

The BAA Stansted website is showing today's flight as CANCELLED and is advising people to contact the airline...

davedee



Joined: 01/12/2008
Posts: 479

Message Posted:
22/06/2010 13:58

KTHY.NET has a new message in Turkish can anybody help.



Regards Dave

wanderer


Joined: 05/02/2009
Posts: 1653

Message Posted:
22/06/2010 13:58

All flights other than CTA appear to be flying out of Ercan I see them as they fly over Girni today so the airport appears to be operating ok

malsancak


Joined: 23/08/2009
Posts: 2874

Message Posted:
22/06/2010 14:04

insolvency can be solved by paying the bills, I'd guess that this time the TRNC government wants restructuring before they pay them

stickle


Joined: 20/02/2008
Posts: 172

Message Posted:
22/06/2010 14:05

Dear public ,

T.C. Directorate General of Civil Aviation pursuant to a letter dated June 21, 2010 Cyprus Turkish Airlines flights have been suspended until a second decision .

As of today, our company has already bought tickets to travel and to address the grievances of the passengers as we continue to work intensively . In this context, flights to Cyprus, which can carry passengers with other airlines are continuing our initiatives .

The passengers will travel by KTHY , acentlerimize travel and the latest developments related to all the institutions of our web page (www.kthy.net ) , Call Center (0216 444 5849) and our local media is recommended to follow within days .

We are in this negative situation soon will and our 36 years our people , our passengers and tourists to our offer that we have safe flight services continue is being doubted not to be requested , the victims are all part of apologize.



Sincerely,

KTHY Headquarters

fiendishpaul


Joined: 18/05/2008
Posts: 1720

Message Posted:
22/06/2010 14:08

Well thats crystal clear then !!



Paul

zcacmxi


Joined: 30/11/2008
Posts: 388

Message Posted:
22/06/2010 14:11

Basically, it says:



The flights have been suspended, and they are trying to arrange alternative travel with other carriers that fly to Ercan for the people that are affected.



It also says to read the local media, or contact travel agents or call 0216 444 5849 for further info.

davedee



Joined: 01/12/2008
Posts: 479

Message Posted:
22/06/2010 14:15

Thanks Mus.



Dave.

fiendishpaul


Joined: 18/05/2008
Posts: 1720

Message Posted:
22/06/2010 14:21

Mus



Ditto



Paul

elko2



Joined: 24/07/2007
Posts: 4400

Message Posted:
22/06/2010 14:26

Their debt is about 100m dollars and if somebody finds that money they will be back in six months time for more. Our politicians are not fit to govern and not capable to appoint the right people to do the job properly. So good riddance to them. I am not paying a penny towards their salvation.

ismet

LondonCypriot


Joined: 15/12/2008
Posts: 426

Message Posted:
22/06/2010 14:27

The TRNC must take legal steps and complain to the European Union and complain about all these embargoes are hurting the Norths Economy and now the Norths Airline. By not implementing direct trade reguation the TRNC is losing out with direct flights and now the national airline is in financial difficulties.

Tootie


Joined: 28/08/2008
Posts: 2037

Message Posted:
22/06/2010 14:31

http://www.worldbulletin.net/news_detail.php?id=60301

flightholiday


Joined: 19/07/2007
Posts: 3217

Message Posted:
22/06/2010 14:33

Ismet Bey, Msg 49 How much of that debt is to the government? I have heard a variety of figures the only consistent thing was all are substantial.

Tootie


Joined: 28/08/2008
Posts: 2037

Message Posted:
22/06/2010 14:39

Officials said that KTHY currently owed nearly 40 million USD to the Turkish Cypriot Civil Aviation Department.

fallenangel


Joined: 16/05/2009
Posts: 125

Message Posted:
22/06/2010 15:11

Our friends were due to fly stanstead to ercan today with CTA , the flight was cancelled so they have rebooked for tomorrow with Pegasus - not sure yet whether they are paying or CTA have organised it.



Lets hope that CTA can be rescued / privatised so that a competent airline can be used and supported by us all,

it would be a sad loss if it went under.



Turkish Airlines are much the same price for flights, you change plans at Istanbul but only have to walk through a tunnel with your hand luggage to change over. This is a better alternative than having to go through busy Larnaca.

fallenangel


Joined: 16/05/2009
Posts: 125

Message Posted:
22/06/2010 15:13

Our friends were due to fly stanstead to ercan today with CTA , the flight was cancelled so they have rebooked for tomorrow with Pegasus - not sure yet whether they are paying or CTA have organised it.



Lets hope that CTA can be rescued / privatised so that a competent airline can be used and supported by us all,

it would be a sad loss if it went under.



Turkish Airlines are much the same price for flights, you change plans at Istanbul but only have to walk through a tunnel with your hand luggage to change over. This is a better alternative than having to go through busy Larnaca.

zcacmxi


Joined: 30/11/2008
Posts: 388

Message Posted:
22/06/2010 15:28

Msg 50, LondonCypriot...



One could argue the embargo / not direct trade actually helped CTA.... The situation meant that they effectively ran a monopoly for MANY years... I remember times in the 80/90s when they were charging up to £400 for return flights from UK to Ercan. At the time, flights to Sydney were cheaper.



We should not look to blame others for this situation. Ask, what happened to all the money made during the monopoly years when they were fleecing Londoners at £400 each?

Did the embargo / EU force them to employ so many people and provide such a poor service, so that people preferred to book with Pegasus?

SammieB



Joined: 27/07/2009
Posts: 142

Message Posted:
22/06/2010 15:53

we're supposedto be flying back from Manchester tomorrow...called Manchester airport today and they have no change to the departure time or flight number??? Ankarra said Pegasus are honoring return flights only - alo saying that they havent gone bust but have a 3 month ban from the Aviation Authority.....but I cant really believe that somehow....will find out tomorrow I guess..if anyone finds out any info...please post.... need to get home tomorrow.....Shelagh, if you read this, pleae feed cats & Lily until we get back.....thnks xx xx

RachB



Joined: 07/05/2010
Posts: 75

Message Posted:
22/06/2010 15:56

I'm so glad I'm flying into the South tomorrow! Sorry for all those people who might be stranded though

Tootie


Joined: 28/08/2008
Posts: 2037

Message Posted:
22/06/2010 16:14

http://www.worldbulletin.net/news_detail.php?id=60324



Ok if your going to Turkey...

zcacmxi


Joined: 30/11/2008
Posts: 388

Message Posted:
22/06/2010 16:26

Would be good if Pegasus ramped up the number of flights from the UK to Ercan too...

eastendjoker


Joined: 24/04/2008
Posts: 166

Message Posted:
22/06/2010 16:31

im sure there is a slot into Stansted available now it would be nice if pegasus took that up.

Deniz1


Joined: 28/07/2009
Posts: 3829

Message Posted:
22/06/2010 16:33

Where is Richard Branson when we need him i am sure he would be excellent.

rigsby


Joined: 21/09/2007
Posts: 912

Message Posted:
22/06/2010 17:09

What about the relatives of CTA staff? No more freebies.

zcacmxi


Joined: 30/11/2008
Posts: 388

Message Posted:
22/06/2010 17:35

I do feel some sympathy for a "few" CTA staff that were actually helpful, and cared.. There must have been some out of the 700 odd...



The others, I have little sympathy for. They were part of the reason, I and many like me preferred to fly with Pegasus... They drove many people to the competition, and to Larnaka. So, they only have the government they elected and themselves to blame.

rigsby


Joined: 21/09/2007
Posts: 912

Message Posted:
22/06/2010 17:43

I can count the smiles i had over the last 8 years on one hand.Used them 3 or 4 times a year.Then discovered Pegasus.

Nglbarnes



Joined: 08/02/2008
Posts: 89

Message Posted:
22/06/2010 17:44

http://www.worldbulletin.net/news_detail.php?id=60301

breezyboy


Joined: 14/05/2007
Posts: 1179

Message Posted:
22/06/2010 18:58

so the worlds worst airline goes bust some time after it should have done and the ground crew go in strike!!!!!!

Doh!

Restructure a new company debt free and free of about 300 hangers-on including most of the rude cabin crew and you might have a business. But soon before the vultures have taken it all.

rocking


Joined: 05/11/2008
Posts: 421

Message Posted:
22/06/2010 19:40

Dreadful scenes at Ercan this afternoon when the CTA plus other left wing supporters tried to storm the main building to stop any flights i.e. Pegasus and Turkish Airlines taking off, had to bring in many more police - hundreds there to protest - and TWO arrests - bricks etc., being thrown all shown on BRT news. In the late 1970s until about the mid 90s they worked out of Cockspur Street near Trafalgar Square then moved to Pall Mall - what palatial offices they had - the rent for that place must have cost hundreds of thousands a year - why Pall Mall for such an insignificant little airline. I have been wary of travelling with them for a few years now and I suspect that should this be resolved in a few months and they are back in the air - public confidence will have gone - what was left of it. It is a pleasure to fly Turkish Airlines and I booked to go back in a few weeks time and it was about 20 pound more than CTA I know you have to change planes but so what they are on time.

Hector


Joined: 26/08/2008
Posts: 2352

Message Posted:
22/06/2010 20:53

Why am I not surprised that CTA has collapsed? I'm surprised it has been allowed to carry on whilst running up massive debts for so long.



I note the comments about how the airline can spring back after it's debts have been wiped out but who has really lost out financially here?



If this was a UK company that carried on trading despite it's huge debts and being insolvent the directors would now be facing serious criminal charges.



Mind you I shouldn't really be that surprised at any of this, it is symptomatic of the way the TRNC is managed.

Isabella


Joined: 02/10/2008
Posts: 199

Message Posted:
22/06/2010 21:22

Really Hector - are we in the UK the gold standard?



What about all the businesses that go into voluntary creditors liquidation each day in the UK only to rise again the next day as another named company, but every part of the business carrying on as normal. This I think is a disgrace.



The UK certainly do not set an example.

Traveller0392


Joined: 21/03/2008
Posts: 186

Message Posted:
22/06/2010 21:36

Just reading the news about CTA. A bit of a shock. . Does this mean the government is bankrupt. . . They owe a bit less debt than British Airways. . . But hey. . . They're still running? . . . I suspect they'll be like the British government and will sell it on for next to nothing. . . .

Smity



Joined: 14/09/2009
Posts: 826

Message Posted:
22/06/2010 22:13

What amazes me that the flights are 90% prepaid

I have been in buisness for 27 years and I have never been paid for work I havent yet carried out



Totally bad managment, over staffing and two CEO's who couldn organise a booze up in the Effes Brewery

zcacmxi


Joined: 30/11/2008
Posts: 388

Message Posted:
22/06/2010 22:32

We can now hope that the lack of CTA and their state subsidy will mean that the private airlines can compete properly.



Hopefully Pegasus and others will now increase frequency of flights to fill in the gap left by CTA.

Sandcastle


Joined: 16/03/2009
Posts: 215

Message Posted:
22/06/2010 22:46

Its all right us all sitting here saying we are not suprised but what about all those poor people who have flights booked for the summer?



Its one of the few airlines that fly north from Manchester so it is very heavily relied on to get from the Midlands/North of England to North Cyprus.



Most of us find that a 3 hour plus car journey to London or Stansted is just out of the question. So most people from that area will have lost their holidays and Cyprus will loose alot of needed trade this summer.



If nothing is sorted out withing the next 3 weeks many thousands will have lost their flights and holidays as most flights to the south will have been sold or will now be very highly over priced.

zcacmxi


Joined: 30/11/2008
Posts: 388

Message Posted:
22/06/2010 22:49

The news is that the government have now agreed a 50/50 joint venture deal with AtlasJet, and their tickets will be honoured.

Lilli



Joined: 21/07/2008
Posts: 13081

Message Posted:
22/06/2010 22:59

msg 75b beleive that any you beleive anything, sorry to sound so cynical but witrh whats going on here at the moment we see the other side of the story. i could rant but i will be banned and you know me i do not say bad about anybody, but on this and the auctions my blood pressure is going through the roof xxx

hal9000


Joined: 01/12/2008
Posts: 154

Message Posted:
22/06/2010 23:00

So nobody's surprised that CTA's gone bust - except the poor sods left holding their suitcases and a worthless ticket.

So why did it go down the toilet?

1. Overstaffing

2. Incompetent management

3. Government interference (Anyone remember the new CEO who sacked a load of staff recently? The then government reinstated them (it was coming up to a general election) and the only competent chief CTA had ever had resigned).

The only way they will ever run an efficient operation is to clear the decks and bring in someone like Branson or Stelios who knows how to run an airline; get rid of the freeloaders and relatives and run it to make a profit.

There will be protests; there will be strikes. But without brutal treatment (see today's UK budget) CTA will never recover.

zcacmxi


Joined: 30/11/2008
Posts: 388

Message Posted:
22/06/2010 23:07

hal9000, looks like the tickets are not worthless..

KTHY AtlasJet joint venture is on the cards.

flightholiday


Joined: 19/07/2007
Posts: 3217

Message Posted:
22/06/2010 23:20

CTA There seem to be a lot of rumours going round and little sustainable fact. Much of it is from media that seems to know nothing more than yet more rumour.

A few people are complaining about things most of which is out of date anyway.

Can I suggest that unless you can confirm facts from at least three sources don’t put it in print it is just another rumour and those are part of what has caused this problem.



Like all the operators if KTHY goes down we will lose substantially as we have to protect our clients – have you heard any other tour operator complain? No they are waiting for the truth as we do at IAH.

I am privy to things that need to be confirmed and until I can give facts; I will not. I am sure many of the rumours will prove malicious and unwarranted.

In the next 72 hours do not panic yourself or anyone else & try to be as nice as possible to KTHY staff who are trying to help you while they face the prospect of possibly no money and no job at the end of the month.

Brinsley


Joined: 04/04/2009
Posts: 6858

Message Posted:
22/06/2010 23:26

Email from my Travel Agent,

Gokcen Turmen

show details 7:46 PM (1 hour ago)





Hello Richard,

I do not think there is anything to panic .OK CTA is in real economic trouble but they took ATLASJET as a partner now and they will be flying the passengers as planned.

With love,

JANNY



Richard

TinLondon


Joined: 20/07/2009
Posts: 171

Message Posted:
22/06/2010 23:39

Yes Richard (Msg 80) that seems to be the latest news, but unbelievably, this deal seems to be based on the condition that the new partner will continue to employ 450 of the existing 650 CTA staff and the remaining 200 will be reallocated to other government positions. do these people not learn from their mistakes???



So yet again we'll have the same miserable cabin crew but just under new management (well at least half will be new management)... and there was me getting all excited that we were going to have a new fresh airline, instead we'll have the same peanuts but in a different bag!



PS.... Flightholiday, I can send you the various links if required but all you need to do is Google KTHY News and you'll find the above on at least 3-4 news articles (all in Turkish)!

hal9000


Joined: 01/12/2008
Posts: 154

Message Posted:
23/06/2010 00:05

WHAT?



" The new partner will continue to employ 450 of the existing 650 CTA staff and the remaining 200 will be reallocated to other government positions"?



Everyone knows that the reason the company went down the pan was overstaffing by incompetent employees.



John 11:35

hal9000


Joined: 01/12/2008
Posts: 154

Message Posted:
23/06/2010 00:14

From the FCO:



Cyprus Turkish Airlines will cease to operate for a period of 3 months with effect from 22 June 2010. It has been announced that Cyprus Turkish Airlines (CTA) will cease to operate for a period of 3 months with effect from 22 June 2010. It is believed that Pegasus Airlines will operate cancelled CTA flights.



British nationals should telephone their tour operator, CTA on (+90 392) 22 83901/83045/71706 or Pegasus Airlines on (+90 392) 22 87311 for further details.



For further infomation, see the Foreign Office Travel Advice for Cyprus.

fiendishpaul


Joined: 18/05/2008
Posts: 1720

Message Posted:
23/06/2010 00:15

You couldn't make it up

Pogle


Joined: 28/08/2008
Posts: 1536

Message Posted:
23/06/2010 09:14

CTA called us from Istanbul last night and told us that my parents in law should not go to the airport this morning for their flight to North Cyprus, no further information available. We have booked them on Atlas Jet and paid for it ourselves.

Pogle


Joined: 28/08/2008
Posts: 1536

Message Posted:
23/06/2010 09:26

Pegasus office ( number above) have advised that they have no information relating to, or arrangements in place to carry CTA passengers.

MajorieDawes


Joined: 23/10/2008
Posts: 62

Message Posted:
23/06/2010 10:09

I notice the status of today's Manchester flights have only just changed to cancelled, so they're clearly keeping the airports (and therefore passengers) well informed. Not.

cockneydave


Joined: 04/06/2009
Posts: 55

Message Posted:
23/06/2010 10:59

I WAS ON THE LAST FLIGHT OUT OF ERCAN YESTERDAY IT WAS CHAOS AT THE AIRPORT POLICE ALL OVER AND AROUND THE AIRPORT STAFF ON STRIKE CAMERAMEN EVERYWHERE PEOPLE CRYING NOT A SIGHT I WANT TO SEE AGAIN .TALKING TO STRIKERS SOME NOT BEEN PAID FOR WEEKS

davedee



Joined: 01/12/2008
Posts: 479

Message Posted:
23/06/2010 11:07

Just called CTA London answerphone 'can not take your call leave a message after the tone' no tone exiting message!!



Dave.

davedee



Joined: 01/12/2008
Posts: 479

Message Posted:
23/06/2010 11:18

Got connected this time,asked to call back at 3 oclock

(london time) re flights for tomorrow night (stansted) said should be flying tomorrow,who know's fingers crossed!!



Dave.

girne 29


Joined: 06/12/2007
Posts: 1488

Message Posted:
23/06/2010 12:01

' the remaining 200 will be reallocated to other government positions"? '





What Govt positions? How many people does it take to run a country with a population less than most small European towns.



How about giving them jobs in the land registry,that would be a start

honestie


Joined: 22/02/2009
Posts: 468

Message Posted:
23/06/2010 12:12

Manchester flight cancelled as I should have been on it.Pegasus know nothing about helping with the flights as have had to rebook with them. If you have paid by credit card and cyprus turkish do not offer refund your credit card will refund as that is what my credit card told me. most of the tour operators are in the same position and dont know anything.

fiendishpaul


Joined: 18/05/2008
Posts: 1720

Message Posted:
23/06/2010 12:18

Girne 29



Spot on !!



In government offices, it would appear that it takes 5 TC's to do the job of any normal mortal.



And they wonder why the 'country' is unable to pay it's bills.



You couldn't make it up.



Paul

malsancak


Joined: 23/08/2009
Posts: 2874

Message Posted:
23/06/2010 12:29

but they need the extra 4 people to make sure the fifth doesn't skive!

fiendishpaul


Joined: 18/05/2008
Posts: 1720

Message Posted:
23/06/2010 12:33

I thought it was to make coffee for the others.............DOH !!

flightholiday


Joined: 19/07/2007
Posts: 3217

Message Posted:
23/06/2010 12:54

Mus Msg 78. - Have you any more Atlas information? I had seen none to confirm that rumour.

Hal Msg 83. - I had seen the same FCO information but took it with a pinch of salt as some parts might be missinformed.

Jacqueline Msg 92. - It is not just that you paid by credit card but who you paid with it. The rules are different if you paid the airline direct; if it was a tour operator or travel agent the same rules might not apply and if they bought the ticket for you at the time that you paid at full scheduled value or if they gave you a deal on a IT or BT fare, again different rules etc etc! (I stress the time you paid them!)

My Msg 79. - I and all involved tour opertors and travel agents will have sympathy but they are in a very difficult position with little or no more knowledge than their clients. Some like us at IAH will have done things to protect their clients others may not be able to or not willing to. At IAH we did it early & can try to help other CTA travellers.

zcacmxi


Joined: 30/11/2008
Posts: 388

Message Posted:
23/06/2010 12:59

Tom, yes various articles in all of the Turkish Cypriot press today... Most of it is also on: http://www.kibrispostasi.com/



Basically, it's all boiling down to a 50/50 Joint Venture between KTHY/TRNC & AtlasJet.



Prime Minister Irsen Kucuk made the annoucement. Honouring of tickets is on the cards, although there may be a change in flight times.

zcacmxi


Joined: 30/11/2008
Posts: 388

Message Posted:
23/06/2010 13:15

Hurriyet is also reporting on the JV on it's Economy pages: http://www.hurriyet.com.tr/ekonomi/15107804.asp?gid=254



Article title is: TRNC gives up on Pegasus and selects Atlas as partner.

flightholiday


Joined: 19/07/2007
Posts: 3217

Message Posted:
23/06/2010 14:41

I have been told that CTA have at least one flight due today but it is probably delayed.

They (KTHY) hope to resume more normal service during Thursday and Friday of this week.

CTA / Atlas - no one is currently privy to the agreement but it seems from the TRNC Public Information Office board that there is an agreement. I wonder how it will affect flights, customers and agents as well as how long it will take before it comes into play.



http://www.trncpio.org/trncpio/en/index.asp?sayfa=haberdetay&newsid=353

LAhotel


Joined: 21/05/2010
Posts: 107

Message Posted:
23/06/2010 14:51

We recieved a fax today from KITSAB (Cyprus Turkish Tourism & Travel Agents Assoc).



(very!) roughly translated it reads:



Yesterday KTHY did not fly!

As from today at 17:00 hrs flights to Manchester and Stansted will be on time.

Also today at 12:00 hrs Public works and Transport Minister Hamza Ersan Saner will explain all the relevant information.



So thats as clear as mud then!!

honestie


Joined: 22/02/2009
Posts: 468

Message Posted:
23/06/2010 15:03

Spoke to cyprus turkish airline in london this morning as should have been on manchester flights and they told me the manchester flight is operating from this evening as was cancelled this morning and atlas jet have honoured the flights .