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Rescuing our troops
Carry a kitbag for free
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Eugene Gold Wednesday 18 August 2010 |
Hot on the foot of Tony Blair’s generous donation, I was interested to read a press release from easyJet announcing that they too are to help British troops. In the easyJet case, it is to help them get home from the front line if their intended travel plans go tits up.
Firstly, let me say thank you to easyJet for what is a nice offer and which, ignoring the obvious free-advertising benefits, is probably very well intentioned.
My bemusement stems from why we need to have a commercial airline rescue our troops returning from active service. Are we really saying that, with a ratio of nearly one civil servant per serving soldier, we cannot properly organise return journeys?
The easyJet announcement includes the text “British troops delayed coming home via Cyprus can go to one of the island’s two airports between six to two hours before an easyJet flight and purchase a ‘rescue rate’ ticket at £43 to include a kitbag at no extra charge”.
Paul Simmons, UK General Manager said: “Time with friends and family is vital to those serving in the forces and we’re happy that we can help in some small way.”
I do not know if I am missing something here but what are the MoD thinking about?
On the plus side, perhaps this is a commercial opportunity for Ariana – the National airline of Afghanistan.
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Brian Peak 19 August 2010, 08:49AM | |
Well done to easyJet but what a kick in the face for our troops. We spend all this money on so called defence and we cannot even get the boys home for their leave. | |
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morven grierson, Aldershot 20 August 2010, 10:27AM | |
Hi, My husband was one of those soldiers who jumped on an easyjet flight after a 48 hour and potentially longer wait to get home with the RAF. He didnt get the 'rescue rate' fare though and paid substantially more for his ticket in desperation to get home after 3 months away from his family. Rgds Morven | |
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Sylvia Kundart 23 August 2010, 05:41PM | |
I agree with Janet, anything that interferes wit R&R is a blow to morale, not just for the troops but also for families. | |
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Kim Card 23 August 2010, 06:07PM | |
My husband lost three days of his leave due to these air-bridge failures but his CO says that he will get the days at the end of the tour. | |
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Janet Grove 25 August 2010, 10:07AM | |
My husband was help up in Kandahar for three days because the RAF TriStar had mechanical problems. This is wrong. My daughter and I wait a long time to se him return and this delay is so damaging to confidence. | |
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Megan Pack 25 August 2010, 10:07AM | |
My boyfriend was also told that he would have to wait 48 hours for RAF transport so easyJet are doing a good thing here. | |
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