Chapter 285: Forming an Airbus fleet!
Time passed quickly, and two days had passed. During this period, Xu Cang's left hand did not show any symptoms, which made Xu Cang feel relieved. Perhaps it was really as the doctor at St. Luke's Hospital said, that the brief inability to sense temperature was just an accidental condition, and as the injury recovered, this situation would not occur again.
However, compared to this uncertainty, there was a real happy event that happened to Xu Cang.
Qin Yi finally brought news from the board of directors of Spring Summer Travel Group.
Once again on the familiar hillside outside the base, Xu Cang and Qin Yi were walking side by side, feeling the wind from the Erhai Lake accompanied by moisture, which was fishy but extremely pleasant.
“If you just want a comfortable life, this is a really good choice.”
Xu Cang sat casually on a big rock nearby: "Yes, it's good. Actually, Jianchuan is also very good in terms of climate. However, Jianchuan is too dry, I'm not used to it, this side is just right."
"It's just that the traffic is a bit blocked." Qin Yi's eyes moved slightly and fell on Xu Cang who was a little absent-minded: "I heard that you solved the flight procedure problem of Jinghong Airport?"
"You get news really quickly." Xu Cang said with a smile.
Qin Yi put his hands in his pockets and said, "In the business world, if news doesn't come quickly enough, then you'd better quit as soon as possible."
"Well, the problem with the flight procedures at Jinghong Airport has been solved." Xu Cang did not hide a single thing: " If it's faster, we can start flying in September or October. Even if it's slower, it won't be delayed until next year."
Qin Yi raised his eyebrows, obviously surprised at the progress of the Jinghong Airport renovation: "I remember that Jinghong Airport has never been used for civilian purposes before, so there should be a lot of renovation work. Can it really be completed this year?"
Xu Cang tightened his coat and even curled up a little: "Okay, this is the exact information I can give you."
As he said that, Xu Cang turned around and looked at Qin Yi: "Did you bring me the exact news from your board of directors this time?"
"If your information about Jinghong Airport is accurate, then I can tell you that the board of directors has agreed to your request." Qin Yi specifically pointed out: "If you want us to open all offline sales channels for you, Jeju Island alone is not enough. You also need to ensure that our tour groups have the highest priority at Jinghong Airport. Just like Jeju Island, only after the transportation needs of our tour groups are met can the remaining transportation capacity be used elsewhere."
"It seems that you are very optimistic about the prospects of Jinghong Airport."
Qin Yi snorted, "You too, don't you? Even the three major airlines don't have the guts to take over the civilian transformation of Jinghong Airport. If you make a mistake in investing in a provincial airport like Jinghong Airport, you will lose everything. I don't know how you made this decision at the time, but I really admire you. I'm not as brave as you."
In response to Qin Yi's praise, Xu Cang just smiled and said nothing.
Qin Yi glanced at Xu Cang and said lightly: "You seem very unhappy?"
"Ah?" Xu Cang came back to his senses and touched his face: "Is it obvious?"
Qin Yi sneered: "Aren't you the kind of person who writes his emotions on his face?"
"Really?" Xu Cang knew that Qin Yi was not mocking him, but Qin Yi was usually cool. Even if he didn't mean it that way, he gave people the illusion of being condescending: "Do you have any cooperation with Jianchuan Airlines?"
"Hmm?" Qin Yi didn't expect Xu Cang to change the subject so quickly. After being slightly surprised, he nodded honestly, "Yes. Jianchuan is also a very important tourist destination. Part of the transportation business is borne by Blue Sky Airlines, and the other part is Jianchuan Airlines. Blue Sky Airlines is cheaper, and Jianchuan Airlines... you know, some officials have backgrounds, so they need to give some face."
Qin Xin had previously represented Chunxia Travel in negotiating a transport cooperation contract with Blue Sky Airlines. In other words, as long as Blue Sky Airlines or Jianchuan Airlines had corresponding routes, Chunxia Travel would be responsible for the travel groups that went to Jianchuan or stopped in Jianchuan.
The advantages of this are lower costs and higher stability of charter flights. In addition, it can also get higher priority in related guarantees, which makes it easy to improve the travel comfort of the tour group.
For a company of the size of Blue Sky Airlines or Jianchuan Airlines, the contract for Spring and Summer Travel alone is already a good income. In other words, if Jianchuan Airlines loses this part of the business, it will surely be a big loss.
In fact, Blue Sky Airlines and Jianchuan Airlines overlap on a large part of their routes. It is redundant to split the corresponding transport contract into two parts and cooperate with Blue Sky Airlines and Jianchuan Airlines separately. However, Jianchuan Airlines has a lot of investment from Jianchuan City Investment, and the background is different, which still needs to be considered.
"Give me some face?" Xu Cang smiled very brightly, without showing any unhappiness as before: "Then it's okay not to give me face for the unexpected thing?"
"Your statement..." Qin Yi's eyes revealed a hint of helplessness: "If you want to understand it this way, it's fine. After all, it's just a matter of convenience. However, I want to know why you suddenly brought this up."
Xu Cang blinked his eyes, even looking a little cute: "Didn't you just ask me if I was unhappy?"
"Your face has already answered the question, so there is no need to repeat it," Qin Yi said coldly.
"What a boring man." Xu Cang sighed. "Recently, several airlines in Jianchuan have been keen on doing some small things. This is one of the reasons why I am unhappy, although it only accounts for a small part. Soon, I need to go to the UK, and two of them need to wait until I come back to deal with them. In order to prevent my tolerance of them from causing them to have some bad fantasies, I think it is necessary to kill a chicken first to deter the other two monkeys."
After saying that, Xu Cang added: "This is a request to help Qin Xin avoid some unnecessary troubles while I am in the UK. I think you will agree, right?"
Qin Yi, such a cool person, was stunned by Xu Cang's words. He took a while to react: "Does it mean that I still need to thank you?"
"If you think it's necessary, it's fine, and I'll gladly accept it."
Qin Yi's forehead was bulging with blue veins. "Although our previous contract with Jianchuan is about to expire, if we don't renew it, who will fill the vacant capacity in the future?"
"Us?" Xu Cang pointed at himself and said, "The tour groups you send to Jianchuan actually come from those places. We have relevant routes and can perfectly replace Jianchuan Airlines. Of course, it should be pointed out that we are not doing this to make money. The price will be the same as the price you signed with Jianchuan Airlines before."
“Aren’t you still making money?”
"Then does that mean we're working for nothing?"
Qin Yi sneered and said, "Although it is not fatal, but without appropriate benefits, why should we terminate the contract with Jianchuan Airlines? After all, we have to consider the ideas of Jianchuan City Investment."
"What if we can cover your hotel and other services in Jinghong later?" Xu Cang said, "The local supporting facilities in Jinghong are not enough now. Once the voyage begins, both hotel-related accommodation services and other entertainment services will be scarce. Are you planning to place the tour groups sent here in small hotels? This is not a good idea and does not fit the style of your Chunxia Travel."
Qin Yi narrowed his eyes: "What do you mean?"
"We will make further investments in Jinghong. In the future, the best hotels and the most attractive entertainment facilities in Jinghong will belong to us." Xu Cang raised his chin: "As I said before, cooperation means win-win."
"But now it's just your words?"
Xu Cang said in a deep voice: "That's right, just based on my words. All you have to do is to change a partner, and all you lose is some insignificant goodwill from Jianchuan City Investment, and you can obviously get more."
Qin Yi stood there, falling into deep silence.
It is true that Xu Cang did not give him any substantial evidence to prove that Xu Cang would make further large-scale investments in Jinghong. However, driven by instinct, Qin Yi was more inclined to believe Xu Cang.
This is actually a subjective multiple-choice question, and it all depends on Qin Yi's opinion of Xu Cang.
About half a minute later, Qin Yi lowered his eyelids slightly: "As you wish."
After hearing this, Xu Cang nodded slightly: "I will be very grateful to you."
At this moment, the cell phone in Xu Cang's pocket rang. When he picked it up, it turned out to be Wu Yue, the director of the General Administration's Flying Standards Department.
"Xu Cang, is it convenient to talk now?"
Xu Cang glanced at Qin Yi who was standing next to him, and saw that Qin Yi was looking at his nose and his heart, and had no intention of leaving. So Xu Cang had no choice but to say, "Director Wu, what do you say?"
"Oh, okay." Wu Yue said immediately: "You asked me before about recruiting female pilots. Do you remember? I went to the Civil Aviation General Hospital to ask."
Hearing this, Xu Cang's body tensed up all of a sudden: "What do you mean?"
"It's useless." Wu Yue said a very ruthless word directly: "In fact, recruiting female pilots is not a rare thing internationally. However, in the field of civil aviation, China started relatively late, so it lags behind in female pilots. However, even abroad, there are not many female pilots. You know, it has something to do with innate physiological conditions."
"In this case, if it is due to the Aviation Health Regulations, we only need to learn from foreign countries that have done it before, and we are not asking them to make a new Aviation Health Regulations out of thin air."
But Wu Yue said, "But now you are the only one who needs this, and they don't seem to have the motivation to start such work just for you."
When Xu Cang heard this, he didn't know how to refute it.
Indeed, if it is the general trend, even if the Civil Aviation General Hospital does not want to change, it must follow the trend of the times and formulate a set of suitable aviation and health regulations for female pilots. But where is the general trend now? It is Xu Cang's request alone. Even if there are precedents abroad, it is still necessary to make some localized modifications to borrow from it in China. Isn't this a job?
In Xu Cang's eyes, this work should not be too heavy. But the problem is that it is unnecessary in the first place, and Xu Cang can be ignored directly. Wouldn't it be better if there is no work to be done?
"Director Wu, if I ask my master to mention this to the Civil Aviation General Hospital, do you think it's possible?" Xu Cang had just opened his mouth when he regretted it and rejected it directly: "Forget it, just pretend I didn't say anything."
Wu Yue answered honestly: "I don't think so either. Although Director Chen is only one step away from being promoted, he has not yet been promoted to a full-time position. As for the deputy...Xu Cang, you are so smart, you should understand what I mean."
Xu Cang sighed: "I know."
Originally, Xu Cang thought that even though this matter was a little troublesome, it should still be possible to handle it with some effort. But he didn't expect that it would be stuck just at the bureau.
"Xu Cang, forget it. Even if the Civil Aviation General Hospital agrees, you don't have an Airbus plane, and our Flight Standards Department cannot agree. This is not against you, but in reference to international practice." Wu Yue said: "I don't know why you want to recruit female pilots, but it seems that no matter from which angle, now is not a suitable time, right? Otherwise, you should think about it again, and don't be too persistent."
Wu Yue's tone didn't sound like that of a director of the Civil Aviation Administration at all. Instead, it sounded like Xu Cang's elder, patiently persuading Xu Cang.
Of course Xu Cang knew that there was no benefit in this matter, but Xu Cang was not really only concerned about the benefits. After all, there were other things he cared about.
Xu Cang knew that Wu Yue was considering him. Although he had made up his mind, he still said in a relaxed tone: "Director Wu, I will seriously consider it."
Wu Yue laughed and scolded, "You little brat, do you think I can't tell that you only agreed with your mouth, but in your heart you didn't take my words seriously at all?"
Xu Cang's face became hot after Wu Yue revealed his thoughts. "Director Wu, I didn't mean that."
"Forget it, you are a stubborn kid. Even your master can't do anything about it. I won't worry about it. It's just meddling." Wu Yue said, "By the way, I heard that you are cooperating with All Nippon Airways recently?"
"Hmm?" Xu Cang was surprised that Wu Yue still cared about this matter: "Yes, some simple cooperation in training. Director Wu, you are so busy, why do you still care about this?"
"Simple training? Tell me, is it a preparation for opening international routes in the future?"
Xu Cang had no need to hide this, and readily admitted: "We at Spring Airlines can't just stay in China forever, we have to fly international routes. I'm not saying this to disparage domestic routes, but generally speaking, international routes are more profitable."
"You are really straightforward." Wu Yue smiled and said, "I am not saying that I am stopping you from getting involved in international routes. You have priority over Jianchuan Airport, and there is basically no obstacle to developing international routes with Jianchuan as the center. However, if you only fly to Southeast Asia, Japan, South Korea and other neighboring countries and regions, then it is okay. However, if you really want to get the lion's share of the profits from international routes, then look at European and American routes."
"Director Wu, of course I know that. But you have to eat one bite at a time. If you eat too fast, you'll choke easily."
"That's really easy to choke." Wu Yue reminded: "If you want to fly to Europe and the United States, among other things, there is one thing you must do in advance, otherwise you will encounter endless troubles when you really operate European and American routes."
Xu Cang was startled: "What's the matter?"
“Join CASS.”
"CASS?" Xu Cang was stunned for a moment, then blurted out, "IATA's Cargo Account Settlement System?"
"That's right. Now, most airlines operating European and American routes have joined this settlement system. If you don't join and operate European and American routes, you will encounter great troubles in accounting and cost control." Wu Yue thought for a while: "Also, if possible, you should also join the IATA's multilateral interline agreement."
"International Air Transport Association's Multilateral Intermodal Agreement? MITA?" Xu Cang rubbed his temple: "Does it mean that I should deal with IATA?"
"You mean, when you were planning future international routes, you didn't take IATA into consideration?" Wu Yue was speechless. "Fortunately, I reminded you in time, otherwise you would have made a big mistake."
Xu Cang also has his own difficulties: "Director Wu, you should also know that it is not so easy to join IATA. There are so many airlines in China, and many of them are stronger than us, but the number of airlines that can finally join IATA can be counted on one hand. Not to mention, joining IATA does not mean joining CASS and MITA, both of which require additional agreements to be signed. This road is not easy to walk."
"You have to go even if it's difficult. Otherwise, you should just give up the idea of developing international routes, or just fly around the area. Don't even think about European and American routes. That would just cause trouble for yourself."
Hearing Wu Yue's somewhat harsh words, Xu Cang just sighed heavily: "I remember, Director Wu."
"I hope you really remember it." Wu Yue snorted, "By the way, I told you earlier that Director Li wants to see you."
"Hmm?" Xu Cang's heart tightened: "Director Li has spoken?"
"Yes. Come to the General Administration in the next few days. I heard that the flight procedures at Jinghong Airport have been resolved, so you can come by to sign some documents related to Jinghong Airport. In addition, your application for Kingfisher Airlines has been reviewed, so you can sign it as well, so that it doesn't count as coming here just for Director Li."
As Wu Yue said, if Xu Cang had to go to Hanjing just for a talk with Director Li Jie, he would be a little unhappy. However, if he could finish so much paperwork while he was there, it would be easier to accept.
"Director Wu, I have an inspection by the bureau behind me. I will go to Hanjing after that inspection is over."
"Inspection by the Bureau. What inspection?"
"A representative appointed by the bureau of Muhua Aviation Jianchuan Base wanted to check the co-pilot, so our company sent me over." Xu Cang smiled and said, "Director Wu, this is official business. I didn't delay my trip to Hanjing on purpose."
"A co-pilot inspection by the bureau?" Even as the director of the Flight Standards Department, Wu Yue found this ridiculous. However, he thought for a moment and said, "It seems that Muhua Aviation Jianchuan Base has recently submitted an inspection application. The time was originally scheduled for tomorrow, right?"
"Yes." Xu Cang instinctively sensed a problem: "Director Wu, what's the problem?"
"If I remember correctly, the time and location of the inspection have changed." Wu Yue said, "Why don't you go and confirm it? There may be some new findings."
…
With a hint of doubt, Xu Cang went back to the Spring Airlines Flight Center to inquire about the situation, but even the people at his own Flight Center had not received any notification of the inspection change. However, Xu Cang had spoken, and the people at the Flight Center directly called the representative of the Muhua Airlines Jianchuan Base.
You don’t know until you ask. When you ask, you’re shocked. Both the time and the location have been changed, but due to the slow information turnover, Spring Airlines has not received the news yet.
It turned out that the representative of the bureau had to attend a meeting at the General Administration, which coincided with the original inspection period. In such cases, the airline is the passive party, after all, the representative is the representative of the bureau, and he has priority in everything.
Therefore, the Flight Standards Center could only temporarily follow the schedule changes of the bureau representative, contact the simulator center in Hanjing, and change the inspection location and date to that bureau representative.
As a result, the inspection was postponed to three days later, and the location was the simulator training center of Guoda Aviation. Yes, it was the simulator training center where Xu Cang and Chen Xiangdong had a fire.
However, such a temporary change is actually quite annoying. However, Xu Cang happened to be going to the Hanjing General Administration, so this is indeed a very good change.
So Xu Cang stayed in Erhai Lake for one more day. He got up early the day before the examination and took his own plane to Hanjing via Jianchuan.
Although Xu Cang had been to the Hanjing General Administration many times, he had never met the director of the General Administration, Li Jie. In his previous life, when Xu Cang became the chief pilot, Li Jie had actually retired, and Xu Cang had only seen his photo.
Arriving at the General Administration Building, under Wu Yue's guidance, Xu Cang went to Li Jie's office. As soon as he entered, Xu Cang could see the huge bookcase with a classical atmosphere in the office. He had heard that the director of the Civil Aviation Administration had a high level of literary attainments, but that was just hearsay. Coming to his office today, the furnishings alone were enough to verify the previous rumors.
Perhaps it is because of the influence of literature that Li Jie has a plain appearance, but his temperament is very elegant. In fact, Li Jie does not look like the director of the Civil Aviation Administration, but rather a professor of literature at a university.
"Here you are. You're here earlier than I expected." Li Jie did not stand up to greet Xu Cang after he came in. Instead, he waved at Xu Cang and motioned him to find a place to sit down. He did not look like the director of the Civil Aviation Administration of China with all his airs.
But what Li Jie said was somewhat interesting, and Xu Cang also heard it, feeling a little embarrassed: "It seems that the image of me in Director Li's mind is very casual."
"At least he's not the active and diligent type." Li Jie chuckled, and then told Wu Yue who led the way in, "Go get busy."
Wu Yue looked at Xu Cang, then at Li Jie, without saying anything, just nodded and left the office.
Xu Cang was not shy, he had met too many important people, and he was not at all restrained in front of Li Jie. Li Jie asked him to find a place to sit down, and he really sat down by himself, feeling very relaxed.
Seeing Xu Cang's behavior, Li Jie just smiled and said, "I heard that you will participate in a co-pilot inspection by the bureau tomorrow?"
Xu Cang laughed and made a little joke: "Yeah, I'm a little worried about what to do if I don't pass."
Li Jie's eyes passed over Xu Cang's left hand imperceptibly, and then he shook his head: "Compared to what you said, I am worried about something else. Xu Cang, the representative appointed by the bureau should have corresponding majesty. I can tolerate you dealing with a representative appointed by the bureau, but this is the upper limit."
Xu Cang's heart moved, and he secretly sighed that the director of the General Administration was really meticulous and guessed Xu Cang's thoughts at once.
"Director Li, this is my authority as the ICAO Commissioner."
Li Jie said calmly, "I know, but if you deal with more of the Southwest Regional Bureau's appointed representatives, you will make it very difficult for the Southwest Administration Bureau to do its job, and I don't want such embarrassing things to happen."
Xu Cang's eyes narrowed slightly: "If this level is unacceptable, won't what's going to happen next make Director Li even more embarrassed?"
As if he knew what Xu Cang was referring to, Li Jie's expression did not change at all: "That is a commercial transaction between airlines. It has nothing to do with the bureau."
As soon as these words came out, Xu Cang's eyes flashed: "Director Li means that the bureau will not take care of it?"
"I said, it has nothing to do with the bureau. We don't have the leisure to manage all the affairs."
Xu Cang soon understood and bowed his head slightly: "Thank you for the understanding of the General Administration."
Li Jie did not react much, still keeping his calm appearance, and said calmly: "You did a good job in Japan. The International Civil Aviation Organization sent a letter mentioning this matter. Just like the previous time in Jakarta, we will give you the reward you deserve. Tell me, what do you want?"
To be honest, Xu Cang was a little confused. Yes, from the most intuitive point of view, Xu Cang handled a very dangerous hijacking case in Japan. However, if there is a reward, it should be the reward from the Civil Aviation Administration of Japan. Why is CAAC so concerned?
This obviously doesn't make sense.
The previous incident in Jakarta was mainly to severely undermine the prestige of the British Civil Aviation Authority, which was a real honor for CAAC. But is the current incident in Japan comparable?
Yes, this is definitely not a bad thing at least, but Li Jie directly asked Xu Cang to ask for things, which was obviously a bit too generous.
Thinking of this, Xu Cang suddenly thought of something in Li Jie's words: "Director Li, you seem to care a lot about ICAO."
"Hmm?" Li Jie raised his eyelids, but there was no special reaction.
Xu Cang asked tentatively: "Director Li, it's about the ICAO directors..."
Before he finished speaking, Li Jie, who had been indifferent all this time, suddenly opened his eyes wide, and a dazzling light burst out from his eyes: "Xu Cang, do you know what you are saying?"
Xu Cang's heart was moved, and he quickly apologized: "Director Li, I said too much."
Li Jie pursed his lips and said, "Tell me what you want, and then leave."
Obviously, Li Jie was a little unhappy with what Xu Cang said just now. However, this was originally an insignificant guess, and Li Jie shouldn't have reacted so strongly. Xu Cang suddenly saw the white hair on Li Jie's temples and the trace of fatigue on his face that he tried his best to hide, and it seemed that he had guessed something.
However, at this time and place, Xu Cang should be careful with his words.
He thought about it, and to be honest, he couldn't think of anything he wanted at the moment. Suddenly, a flash of inspiration came to his mind, and he immediately said solemnly: "Director Li, our Spring Airlines wants to recruit a female pilot, but there are some problems with the Civil Aviation General Hospital and the Flight Standards Department..."
Xu Cang thought that if Li Jie could help, there might be some hope. If Li Jie still couldn't help, then he would be in real trouble.
Li Jie didn't seem to be too surprised by Xu Cang's request. He returned to his previous lazy look and raised his eyelids slightly: "Didn't you consult Wu Yue? What's his answer?"
Xu Cang's mind moved. He didn't expect that Li Jie knew about his inquiry to Wu Yue about recruiting female pilots. This director of the General Administration was really well-informed.
Without hiding too much, Xu Cang said immediately: "The Civil Aviation General Hospital seems to be a little bothered..."
"This is easy to handle." Li Jie waved his hand. "If you ask them, they will naturally find it troublesome. If I ask, there will be no trouble. However, as far as I know, referring to international practice, female pilots are basically arranged on Airbus models. There are practical factors to consider. It cannot be changed by my request. It still needs to be followed. However, your Spring Airlines does not have Airbus aircraft. I can help you pass the Civil Aviation General Hospital, but I can't help you pass the Flying Standards Department. You should change one."
It seems that the director expressed full respect for the opinions of the Aviation Standards Department. After all, the experience accumulated by foreign civil aviation over the years is absolutely reasonable. It is rare to let the Civil Aviation General Hospital come up with a set of aviation and medical regulations suitable for female pilots, but if it comes to challenging international practices, Li Jie will never do that.
That’s the bottom line.
Xu Cang pursed his lips and said nothing.
Looking at the silent Xu Cang, Li Jie said, "Routes, various applications, I don't think you have anything that you need to ask the authorities for help."
However, after a moment of silence, Xu Cang suddenly said, "What if Spring Airlines has Airbus planes?"
Even Li Jie was stunned by these words: "What did you say?"
Xu Cang took a deep breath: "Spring Airlines will form an Airbus fleet."
Li Jie finally confirmed what Xu Cang said, but this was undoubtedly extremely shocking. He stared at Xu Cang and asked, "Just for one person?"
From what Xu Cang said, Li Jie could figure out that Xu Cang was not really interested in recruiting many female pilots, he only wanted to recruit one. Moreover, it was obvious that the person was very special, Xu Cang was even willing to form an Airbus fleet just for her, which was incredible.
"You have to know that with the size of your company, building another Airbus fleet will simply increase operating costs out of thin air." Li Jie said in a deep voice.
Spring Airlines already has two series of aircraft, Boeing and ARJ, which is actually quite a lot for a small airline. It is better for a smaller airline to operate a single aircraft type, which will save a lot of costs.
There is almost no need to think too much. Xu Cang's establishment of an Airbus fleet was a business mistake from any perspective.
"I know." Xu Cang just said these three words: "But I don't care!"
Li Jie seemed to have gotten to know Xu Cang all over again. After a moment, he smiled for the first time and sighed, "It's great to be young! Forget it, go submit your application for recruitment."