At noon the next day, almost all the flight department leaders came to the meeting room of Chengdu Airlines Flight Department, including the Vice President of Operations. The reason why there were so many people was that Xin Xin, Director of the Airport Department of the General Administration, took the earliest flight. Because it was too early, Xin Xin sat in the main seat of the meeting room, his eyelids drooped, one hand supported his head, and from time to time he sank down, looking like he was dozing off.
In the conference room, all the leaders of the flight department dared not say a word, because just yesterday their company's plane caused an extremely serious accident, and the timing of the accident was very bad.
After waiting for a few minutes, the conference room was still dead silent. This atmosphere made the already nervous leaders of Chengdu Airlines scratch their heads. After waiting for a while, the Vice President of Operations, who had the highest management level in the room, asked in a low voice: "Director Xin?"
Xin Xin's half-closed eyes suddenly opened, but he did not look up at the leaders of the flight department. He just seemed to be talking to himself: "I fell asleep?"
The Vice President of Operations immediately responded, "Director Xin, you've worked so hard to get here on the earliest flight."
"Oh, that's right." Xin Xin took a deep breath and wiped his face. "I only slept for two hours last night. It was already past two in the morning when I finished my official business. I didn't expect the bureau to assign me a temporary task and asked me to take a flight that took off at around six o'clock. As a result, I had to get up at around four o'clock."
The Vice President of Operations heard that there didn't seem to be much blame in Xin Xin's tone, and immediately relaxed a little: "Then you can wait for a later flight, there's no need to take such an early flight."
"No." Xin Xin yawned and leaned back, still looking very sleepy.
The Vice President of Operations was stunned: "Why not? It won't have any impact if it's later, right?"
Xin Xin raised his eyelids and suddenly his voice turned cold: "Of course it has an impact. Director Li can't wait to deal with you. Waiting for two more hours won't do."
As soon as these words came out, the vice president of operations and a group of flight department leaders all changed their faces. In front of Xin Xin, the flight department leaders didn't even dare to speak, only the vice president of operations dared to say a few words. However, Xin Xin's words were too harsh, and the vice president of operations was actually unwilling to take the lead, so he winked at the chief engineer and asked him to explain to Xin Xin.
"Director Xin, our crew is certainly responsible for this matter, but the airport..."
"Shut up." Xin Xin interrupted the chief engineer directly: "Originally, this kind of thing is not my responsibility. It should be Director Li of Hangan who comes here. I can still listen to you. If Director Li comes here, do you still dare to quibble?"
Li Lin, director of the General Administration's Aviation Safety Department, is well-known for his bad temper in the industry, and the leaders of Chengdu Airlines know this. When they thought of what Xin Xin said, they shuddered.
Xin Xin sneered, "Spring Airlines just had an air traffic conflict, and the issue hasn't been resolved yet, and you guys are making a big fuss again. Do you think our headquarters is too idle?"
"No, no, no, Director Xin, this was definitely just an accident." The vice president also gave up explaining and begged for mercy no matter what.
"Just?" Xin Xin snorted, "Don't you know that people from the International Civil Aviation Organization are inspecting the General Administration? You have been in trouble one after another, which puts us in a passive position. Don't you know?"
"I know, I know. We are... Director Xin. We didn't expect this to happen. It was really just an accident."
Xin Xin simply waved his hand: "I don't care whether it's an accident or not. It just so happens that other districts will draw some delegates, originally planned to prepare for Spring Airlines, and now it seems that those delegates will have to work overtime."
The vice president of operations was about to cry. Their Chengdu Airlines was growing in size, and if this happened, their bones would be broken.
"Director Xin, this is unacceptable. It really is unacceptable," the Vice President of Operations pleaded.
"Isn't this a coincidence? Anyway, Erhai Lake in Jianchuan is very close to Rongfu. I don't think adding a few inspections will take much more time."
The Vice President of Operations felt his scalp tingle when he heard this, but seeing Xin Xin's expression, he didn't dare to speak again.
"By the way, there is one more thing. Where is the representative of Rongfu Airport?" Xin Xin raised his eyelids and asked.
"Representative Cheng?" The Vice President of Operations was a little confused and didn't quite understand what Xin Xin meant: "Director Xin, does this matter have anything to do with Representative Cheng?"
Xin Xin did not answer the vice president of operations about this matter, but knocked on the table: "Call him and ask him to come over."
The vice president of operations opened his mouth. He had a bad feeling, but he didn't dare to disobey anymore, so he called the Rongfu Airport Group's representative in the company.
Rongcheng Airlines has some investment from the local government and some investment from Rongfu Airport Group, so Rongfu Airport Group has a permanent representative in the company, who also participates in the company's decision-making. However, what happened to Rongcheng Airlines at Jianchuan Airport was clearly a technical issue, so it makes no sense to ask the representative of Rongfu Airport to attend the meeting.
About ten minutes later, a representative of Rongfu Airport Group, a man in his thirties and dressed in a gray suit, came hurriedly.
Xin Xin was listening nearby just now. The Vice President of Operations couldn't say too much on the phone, so he just said that the Flight Department had some important matters that needed to be discussed together, and asked him to come to the Flight Department's meeting room. Who knew that the Representative Cheng would see Xin Xin as soon as he pushed the door open.
Xin Xin is the director of the Airport Department of the General Administration. Except for a few airports, all airport groups in the country are under his control.
Representative Cheng had a slicked-back haircut and a strong scent of perfume when he came in. He wore three rings on both hands. Although his suit was formal, it had many small designs on it, and was obviously custom-made. After seeing Xin Xin, Representative Cheng was stunned for a moment, and then he was at a loss, not knowing what to say.
"Representative Cheng, are the people of Rongfu Airport Group so fashionable and avant-garde?" Xin Xin raised his chin: "Or do you want me to go to your group's headquarters to take a look?"
"No, no, no." Representative Cheng shook his head like a rattle and quickly took off the conspicuous ring on his hand: "Director, you must have some misunderstandings."
Xin Xin glanced at Representative Cheng and said, "You are so fancy-looking. What do you want to do?"
Representative Cheng nodded and said, "Director, this is just my personal preference. It's a little... a little flashy."
"Personal hobbies, huh?" Xin Xin said with a smile, "Then go back to the Airport Group and don't show up here anymore. In the Airport Group, you can freely develop your personal hobbies."
Representative Cheng's mouth twitched, and he glanced at the Vice President of Operations, only to see that the Vice President of Operations was looking at his nose and his heart, as if he was staying out of the matter. At this time, Xin Xin was obviously in a very angry state, so it was better not to offend him.
"Director, I'm the airport representative in Chengdu. If I want to go back, we need to transfer another person from the group." Representative Cheng whispered, "I've been here for many years. No one in the group knows Chengdu Airlines better than me. It may be difficult to find a replacement."
"It's hard to find, isn't it?"
Representative Cheng nodded hurriedly: "Yes, it is not easy to find."
"Then let's not look for it." Xin Xin stretched lazily: "In the future, Rongfu Airport Group will no longer need to send representatives here."
"What?"
This time, it was not just Representative Cheng. The Vice President of Operations, who had been trying to stay out of the matter, also changed his expression when he heard this. He looked at Xin Xin and said, "Director Xin, the Airport Group is a shareholder of our company. They must send a representative to exercise their power here."
"That's easy." Xin Xin said with a smile, "Why don't we just withdraw the shares of Rongfu Airport Group from here?"
"This..." The Vice President of Operations took a deep breath. The shock brought by this sentence was even more shocking than the news that the General Administration was investigating Chengdu Airlines. He looked at Representative Cheng unconsciously and opened his mouth, not knowing how to respond to this sentence.
It is obvious that this is no longer a simple discussion of a safety accident, and the General Administration has other ideas.
Although Representative Cheng had many other ideas, his business ability was still good. He also sensed a very serious meaning from Xin Xin's words: "Director, are you asking us to withdraw our shares from Rongcheng Airlines?"
Xin Xin raised an eyebrow: "Which word I just said is unclear, or you don't understand."
"No, no, no, that's not what I meant. I meant... why is it like this all of a sudden?" Representative Cheng laughed dryly and said, "We have been shareholders of Rongcheng Airlines for many years. There have been no problems, right?"
"What do you mean by suddenly like this? Representative Cheng, are you playing dumb with me? You don't know what this means?"
Representative Cheng just stood at the door, his eyes flickering: "Director, this matter is really not easy to handle."
Unlike before, this time Representative Cheng said it was difficult to handle in an extremely serious tone, as if he was not very afraid of Xin Xin in this matter.
"Representative Cheng, do you think that the General Administration is afraid to act because of the complex interests? I said this before you came. Originally, such incidents involving aviation safety were handled by Director Li Lin, but this time Director Li asked me to come here. Of course, Director Li has also been dealing with Spring Airlines recently and cannot be away. But Director Li chose me to come here on purpose. Isn't this obvious?" Xin Xin smiled and said, "Besides Rongfu Airport, which other airport group in the country has invested in the shares of its resident airlines, huh?"
Facing the question raised by Xin Xin, Representative Cheng's expression changed rapidly. Xin Xin was making it clear directly.
Although there are no clear regulations, in reality, there is basically no situation where an airport group invests in a resident airline, because this involves being both a player and a referee.
An airport is a typical public facility. Except for some special circumstances, such as administrative directives, too many resources should not be allocated to a certain airline. However, if an airport group acquires a stake in its resident airline, a bond of interest will be formed, and resources will be allocated to that airline unconsciously.
Why is it that the one who has the most say at Chengdu Airport is not the three major airlines, but Chengdu Airlines? The main reason is that Chengdu Airport has invested in Chengdu Airlines. The two companies belong to a community of interests and naturally advance and retreat together.
There were complicated reasons why Rongfu Airport bought a stake in Rongcheng Airport, so this matter has not been resolved for a long time. However, this time it seems that the General Administration wants to solve this matter in one fell swoop, so it sent Xin Xin instead of Li Lin.
"However, Director Li is still understanding. We will give you some time to dispose of those shares in a normal way, which will not cause much loss to Rongfu Airport Group." Xin Xin said: "This is the biggest concession Director Li has made to you."
Representative Cheng remained silent. He was not able to give an answer to such a big matter. However, judging from Xin Xin's expression, the General Administration was probably determined this time and could not get away with it.
However, compared to Representative Cheng's hesitation, the vice president of operations of Chengdu Airlines was obviously much more panicked.
You know, one of the reasons why Chengdu Airlines has been able to develop so well in recent years is that it has direct interests with Chengdu Airport. Chengdu Airport has given Chengdu Airlines too many conveniences in operation. In practical terms, Chengdu Airlines almost has priority over Chengdu Airport.
Along with the explosive development of Chengdu Airport, Chengdu Airlines also received huge dividends and developed extremely rapidly.
If Rongfu Airport withdraws its shares, Rongcheng Airlines will no longer be special to Rongfu Airport. He does not think that Rongcheng Airlines can maintain its previous high growth under such circumstances.
Compared with the withdrawal of airport shares, the General Administration’s investigation even seems insignificant. This will actually uproot Chengdu Airlines.
Representative Cheng hesitated for a moment and said, "Director, you just said that no domestic airport group would invest in a resident airline, but what about the other way around? What if an airline invests in a local airport?"
Upon hearing what Representative Cheng said, the Vice President of Operations' eyes lit up and he immediately understood what Representative Cheng meant.
"I heard that Spring Airlines has acquired a stake in Jinghong Airport Group and even obtained the airport management rights. Isn't the nature of this more serious than ours? Or is the General Administration treating us differently and ignoring Spring Airlines but targeting our Rongfu Airport Group?"
Xin Xin seemed to have been prepared for this, and said indifferently: "Two years ago, the General Administration issued new regulations on allowing the introduction of private capital in airport construction. In this regulation, the entry of private capital is limited to the beginning of the construction of the airport. After that, private capital is not allowed to enter again unless there is special approval. Jinghong Airport was originally a military airport, and then it was changed to a civil airport. Whether it is the hardware facilities or the flight procedures, everything needs to be changed, which is equivalent to a new construction. Therefore, all actions of Spring Airlines are in compliance with regulations."
"Of course, if you can invest a huge amount of money now and obtain the consent of the local government, you can build your own airport." Xin Xin said with a smile.
"Whether the reconstruction of Jinghong Airport is equivalent to a new construction is not clear-cut, right?" Representative Cheng gritted his teeth and said, "Director, our Rongfu Airport is willing to accept the General Administration's request, but we hope that the General Administration will treat everyone equally."
There are gray areas in any regulation. Jinghong Airport was changed from a military airport to a civil airport. Except for a runway and some miscellaneous facilities and equipment, everything else had to be changed, including flight procedures. So from the actual effect, Xin Xin said that Spring Airlines' reconstruction of Jinghong Airport was equivalent to building a new one, and there was nothing wrong with that.
However, if we look at the wording, reconstruction cannot be completely equated with new construction.
So, in fact, Spring Airlines’ investment in Jinghong Airport is also a violation of regulations.
Xin Xin looked gloomy and asked, "Why do you think the General Administration agreed to private capital to invest in the construction of the airport two years ago?"
Representative Cheng lowered his head and said: "The General Administration has predicted that the domestic civil aviation market will develop, and explosive growth is inevitable. There will definitely not be enough domestic civil aviation airports, and the government funds cannot cover all the new airport construction, so we can only introduce private capital."
Just like the construction of highways, if the government , the amount of money required would be enormous, and even the government would not be able to afford it.
However, if the government is left to do everything, the progress will be extremely slow and it is likely that the opportunity for development will be missed, so it is necessary to introduce private capital with restrictions.
“Then why is it stipulated that private capital can only be invested in the initial stage of the airport’s construction?”
Representative Cheng thought for a moment and said, "We want private capital to share the risk with the government, and prevent speculators from entering in large numbers."
Although airports are public facilities, their profitability is also considered.
There are many changing things in the world. Even if it seems that an airport will develop well at the beginning of its construction, it may turn out to be desolate after it is completed.
If private capital is allowed to enter at any time, then private capital can wait until the airport is built and has been in operation for a period of time, and then join the follow-up investment after seeing the airport's prospects clearly. Because an airport is a large project, it often has several phases, and it is normal to have a second or third phase.
If this is the case, then all the risks will be borne by the government in the initial stage, and when the situation stabilizes in the later stage, the dividends will go to private capital, making it a sure profit.
Therefore, the regulations state that private capital must be invested at the beginning of construction, so that risks can be shared and profits can be made together later. There is no such thing as having all the benefits to yourself.
"That's right, risks and benefits should be equal and coexist." Xin Xin sneered, "You invested in Rongcheng Airlines after the airport had been operating for several years and stabilized, right? If you invested in Rongcheng Airlines at the beginning of operation when the future was still unclear, then even if there were no relevant regulations at that time, we would only admire your courage and foresight. But the General Administration has given you many conveniences and finally supported you, but you invested in Rongcheng Airlines after it stabilized, and then provided convenience to Rongcheng Airlines in return to gain benefits. Isn't this not taking risks, but taking all the benefits?"
When the Chengdu Airport was first built, the scale of domestic civil aviation was still small and the future prospects were unclear. Chengdu Airport itself was not sure at that time, so how could it dare to invest in airlines?
One of the important reasons why it has developed into its current scale is that the General Administration has provided a lot of policy support.
As a result, with the support of the General Administration, Rongfu Airport passed the most difficult initial stage and entered a stable and rapid development period. At this time, Rongfu Airport knew that if it invested in any airline and then provided some convenience at the airport, it could get a lot of benefits in return, which was a sure win.
"What's the difference between your behavior and those private speculators who only want to invest in the second and third phases of the airport project, huh?"
Representative Cheng blushed. Xin Xin's words were really heartbreaking. They revealed all of Rongfu Airport's dark thoughts of making extra money.
Xin Xin looked at Representative Cheng and knocked on the table: "The throughput of Rongfu Airport has entered the top five in the country, right?"
"Hmm?" Representative Cheng was startled. He didn't expect Xin Xin to turn the conversation to throughput. But he still nodded: "Yes, Director."
"Rongcheng Airlines now has de facto priority at an airport that ranks among the top five in terms of throughput in the country. Do you think this is appropriate?"
Representative Cheng's face changed drastically, and he finally understood the deeper meaning of the General Administration. In fact, it had nothing to do with any shares or private capital. The priority of Rongfu Airport was the most important.
How precious is the priority of a large airport that ranks among the top five in the country in terms of throughput? How can such resources be allocated so carelessly?
In the past, due to some interests and the fact that Rongfu Airport had not yet fully grown, the General Administration had temporarily put it on hold. But now it is different. Rongfu Airport has become as important as the three major airports, so its priority is important enough, and the General Administration feels it is time to take it back.
However, this matter involves two parties, namely Rongfu Airport and Rongcheng Airlines.
Such a big incident happened to Chengdu Airlines at Jianchuan Airport. It is a huge handle. The General Administration has plenty of reasons to deal with Chengdu Airlines. Is it still afraid that Chengdu Airlines will not agree?
As for Rongfu Airport...
"Director, this matter...I need to go back and discuss it with others."
Xin Xin smiled softly: "I know what you are thinking about. However, there is one thing you may not know yet."
"What?" Representative Cheng was stunned.
Xin Xin flicked his fingers and said, "Just this morning, Yao Binghua, the vice president of Jianchuan Airport Group, surrendered himself to the Public Security Bureau directly under the General Administration."
The representative's face turned as pale as paper: "Why did he... turn himself in?"
However, Xin Xin did not answer Representative Cheng's question, but looked at him with a hint of joking: "Cheng Yongliang, you must remember to never go against the General Administration. This is very dangerous."
Representative Cheng's breath caught in his throat, and he thought over and over again. Finally, he lowered his head and said, "Director, I understand."
…
After making sure that Xu Mingjian was not seriously ill and having made some plans for the future, Xu Cang took the afternoon flight back to Erhai Lake.
After getting off the plane, Xu Cang met Xia Shuyue who was packing to go to Yanshan branch when he was leaving.
Originally, Xu Cang planned to treat Zhu Ming and his wife to dinner after he came back, but because of the air conflict in the Xianchi area and the plane collision on the Jianchuan apron, these two incidents in a row caused Xu Cang to miss the scheduled dinner date.
However, Zhu Ming and his wife did not take it too seriously, saying that there would be plenty of time for dinner together in the future and there was no need to rush in one or two days.
After finishing the physical examination, Xia Shuyue came back to Erhai Lake to pack up as she had to go to the Yanshan branch school soon, so time was very tight.
Xia Shuyue hadn't seen Xu Cang for some time. When she noticed Xu Cang, she was stunned for a moment, then walked over. Xu Cang waved to her, indicating that they should go to the small garden bench in front of the building to talk.
It was almost two o'clock in the afternoon. The small garden bench was covered by vines, casting a large shadow, which was quite cool.
Xia Shuyue came up and sat next to Xu Cang: "I heard that something happened to you again?"
"Alas, it's normal for me to have an accident. It would be abnormal if nothing happened." Xu Cang scratched his head: "Not good, fortunately it's not a big deal."
"That's good." Xia Shuyue hummed, "I'll go to Yanshan tonight."
"So urgent?"
"The first lesson will start tomorrow. Fortunately, this place is not far from Yanshan by car, so it's not tiring."
"Well, it's okay as long as you don't mind being tired." Xu Cang nodded and turned his head to look at Xia Shuyue.
Perhaps for the upcoming flight training, Xia Shuyue seemed to have gotten used to tying her hair into a ponytail, which was very neat and capable. However, this look easily reminded Xu Cang of Xia Shuyue's photo in the Nordic Aurora air crash file, which made him feel bad.
So Xu Cang pointed at Xia Shuyue's hair and said, "Why don't you let your hair down a little?"
"Huh?" Xia Shuyue was stunned for a moment. It was the first time she heard Xu Cang mention her hairstyle: "Does this look bad?"
"It's not that it doesn't look good." Xu Cang didn't know how to tell Xia Shuyue, so he made up an excuse: "It makes your hairline look a little high."
Xia Shuyue was completely stunned. She touched her hair and became a little angry: "My hairline is obviously not high."
Xia Shuyue's hair is not only very thick, but also smooth and shiny. However, Xu Cang said that her hairline is too high, and Xia Shuyue felt offended.
Xu Cang's face flashed with embarrassment, thinking that his emotional intelligence was ridiculously low at times. He waved his hand: "Anyway, just change your hairstyle a little, let the hair in front go, and give it some light side bangs."
Xia Shuyue looked at Xu Cang suspiciously: "When did you care about this?"
Xu Cang coughed twice and did not answer.
However, Xia Shuyue did not ask any further questions, but it seemed that she accepted Xu Cang's proposal, even though the proposal seemed to make no sense.
"By the way, can you arrange for me to have an Airbus 320 theory teacher?" Xia Shuyue said, "I can learn the theoretical knowledge of Airbus aircraft in advance in my free time in Yanshan."
After graduating from the aviation school, Xia Shuyue was going to go to Muhua Airlines to do the initial modification of the simulator, but she didn't need to do the theoretical stage because Spring Airlines had Airbus theoretical instructors. Previously, in order to prepare for the introduction of Airbus aircraft, Spring Airlines hired some Airbus theoretical instructors.
These are all specialized ground theory instructors, and the price is not high. According to Xia Shuyue's meaning, she wants one-on-one teaching. However, this doesn't matter to Xu Cang. He is worried that Xia Shuyue will be too tired.
We already have eight hours of flight training a day, so adding theoretical training would be too much of a burden.
Of course, this theoretical training will not be included in her file. Because only after Xia Shuyue gets the private business instrument and completes the certificate renewal exam, the model theoretical training will be valid. Now Xia Shuyue wants training just to make herself adapt in advance, so that when the theoretical training comes, the progress can be accelerated.
"Is this too hard for you?"
"It's okay. There's nothing to do there anyway. I can go to class after the flight training. It will make my life more fulfilling."
Xu Cang pondered for a moment and thought that it should be nothing, after all, it was not a formal model theory training. If you feel tired, you can just not listen or listen less, and you will be more flexible in your time arrangement.
"Okay, I'll talk to Feibiao." Xu Cang took out his cell phone: "I'll make a call."
Not long after, a call came into the flying dart center and it was answered by the training planner.
"Does the company have any extra Airbus theory instructors now?"
"Yes, the previous batch of Airbus theoretical training has just finished, and there are still sufficient instructors. Mr. Xu, do you have any instructions?"
"You can find someone who is willing to stay in Yanshan and teach a separate course on the basic theory of the Airbus 320 there. The time may be extended because the schedule may not be so fixed."
The training planner was confused for a moment: "Boss Xu, are you talking about Yanshan?"
"Yes, to be precise, it's the Yanshan Branch of Phoenix Aviation School. There is a student from our company who needs to take classes." Xu Cang said, "Of course, considering the teaching location, the remuneration can be appropriately increased. You can ask those idle instructors for their opinions."
The training planner scratched his head and said, "Oh, I see. May I ask who is the student that will be attending the class?"
"Xia Shuyue."
The training planner wrote Xia Shuyue's name on a list of trainees: "Got it, Mr. Xu. I'll make the arrangements and call you back when I have the news."
"Yeah, okay!"
As Xu Cang hung up the phone, the training planner frowned, with a question mark over his head: "Xia Shuyue, that female pilot?"
Although this matter was a bit outrageous, the training planner just watched it for fun. Anyway, they just had to do whatever Xu Cang instructed.
After the call, the training planner yawned. It was easy to feel sleepy at 2 or 3 o'clock. Smacking his lips, the training planner got up and went to the bathroom, washing his face to refresh himself.
Not long after the planner left, a middle-aged man walked in from outside the flying center and shouted inside: "The bureau asked why there is no list of students. Who has a list of students?"
Previously, for the purpose of investigation, the authority required Spring Airlines to submit a list of all flight crew members, including trainees.
However, the screening of students has never happened before, and Spring Airlines' flight standard center missed the list of students.
"The General Administration really needs to investigate the students. What can be found out from the students?" Someone in Feibiao started to complain.
"Who knows?" The middle-aged man looked around: "Who has the list of students?"
At this time, an employee pointed to the training planner's seat and said, "There is a list of trainees on her desk."
"Ah? Oh!" The middle-aged man followed the direction pointed and came to the training planner's desk. He saw the list of students on the desk and asked the people around him, "Can I take this away?"
"Take it, there should be a backup." someone said.
The middle-aged man then picked up the list and said, "Okay, I'll take it. When she comes back, you can talk to her."
After saying that, the middle-aged man put away the list and slowly left the flying dart center.