DGFlyer03

Anyone know if Mesaba is slowing on the hiring and how many classes per month are currently being held. Seems like in November there are only 2 (Nov. 3rd and Nov. 17th).

Squawk_5543

2 classes a month is on par for now I think.

bored

Slowing our hiring? We're in full swing with what they say will be 2 classes a month until spring. 2 class dates is essentially 4 classes, because the classes run saab/200 and saab/900, alternating.

Cybourg - again, we've only got 4 more planes to take delivery of. We're hiring for something beyond what we know. The numbers just don't add up otherwise.

ConnectionPilot

I would agree. Yesterdays announcement just proves we knew something was up. I think there are other things. They won't announce aircraft plans until after the merger, or at least closer to it.

CaptAmerica

HERE IS the FULL ARTICLE


Delta plans to open Saab 340 base at Atlanta hub
By Brendan Sobie

Delta Air Lines is preparing to open a new Saab 340 base in Atlanta to replace the 12 ATR 72s that are now in the process of exiting the carrier's regional fleet.

Industry sources say that moving some of the 49 Saab 340Bs operated by Northwest Airlines subsidiary Mesaba Airlines to Atlanta is part of the new network and fleet plan that Delta and Northwest are finalising in the lead-up to their merger. The two carriers plan to complete their merger by year-end and will begin shifting aircraft between their hubs next year to exploit network synergies.

Delta seeks turboprops in Atlanta so it can restart its lucrative service to Hilton Head Island in South Carolina, which it is dropping when the last ATR 72 exits its regional fleet at the beginning of December. Hilton Head's runway is too short for regional jets and Delta's withdrawal will leave US Airways subsidiary Piedmont Airlines, which operates Bombardier Dash 8s, as the only carrier serving the popular resort.

Delta is also interested in reintroducing turboprops on several short-haul routes from Atlanta such as Myrtle Beach that Delta is now switching from ATR 72s to regional jets. Jets are not seen as the ideal aircraft on these routes given current oil prices. Sources say a solution seriously being looked at and expected to be implemented is basing several Mesaba 340s at Atlanta. Mesaba now flies out of Northwest's hubs Minneapolis, Detroit and Memphis but the merger opens up new opportunities for it to start feeding Delta.

Sources say Mesaba has indicated all 49 of its Saab 340s, which are leased from the manufacturer, will continue to fly after the merger. But over the long term the merged Delta-Northwest is expected to look at new turboprops. Northwest was evaluating new turboprops, including the ATR 72-600, late last year and early this year but stopped looking after it unveiled plans to merge with Delta.

Sources say Delta was satisfied with the ATR's performance but were keen to close the books on a three-way transaction that was forged when the ATR 72 entered service with Delta's then subsidiary Atlantic Southeast Airlines. Delta sold ASA in 2005 but retained ownership of four of the ATR 72s. The other eight were leased by ASA, but under the terms of the original deal ATR was committed to eventually taking back all 12 aircraft. ATR confirms it has an agreement to take all the aircraft back and says it is now working to remarket them, with several carriers outside North America having expressed interest.

Meanwhile, regional jets are being singled out more than any other aircraft type as Delta and Northwest work on a post-merger fleet plan. Delta earlier this year unveiled plans to remove 70 regional jets from its network, many of which have already been phased out. Managing director of network planning Joe Esposito warns: "It will actually be north of that when we complete our business plan this year".

Northwest has already reduced its McDonnell Douglas DC-9 and Boeing 757 domestic fleets. Delta is also now looking to remarket two 767-300s, which Esposito says will come out of the international fleet in November. But he says there are no plans to sell additional widebodies this year or in 2009 and that Delta plans to continue expanding its international operation.

xj200capt

I would just like to remind people that an article in a magazine quoting industry sources is NOT an official announcement.

We can all get excited about ATR600's cause the article said that too. I think it would be easier for us to get the 900 options turned into Dashes of some flavor. I don't think scope will allow for more than 23 more 900's or 175's. Plus we have such a low rate for a Q that I can't see the company not trying to get them on the property.

I want ATL and more new aircraft to be true, but until the merger is approved NOTHING is certain. I wouldn't be surprised if NWA were setting us up like Comair.

I do believe we are getting more flying for the current aircraft, which is great cause I hate RR.

Advice: Just count on at least 150 more pilots (200 or 250 minus the ones currently in the pipeline) and count on more flying. Thats it.

Mesabah

Correct me if I'm wrong, but wouldn't Delta have to announce a new plane order for mainline before they can take on any addition regional jets with 70 or more seats? That whole scope clause thing.

That leaves only the freedom CRJ's......

405PA

Atleast some one else actually understands the scope limits of the JPWA as well.

Yes. There is room for a few 70 seaters to be added, but not 76 seaters. In fact they must get rid of 4 between all the carriers.
JPWA
120-76 seat
255-51+ seat(inclusive of the 120 76 seat)

__________________
"Hey, Man there is a beverage here."

xj200capt

I will admit to not knowing that much of the new Delta scope language. I do know that there are 23, 76 seaters available under the NWA scope clause.

Now if you tell me that there are no more available under the Delta contract, I believe you cause I don't know. However there isn't a merger yet and I can still hope for more.

Honestly, I guess I would like to see us (XJ) get to two fleet types. 900's and about 100 SAAB replacements. I would REALLY like for mainline to get a DC9 replacement, so some guys above me will take the flow. I am too old to go so I would like to be a captain with a descent schedule.

TheSultanofScud

BroncoBird,

I'm in the about the same boat...applied on Sept 29th and I'm still waiting...I live below the MIZAR arrival corridor into DTW so everytime I look up there's another NWA or Mesaba flight coming over head. It's kinda hard to take your mind off of it.

no reply, dear john letter, or interview date...nothing yet.
times: 1,200+TT, 50+ ME, 300+ Turbine (Caravan)