Originally Posted by
Coto Pilot
Either way, next year things will change most likely. There should be a contract, although it may take a strike to get it. The spool up for 12/12/12 retirements will have to begin by Spring or early Summer. The guys holding out for a lump sum will bail as soon as they are eligible. Work rule improvements will require more pilots along with FAA rest rule changes. The guys going to CO that would prefer a United domicile will bail at the first chance which will require a training event at United along with one at CO to fill their vacancy. What am I missing?
United has consistently said that have an excess of pilots. I have heard numbers thrown around but lets say 200-300 currently. Throw into the mix the parking of UAL aircraft in 2012. They could exchange a UAL 757 for every guppy that comes on line at CAL. They could park other UAL aircraft for the 787s that arrive at CAL. This translates into a greater excess of UAL pilots.
United might not furlough, but I would not expect any upward movement since it might take up to 2014 to reign in the excess of UAL pilot population.