Interesting statistic. In May - June of 2007 there were over 8,000 and I think the number was 12,200 qualified applicants. In July when I walked my buddies' stuff in (not that we're supposed to do that anymore) I was told the same numbers.

If the number dropped by 2010, it is interesting. Elvis, had you applied at Delta, NWA, or both?

FWIW, for personal reasons I would not have applied to NWA, but Delta was my first choice. Just wondering with the "new Delta" if folks are looking at bases and deciding SWA & FedEx are better fits? Most of the fleet problems* will have been worked out by the time we start hiring again.

* When I applied at Delta, Steenland had announced Compass & other large RJ's was going to replace the DC9's ... I feared the fleet renewal off the property would result in stagnation, or possibly furloughs. ... as history worked out, my fears were mostly unfounded as the Company carried pilots over until the 737 deliveries, a couple 777's and MD90's created room. Still, Atlanta's much more senior than it was pre-merger and many of my friends would rather stay at their regionals making 110K to 125K+ as senior Captains & LCA than start back at the bottom in a base they could hold right now (if we were hiring).

The other dynamic may be that in this uncertain economy, some people feel more secure in the top 25% of a regional with a future that looks dire (to me), than at the bottom 10% of a major which has a bright future (in my estimation).