From the crew lounge yesterday in SLC:
Keeping DC-9's till end of 2013
Next AE, first week of March, DC-9's and MD-90 will be funded by 777, 747 and Domestic 767.
We are over by 200 pilots summer 2012.
Wow didn't know that 50% of this base "chooses"
to commute.
Hiring to start 2013 and to go indefinitely. The presenter is in charge of hiring and is worried about getting enough pilots in the pipeline in order to not over tax the simulator availability. He is concerned about keeping up the quality of pilots.
They would rather hire to fill the DC-9 and MD-90 this year but Richard won't go for it.
Commentary: In general, we are doing everything to reduce our debt and improve our product (lie flat seats). I am happy about that as I'd rather work for a profitable company than one losing money. But I am banking on my union to help my career and my wife's career along (scope, JV, etc.). Understandably the company is worried about making a profit and not too worried about our stagnation. I'm looking to my union to get our flying back and I've written to my reps and negotiators in that regard.