Originally Posted by
Bill Lumberg
Didn't an ALPA guy say the 717s would necesitate 1100 new pilots? Then, take away 250 for the ALV+15 type stuff, and then count the 250-300 who might take the early out package.
There are no promises of growth in this agreement, just substantial downside protections embodied in the capturing of block hours shifted from DCI to mainline.
If Delta executes on their business plan the additions of B717 and certain other retained aicraft would require slightly more than 1000 additional pilot positions to be added. Productivity changes should be offset by staffing formula increases and the early retirement program. None of that is guaranteed.
What is guaranteed is the block hour ratio and contractual fleet caps on DCI. The percentage of Delta passengers flown by Delta pilots will go up substantially with this agreement, even if Delta shrinks.