Originally Posted by
slowplay
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.
By exchanging 50 seaters that they don't want (heavy checks, unprofitable, etc.) for 76 seaters (brand new with First Class and great CASM) they will make the new block hour ratios easily. Every talks about how many fewer seats there will be at DCI - THIS IS EXACTLY WHAT THE COMPANY WANTS - they want capacity discipline at DCI and this gives it to them with increased profitability.