Originally Posted by
MatchPoint
By 2015 we will more than likely be losing well over 40 per month and those numbers will probably be increasing. Just look at the retirement’s number for ALL mainline, cargo and major carriers combined. You’re talking 3, 4, 5+ thousand a year combined. When there are only about 20,000 in the entire regional industry you’ll find attrition levels at airlines like SkyWest reaching 500+ per year later this decade. Our top 25% on the list are more than likely lifers (no disrespect to them) but those outside the top 25% will have a super high turnover rate. Yes we will more than likely be decreasing in size but that will add to the attrition and some of our senior guys will start to finally see that SkyWest future isn’t as bright as their past. Plus there will always be FO’s at SkyWest who choose to remain FO’s because of schedules, side jobs and family.
I see the number one issue facing upgrades later this decade not being our decreasing fleet but the lack of hiring due to a lack of “qualified” FOs and SkyWest ability to maintain a balanced pilot group (CA:FO ratios).
Just one more note, I know a SkyWest FO who has 5 years seniority who made just shy of $70K and yes he worked a bunch. You don’t have to work very hard as a mid to senior level FO to top $50K total compensation. Also keep in mind that a “bunch” is subjective.
Funny, that's what a lot of people around Horizon have been saying for a while now too....
