Originally Posted by
76drvr
Absent the critical component, the pilot contract, which the company just confirmed, this refleeting wouldn't have happened. Thank goodness most of the Delta pilots didn't have tin hats on, there never is guaranteed growth in any CBA. The contracts can however create the environment for growth, which this one did. Most of us saw that and the reps had the courage to make the right call.
Keep the "what other airline" cartoon stuff out of it. The company had to acquire 717s or 319 for the Delta pilots with this CBA not some future JCBA, in order to execute on its refleeting plan, which included a rapid and massive reductions of DCI jets in.
With 796 mainline aircraft, the company could have been authorized 240 76-seat jets, thanks to this new contract, they'll only get 223.
It wasn't tin foil hats, it was concern over the vagueness of the commitments. Many that were suspect also stated that if the business plan is moderate plus, the DAL pilots would be pleased.
As to the last part, you are correct and we got aircraft not jet protection at 70 seats and below but the quid was 102 70 seat jets. They would have had to swap those 70's out for those 76 seat jets.
Either way, the vote is long gone, and we have a PWA. Move forward, I have.