Haven't seen anything from the company on the ERJ side on the new PBS system. However, the union on the ERJ side has been kicking it around and trying to sell it to us for phase 2 (reserve/relief lines) bidding for at least 6 months now. There's been a lot of 'road shows' and demos in the crew rooms by the union scheduling guys. I'll say this: the system, as demonstrated when I saw it, seems pretty slick and like it may be a good thing for Phase 2 as demonstrated. What has me a little nervous is that union has been basically mum on how our contract rules will be applied to the PBS build process, how our scheduling flexibility will be impacted and how to use some of the benefits of our contract with the PBS system (or if that will even be possible).

In my opinion, the union and the pilots should be a little more wary about this. The former ASA/new XJT management has shown a desire to exploit and 're-interpret' our contract however and whenever it benefits them, regardless of how marginal and/or short-term that benefit may be. I'm hoping this isn't a 'camel's nose in the tent' sort of situation here.

PS
For those XJT bubbas on the CRJ side, wait until you see this new system and you may think twice about what you have now. The main difference is that this is a live, real-time PBS bidding system. You see the effects of your changes, as well as the changes of people senior to you, immediately rather than putting in your list of preferences then crossing your fingers until the awards come out. I would definitely check it out and make up your own mind about it.