Originally Posted by
Trip7
The epidemic is very troubling for all regionals, not just XJT.
ATL 200 schedules were brutal this past summer but it's gotten better recently with longer legs out to DAL,COU and others in the DTW and CVG system. I just flew a 25 hr credit trip with no more than 4 legs a day. It was fantastic. Combined with cooler weather I'm enjoying the 200 again. 105 credit this month with only one day more than 4 legs all month.
Yes the past month has improved due to the movement of our flying. Now that we have a lot more flying in cities such as CVG and DTW the 7'ers are not as common.
As for the "lifers" of our regional industry, I think a lot are really starting to think long and hard about it. Comair was a perfect example of what can happen and I'm sure everyone is well aware of what most are doing. Some retired, yes, others have been found at career fairs and even at the bottom of our list. The "I'll ride it to the end," is fun to say until you realize the end has come and your family is still dependent on you.
With that said, I don't believe SkyWest Inc. is one that will sink quickly. There may be some shrinking, but most of the senior guys will be able to ride it to retirement.
Attrition in the upcoming years will remain slow. Delta has pushed hiring back to late 2013, US Airways has trickle hired, United is looking to open doors with no forecasted amount. These are the companies that will allow FO's to upgrade. Talking to Captains that want to leave are, for the most part, not interested in Spirit, Virgin or any other "mid-way" company. This years trend shows FO's leaving in drones for anything that pays better, however, FO attrition does not allow upgrades.
Overall I would predict that the same time next year, I'll still be a XJT FO, depressing!
