Originally Posted by
FNG320
Except that regional carriers are are not major airlines and are not considered "destination carriers" per the agreed to peer set definition. Thus they don't count. As for like aircraft at UPS and FedEx. FedEx has a small vs large aircraft pay scale (use the small one) and UPS pays on pay rate regardless of type (use that one). As to the idea of where they fly should make no difference. To me, a major airline is a major airline.
Good point, however I still think it would be a very tough sell trying to get FedEx and UPS grouped into the peer set. I'd love to see it happen, however it would also have to depend on what we'd have to give in the negotiation to get them. If the company says "Sure, you can have them, but the premuim trigger goes to 85 hours," I say keep them out. If we can somehow get them "cost netural," jump on it.
Now, I have no problem keeping the current peer set, but that means no Virgin America, no Spirit, no Allegient till they become major airlines per DOT. But you still have to ask are they a Destination Airline? In addition, USAir needs to become a single entry (aveage east and west together), vs two entries in the average (both driving the average down).
Can't disagree here, except as someone already pointed out, Spirit is likely going to hit the DOT definition. Virgin America? Probably not since they're scaling back their growth.