Originally Posted by
hockeypilot44
At end of summer, 757's and 320's start getting parked. 717's get delayed while 17 remaining DC-9's start going away. We are already overstaffed as is in the winter months. I personally don't think it will happen, but I have heard the word more than once now in the last couple weeks. Right after the first time I heard it, Ed Bastain made his comment about not anticipating any hiring this year.
I agree with Scambo - highly unlikely. Heck, the economy may turn around and we may even see growth through the purchase of more used airplanes. Also don't forget that we staff for the summer months, not winter. Last winter as a MSP88B I had a lot of time off; not so this winter for me.
Plus Ed Bastian was talking to investors & the media; as others have posted before, his answers might vary depending upon his audience. They don't want to hear talk of higher operating costs due to more pilots.