flyou11

I have made the decision that it is time for me to restart at a new regional. That said I have done a lot of research on the companies and am currently torn between Eagle and ExpressJet (ASA). Below is a list that I have compiled so far. I am curious to see if anyone else has see's anything that should be added, removed. Or even just any constructive opinions about either place. I have yet to find something that tips the scales in either direction.


American Eagle
Positive
• Coming out of bankruptcy
• Historically a solid company
• Decent flight benefits
• Hiring now
• Wanting 600 pilots this year (quickly get the base I want and off reserve)
• $5000 signing bonus (nearly offset the cut of going back to first year pay)
• Best reserve rules in the regional industry
• Flow through for most of their pilots (fast movement up the seniority list)
Negative
• Uncertain future (regarding AMR and being divested or not)
• Losing American flying to other airlines
• Potential AA/USAir merger (not knowing how that will effect Eagle's flying and the flow throughs)
• Last time they wanted 600 pilots in a year they hired a few hundred then furloughed
• Overly hard training department

ExpressJet (ASA)
Positive
• Great Commuter Clause
• Long stay / short stay hotel rules
• Best flight benefits for a regional airline (on Delta, United, and maybe American)
• Owned by Skywest Inc.
• Historically a solid company with good management
• Flying the CRJ
• Duty rigs (min day, ect)
Negative
• Only hiring into a pool (Classes may start in April to this summer)
• Delta may be pushing them to do flying for cheaper
• May be taking concessions
• Has a lot of 50 seat planes for United and Delta
• Sloppy merger between ExpressJet and ASA
• Bad reserve rules
• Limited movement (right now)