Originally Posted by
finis72
Scoop, I agree with most everything you posted but I have a few questions: Do you think DALPA caused the stagnation ? Do you think the fact that we had 2000 or so pilots leave because of loss of pension/ bankruptcy and their replacements then hit age 65 stagnation and a flat economy contributed to this stagnation ? How about the merger and the synergies with subsequent loss of flying ? I would add that I think the whole seniority list has stagnated the last five years but as always the junior dudes get hit the hardest.
Other airlines with similar post-deregulation demographics are hiring. A widebody fleet less than half the size of everyone else and intl code shares/joint ventures aren't helping. Those are contractual items. To answer your question, yes ALPA has created stagnation, revitalized the RJ industry and set us on a solid path towards being like the merchant marines. Sadly I long for the day a company like Emirates can hire into some decent bases, I'd be long gone.