Originally Posted by FrontSeat
Does it look like that UPS will have a MIA base for at least the next 5 to 10 years or longer? Could they eliminate it and just fly the trips with SDF crews?
If Asia grows then would it be logical to think that MIA flying would increase to move the cargo/products southbound?
FrontSeat, I realize this is a difficult decision, and I don't mean to be unhelpful, but if you take a step back a read your posts with an objective eye, you'll realize the questions you are asking cannot be answered short of a guess.
No one has a crystal ball. Can the flying from MIA be done from SDF? Sure. It can be done from London too. Will the growth benefit existing domiciles? Maybe. Maybe not. Will upgrade time come down? I don't know. Maybe we're going to announce an order for 200 787's in 2008. Maybe we're going to park all of the DC-8's by the end of next year. Maybe the contract will require double crewing. Maybe new hires will get a $45K pay raise. Maybe PHL will become the new WorldPort. Maybe we'll invade Iran. Maybe Iraq will give us free oil for life. Maybe someone will perfect particle transport. Maybe disco will come back. Maybe Vito will realize NJ sucks and move back to NY (just kidding Vito

.
Again, not trying to be a jerk but as you said, very few folks at PanAm, EAL, TWA, etc. could have predicted the demise of their airlines, just as very few people knew two jets would alter the NY skyline 5 years ago.
No one knows the answers to your questions. If you want to simplify, ask yourself this; which company has the best chance of staying in business until you reach retirement age? Can I guarantee UPS will be around for another 30 years? No, but if I had to take a guess (which is what you're asking anyone who reads this board to do), I'd guess UPS is more likely to be around than the company you're with now...and I don't even know what company that is!
Good luck whatever you decide to do.
By the way, how long have you been in the pool?
EDPM