Originally Posted by
cadetdrivr
Rumor(s) only. Take your pick and/or mix-and-match:
1) Retention and refurbishment of entire LUAL 767-300ER fleet and LUAL ETOPS 757s (yes there is such a thing) for Hawaii flying thus enabling redistribution of 737s
2) Potential additional Airbus narrowbody aircraft sourced from the used market (source: UAL CFO during public investor call)
3) UAL is allegedly short pilots in the first place---too few pilots to build the desired schedules during peak periods. Note that UAL has publicly announced that it will massively unbalance block hours between winter and summer despite the need to staff for the peaks.
4) Overall shrinkage of UAX due to economics and inability to fill pilot seats to cover contracted flying
+1. I have heard the same, or drawn the same conclusions.
Only minor exception: #3. Not necessarily short total pilots, but short of
trained pilots in the
correct seats and fleets. Because this significant group of pilots tends to be senior, they won't bid to the seats/fleets with openings. It is easier to hire new guys for that (EWR), and wait for the surplussed group to slowly re-bid.
And I think the combination of all the above would be about double the retirements.