Originally Posted by
EMAW
Guess my point is that this industry is very cyclical. I haven't had it as bad as others, but I've been furloughed twice, from the same company, before they went under. This is my first 121 and I love my job, but I can do anything and make my current salary. Whether we've hit bottom yet, or this company shuts the doors in two years, I refuse to panic or worry about what may or may not happen down the road. That panic is what the string pullers are banking on.
Panic? The "string pullers" you're referring to have a plan. You're either going to be part of it, or make a change. Cheaper regional lift is still attainable for the legacies. And people that make the lateral move to some of these carriers to chase an upgrade only reinforces that. Some companies are getting captains at first or second year pay. While it may be good for the individual, it really hurts those at companies like ExpressJet that are fighting for more. You're right about this industry being cyclical. A dozen years or so when the RJ's started coming in droves to the regionals the pressure was on mainline. Now that the 50 seat RJ's have a bullseye on them the pressure is at the regional leval. To further complicate matters, mainline's continual beat down of its regional partners has made this industry very unattractive for student pilots