Originally Posted by
Mesabah
The big savings in regional flying is in the thousands of apps of regional pilots at the various majors. This significantly reduces the pattern bargaining power of mainline pilots by distorting the market value of a pilot to the downside.
Exactly right! By eliminating competition for jobs for all but entry level new hire positions, airlines have effectively eliminated the forces of free market competition for all pilot jobs allowing them to keep wages artificially low across the board.
It still amazes me when Delta pilots come in here bragging about their new contracts. It's as if they truly believe they are well paid just because they make more than some other airlines. 200k per year after a 20-30 year career investment is not that much money really.