Quite to the contrary, this proves there is not a pilot shortage. If someone took a hard look at what DHL pays pilots to move their cargo, I would bet the number is far less today than 10 years ago. What this does say is that there is a floor at where no pilot will take the job. Southern will just just slightly raise the T&C (if they can under the current contract) until they fill the seats. If not, another contractor will come in slightly higher until the planes fly.
FWIW, World Airways had bid on the B737 contract. Our guys had said that Southern had low balled the bid, below cost. It was figured at the time that the strategy was to low ball and then ask for more money when the planes couldn't move. It looks like Southern will be calling DHL and asking for more money.
In the end, the freight will fly and it will fly cheaper than it did in years past.
Originally Posted by
atpcliff
"There are always bottom feeders that will take the job."
That was then, this is now.
This thread illustrates the growing pilot shortage. Southern cannot crew the planes the committed to. Atlas could EASILY crew those airframes....IF they paid 777 rates!!!