Originally Posted by
SiShane
I would have rather carried paper charts if it meant getting new flying and or getting this contract done. No disrespect to those that worked hard on rolling out the EFBs (kudos) but EFBs aren't going to attract new hires. EVERYTHING depends on new hires. With the recent reduction of flying by Republic, if mainline were to come to us what assurance can we give to them that we could adequately staff when we barely get a fraction of new hires compared to our attrition? This right seat flying as captain for limited duration is just kicking the can down the road without solving the problem. MONEY talks and if SKW is serious about the success of ExpressJet's future, it's going to take an investment into our pilot group much like buying new planes for future fleet strategy.
I don't believe the EFB's were a move to attract new hires. I believe it's more to reduce OJI costs, reduce fuel burn by removing some weight from the airplane, and allow us to do the job more efficiently, which results in a better operation to mainline partners, such as getting out release and/or performance numbers right from the EFB once or if we get access to the LTE functions.
I've also heard that Jeppesen wants to get out of the printing paper game, so we would be forced to go electronic anyways.