ok now that I have my title back , for the most part this is the new reality of Endeavor. I'll argue the numbers leaving to Delta slightly as they have proven in the past and have also stated for this year, that those numbers are going to be backloaded somewhat over the year. It's not a balanced 15 per month... its more like 5-10 to start the year and 20-25 to finish... unless they change their math and decide to calculate one way for the monthly sending of pilots and another to decide if we can send the full yearly allotment.
As for upgrades, yes they are happening, yes because of the lack of hiring and the mass exodus of FO's in 2014 there is a massive gap in the hire dates of currently in class upgrades and guys that could go in the next few months. As for morale, there is certainly a better vibe than 2014. There are plenty of captains that (rightfully so IMHO) that are still a bit bitter over the way Delta treated them with the bankruptcy, cancelling of the Mesaba guys' flow, and the pathetic SSP charade. (If you went to a union road show, you'd understand that comment) That said, yes, bonus is a binding LOA ( the company can't just decide not to pay it ) the upgrades have been flowing, the FO movement has been at a reasonable pace. Now don't expect any significant movement in the 900 captain ranks at this point without new planes as it's pretty well full of lifers after the SSP disaster, but otherwise there is movement in a good way for the first time in many years here. The money is overall around the top of the industry, and you can get your coin flip guaranteed interview at Delta if you want it. The bases here have been more stable than most regionals as well. (though we've had our pain of changes as well) The training department has been brought up across the board to be top notch, and management does seem much more willing to support the pilots, though you still need to know the rules and borders and have a spine to push back when needed as you would anywhere.