My concerns about a future here compared to the legacies was for several reasons...
1. Concern about long term growth. We seemed to be "flat" around 4200 pilots, hiring only for attrition.
2. Scope/belly freight
3. Leadership issues--the pattern of "***?" questions about things like the 767 sim issues, etc
4. Succession issues...who takes the reins when FWS retires...
In 2011-12 I was a bit more pragmatic. I'm getting happier about the little micro-trends I see happening here, fwiw...
1. The latest bid has us growing. 200 pilots isn't a huge leap, but it indicates we aren't putting all our freight on boats or trucks anytime soon.
2. Still concerned, but pulling into CAN two night ago and looking at a row of 777s seems to indicate we are still going to be moving some of our own stuff for a while. More important, the numbers of A300 and MD11 capts on this bid indicate those planes aren't all desert bound anytime soon.
3. Not ready to slurp down too much kool-aid, but the fact our VP of Flight ops is sending birthday cards to pilots and the director indicates at least someone wants to improve management/pilot relationships and morale. I am more encouraged that the company alluded to breaking up the 76/75 bidpacks, which will make operations smoother for both pilot groups IMHO. It seems that 2 fresh sets of eyes with an outsider perspective might just allow for a few improvements in our day to day operations.
4. Still worry about this, but nothing I can do but hope for the best. Richard Anderson did some good things at Delta, but is now on the way out. Hard to say "go to Delta!" just based on management success recently. For the right guy, Delta may still be the best gig...but it wont' be because of RA at the helm.
5. TNT. It reinforces the growth and new opportunities available to the corporation and to the line pilots.
It will be interesting to see how junior the bottom WB captain and NB captain are on this latest bid. When you are junior here, you are going to be hub turning on the wrong side of the clock. With movement, guys who want to chase the bucks and don't mind the tougher trips can do so. Guys who choose a QOL track look like they will be able to gain some seniority and not just get beaten up for years. I hope this trend holds, and am more optimistic that I've been here for some time.