Originally Posted by
dogismycopilot
While this may be true today, this will not always be the case. A NYT article released today says "the number of pilots the majors are going to need in the coming years will burn through our entire work force unless there’s some sort of intervention." What will JetBlue, Spirit, and the majors do if this is the case? It's going to get really interesting. While I don't agree with the way JetBlue has handled the whole situation (keeping ALPA out of the loop), Ab Initio programs are going to happen. I am sure the majors are looking for more sustainable supplies of pilots. I wouldn't be suprised to see the majors start similar programs, the exception being an extended stop at one of the c-scale regionals along the way. Funny, most of those major airline unions would like to bring their RJ flying in house. What would their Ab Initio pipeline look like if they did? Is it a better strategy to alienate the new Ab Initio pilots or bring them into the fold as full fledged Air Line pilots? Leave it to JetBlue to choose the "contrarian" way forward. I am interested to see how this is going to play out.
Why would they do this? We have 5000 applications on file with probably 3000+ from experienced guys whether it be military, regional or corporate. We plan on having 5000 pilots with little or no retirements. We have 3000+ pilots now. Seems to me that we will have plenty in the pipeline for us. What's not happening is the people actually becoming pilots in the first place whether it be the expense the time or the low pay at the regionals. My question is if the ab initio programs are going to take hold then who will fly the Regionals? The people that can't afford a slot? I don't think so. The pay will have to come up on the regional side because there won't be anyone to fly those planes to get passengers to the mainline flights. That's how it will change not this abomination which is a slap in the face to the regional, military and corporate guys busting there ass every day.