Originally Posted by
FlameNSky
Not to derail the thread but I wouldn't say that AWAC doesn't have a great future. It's just uncertain. The current regional pilot staffing situation makes any qualified 121 pilot a highly prized commodity. Air Wisconsin may get a new CBA tied with new aircraft order or transfer or they may be bought out and merged with another regional. I see both scenarios working out OK for the AWAC pilots. A new CBA with new aircraft would mean potential growth and will probably ( it would HAVE to ) include increased compensation. A buyout/merger won't be a staple job thanks to the Alleghany-Mohawk Labor Protection Law and which ever company they merge with will likely already have better pay in place.
There is going to be a lot of change in the regional industry in the coming years. But fortunately for pilots, those changes are being driven by the need for pilots and their lack of supply. That will mean that whatever chances take place, their pilot group will never have to fear losing their job.
And again, at the risk of further derailing this thread, I disagree. I think AWAC isn't going to find much flying beyond 2018. With American opening LGA for Envoy, PHL for Piedmont, and soon DCA for PSA, I'd say that's a pretty clear signal that AWAC isn't going to fly for American beyond their current contract. Why would someone buy them and merge them when it is much cheaper to just end their contract and force their pilots to either start over at another regional or move on to something better? Pilots are a commodity but they do still have a price. And who is going to be willing to pay the price for a top-heavy pilot group? It just doesn't make much sense from a financial perspective. There are a lot of changes coming... And I think as regionals shrink and fail, the American WO regionals will prosper.